Figure 4-3. Installing wedge gaskets before installation of last bottom plate

TM 5-5430-209-12

4-3. Installation of Bottom Plates

(2) Face small end of the plate. Install plate

to left of first plate, or in a counterclockwise direction,

With first bottom plate in its approximate installation

around the tank foundation.

location on the tank foundation, lay remaining plates

(3) Place small end of plate over bolts (3),

around the tank foundation as follows:

a. First Plate.

with right lap seam of plate laid over bolts in left lap

seam of first plate.

(1) Place small end of this plate over the

(4) Install steel washers and nuts, as in a (2)

center plate bolts (3, fig. 4-2).

above, on bolts along the center bottom plate and on

(2) Install a steel recessed washer, cupped

bolts along the lap seam of plates.

side down, over each bolt (3) and a nut loosely over the

NOTE

washer.

NOTE

Do not tighten nuts on the bolts until all

bottom plates have been installed.

Do not tighten nuts on the bolts until all

bottom plates have been installed.

c. Remaining Intermediate Plates.

Install

b. First Intermediate Plate.

remaining intermediate plates following the procedure

described in b above.

NOTE

d. Last Plate. Install last plate by placing its lap

Wedge-shaped gaskets must be used

seams over lap seams of next-to-last plate (1, fig. 43)

wherever three plates are joined

and first plate (2). Place small end over bolts (4). This

together.

is a vital point in the tank bottom, make sure it is secure

(1) Place wedge gasket (4, fig. 4-2) over

against leakage.

gasket at right edge of first plate.

NEXT-TO-LAST PLATE

FIRST PLATE

WEDGE GASKET

BOLT

Figure 4-3. Installing wedge gaskets before installation of last bottom plate.

(1) Installing Wedge Gaskets. Apply heavy

(2) Adjusting Bottom Plates. Adjustment of

coating of sealing compound to both faces of gaskets (3,

installed plates is necessary before the last plate can be

fig. 4-3) and install them over bolts (4). Use generous

correctly positioned. Adjust plates as follows:

amount of sealing compound at their overlap to seal

(a) Place last plate (1, fig. 4-4) over the

opening under small end.

space remaining for its installation.

4-3