inspections, talk to galley personnel about the operation of the coppers. These personnel can give you information that will assist you in diagnosing possible operational or maintenance problems. A few factors for inspecting direct-steam coppers (fig. 5-1) are as follows:

MONTHLY inspection:

Check the faucets, valves, and piping for leaks.

Check the steam pressure-reducing valve to ensure it is in good condition and functions properly.

Lubricate the hinges of the cover with mineral oil.

ANNUAL inspection:

Check the copper for leaks, cracks, and dents.

Examine the cover, hinges, and latch for warp and alignment.

Check the steam and condensate piping, valves, and traps for leaks and obstructions.

Remove the safety valves and remove any rust and corrosion using Navy-approved solvents. Then, lubricate and calibrate the valves before replacing them.

Other than visual inspections, each individual piece of galley equipment requires its own type of preventive maintenance. Recommended schedules for inspection and maintenance of coppers are provided in table P of appendix II.

STEAM CHESTS

Steam chests are used to cook food through a steaming process. The escape of steam from a steam chest harms the food being prepared and also poses a safety hazard to personnel. To ensure steam-tight operation, ensure the door latches, hinges, and gaskets are kept close fitting. A physical preventive maintenance inspection of the steam chests (fig. 5-2) should be made each week.

The weekly inspection should ensure the following:

The compartment drains are free of obstructions.

The door hinges, locking devices, and shelf drawbars work well.

The pressure setting of the gauge pressure is correct.

When a plunger type of valve is used with the locking device, the plunger must be adjusted so the valve is fully depressed when the door is closed. This action allows a full measure of steam to enter the compartment. When the door is opened, the valve must function to stop the steam supply completely. To ensure a tight fit of the doors, replace hinge pins and bushings when they show too much wear. Some full-floating doors are adjustable by means of hexagon-head bolts extending through the door near each corner. When door gaskets must be replaced, you must remove the door from the unit because this makes it easier to remove the worn gasket and to clean the channel. Failure to complete these actions can provide a path for steam leakage. Apply gasket cement, and then force the new gasket into the channel at the corners, working it in toward the center of the sides and ends. You are now ready to hang the door; but first, place paper along the edge of the door opening to prevent excess cement from adhering to the mating surfaces when the door is closed. Any surplus cement can be cleaned off after it has hardened. When the door has hexagon-head bolts, adjust them so the closed door touches the steamer evenly without binding at the corners. Unless you have a good fit, the gasket will cut by the corners of the door and steam will escape. For inspection and preventive maintenance of the steam service and condensate system, include those items that apply in table P of appendix II.

Figure 5-1. - A pedestal and a trunnion or tilt type of direct-steam coppers.