SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION - TM-9-1300-275-20004

TM 9-1300-275/2

SECTION 1

INTRODUCTION

temperature and pressure. Vapor density compared

1-1 GENERAL.

with air is valuable in providing information on the

This volume provides an adequate source of practical

probable duration of effectiveness when there is little or

information on chemical agents and decontamination

no air movement or ventilation.

procedures necessary for technical escort team

operation.

1-2.4 Liquid Density (Compared with Water).

1-1.1 This information is a guide for the selection of

The weight of any liquid compared with the weight of an

equipment

and

material

for

detection

and

equal quantity of water at the same temperature and

decontamination of chemical agents. It also includes

pressure. Water weighs 8.3 pounds per gallon at 70 .

associated hazards and safety precautions.

Any liquid's density (compared with water) is. used in

determining whether the liquid would tend to sink or float

1-1.2 TM 3-215, FM 21-40 and FM 2141 contain

in water or a decontaminant solution before mixing or

additional detailed information on chemical agents and

agitating.

first aid; TM 3-220 on decontamination; and TM 8-285

and TB MED-282 on recognition and treatment of

chemical casualties.

1-2.5 Melting Point.

1-1.3

Report

errors,

omissions,

and

The temperature at which a solid changes to a liquid.

recommendations for improving this publication by the

individual user is encouraged. Reports should be

1-2.6 Freezing Point.

submitted on DA Form 2028 (Recommended Changes

to DA Publications) and forwarded direct to

The temperature at which a liquid changes to a solid. It

Commanding Officer, Picatinny Arsenal, ATTN:

is important to know the freezing point of a chemical

SMUPA-WD2, Dover, New Jersey 07801.

agent because dissemination characteristics vary

markedly with physical state.

1-2 DEFINITIONS.

1-2.7--Boiling Point.

The following terms are used to describe chemical

agents and their characteristics from the viewpoint of

The temperature of a liquid at which the vapor pressure

problems found during technical escort.

equals the atmospheric pressure. A chemical agent's

duration of effectiveness can be estimated when its

1-2.1 Chemical Agent.

boiling point is known. The lower the boiling point, the

higher the vapor pressure and the greater the

A solid, liquid, or gas that, through its chemical

evaporating tendency at ambient temperature.

properties, either produces lethal or damaging effects on

men, animals, plants, or material, or produces a

1-2.8 Vapor Pressure.

screening or signaling smoke.

Vapor pressure of a liquid or solid is the pressure

1-2.2 Decontamination.

exerted by its vapor (after enough time has passed for it

to stabilize) at a given temperature. Vapor pressure is

The process .of neutralizing the harmful effects of a

usually expressed in millimeters of mercury.

chemical agent by covering, removing, absorbing,

destroying, or by changing into harmless substances

1-2.9 Volatility.

through action of the chemical decontaminants. Do not

confuse decontamination with detoxification which is a

This term is used to show the tendency of a liquid to

depot-type operation where all traces of the agent are

evaporate. It may be expressed as the weight of vapor

destroyed.

present in a unit volume of air under balanced

conditions at a specified temperature. Volatility is

1-2.3 Vapor Density (Compared with Air).

usually stated as milligrams of vapor per cubic meter

(mg/m ) of air.

The weight of any gas or vapor compared with the

weight of an equal quantity of air at the same