Plant Growth Cabinets

Transcription

1 Plant Growth Cabinets MODEL: TPG-1260-TH-Co2 Thermoline Scientific Equipment Pty. Ltd. T/A Thermoline Scientific ABN Tarlington Place, Smithfield. N.S.W Australia. P.O. Box 6862, Wetherill Park Delivery Centre, N.S.W Australia. Phone: (02) International: Fax: (02) International: sales@thermoline.com.au Web:

2 Operators Instructions for Thermoline Plant Growth Cabinet Model Number TPG-1260-TH-Co2. Please read this manual to familiarise yourself with the functions before operating the Plant Growth cabinet. Emergency Door Release. If locked inside the cabinet, undo the wing nut near the door latch and push hard on the door. Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Location Connection of Supplies Electrical Condensate Drain Water Supply Co2 Supply (Option) Refrigeration. Thermoline High Light Intensity Plant Growth Cabinet Theory of Operation Main growth Area Conditioning Area Theory of Operation Light Loft Area Controls Enclosure Sensor Housing Operators Control Panel Temperature, Humidity & Co2 (Option) Controllers and Timer Lighting Timer Function Switches Alarm Indicators High Temperature Safety Thermostat

3 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Operators Control Panel Low Temperature Safety Thermostat Safety Controls and Interlocks Element Safety Thermostat Light Loft Safety Thermostat Humidifier Safety Thermostat Water Level Interlock Electrical Circuit Breakers Crankcase Pressure Regulator Safety Controls and Interlock Fan Cycle Pressure Control Operating Guidelines Diurnal Temperature, Humidity & Co2 (Option) Control Diurnal Lighting control General Operation Operating Guidelines General Operation Operating Guidelines General Operation One Point Calibration Procedure. Regular Checks and Maintenance Temperature & Humidity Limits Electrical Schematic Refrigeration Schematic

4 Operating Instructions for Thermoline Plant Growth Cabinet Model Number TPG-1260-TH. Location. Locate the cabinet on a firm level surface, in a well-ventilated area. The base of the cabinet is fitted with castors to allow ease of movement. Find a level surface for the chamber to sit on. Then Adjust the Locking feet to fix the chamber in position. This will ensure that there is good drainage. Electrical. Connection of Supplies. The cabinet is fitted with a flexible lead and five-pin plug for power supply connection. The power supply required for model TPG-1260-TH is 415Volts + Neutral 10 Amps/Phase. Condensate Drain/Overflow. At the rear of the cabinet, on the control enclosure end, there is a 22mm diameter stainless tube. This is the condensate drain, which takes water away from the inside floor of the cabinet. Also located at the back of the chamber is a second 22mm drain this is the drain and overflow for the Humidifier Tank. Connect the supplied joining pipe and direct to a suitable waste drain. Water Supply. At the rear of the control enclosure there is a standard 12mm garden hose fitting provided for the connection of the water supply. It is labelled "Water In. The water supply should preferably be some sought of filtered supply; straight tap water has too many impurities that remain in the humidifier tank causing premature failure of the tank. The water supply can be mains pressure or gravity fed. (If using gravity feed supply, make sure that the water tank is above the height of the chamber). Co2 Supply. At the rear of the Chamber is a 1/4 Barb fitting for the Co2 connection. Inlet pressure should be 1.25 bar (125kpa) +/-0.25 Bar. Connect 100% Co2 concentration. Do not use a premix Co2 concentration cylinders such as 10%, 20% or 50% Co2 mixed cylinders. Refrigeration. The refrigeration is located in the electrical enclosure on the floor. The only routine maintenance required is that the inlet air filter for the condenser be kept clean. This can be accessed from the wire grill panel at the front of the cabinet. Remove the wire grill panel and with a standard soft bristle brush dust off any dirt or grime.

5 Thermoline High Light Intensity Plant Growth Cabinets. The Thermoline High Light Intensity Plant Growth Chamber has been designed to provide a controlled environment of Temperature, Humidity and Lighting, to simulate growth conditions Theory of Operation. The plant growth chamber can be regarded as comprising of five main areas; these are as follows, Main growth area. Main growth area (workspace). Conditioning area. Light loft area. Control enclosure area. Sensor Housing Conditioned air (temperature and humidity controlled air) enters the growth area vertically, through a series of slots in the floor panels. The floor panels are made from stainless steel to prevent corrosion, and are fabricated in the shape of a hat section for strength. The floor can be removed, to allow access to the sub-floor area for cleaning. The inside of the growth area is mainly white for maximum light reflectivity. The shelf is stainless steel and is supported by stainless steel clips that are adjustable at 25mm centres. Conditioning area. Once the conditioned air has passed through the growth area, it returns to the conditioning area through the return fan area at the top of the Main Growth area. Within this area are the components that are used to control the temperature and humidity of the air, these are as follows, The Cooling Evaporator Coil. The De-Humidifying Evaporator Coil The Thermal Expansion Valves. The Humidifier Inlet. The Circulating Fans. The Air Heating Elements. Air passes over each of the various components to be either heated or cooled, and to be either humidified or dehumidified. The air is then returned to the growth area by the circulating fans for the whole cycle to begin again. Two Axial fan wheels provide air circulation. These wheels are driven by internally mounted motors, which are inside the conditioning area. Air from the fans is forced into the sub-floor area this has the effect of pressurising the area below floor level, to enable the air to enter the growth area at an even rate.

6 Light loft area. This area is separated from the main growth area by a layer of glass. Air is drawn into the light loft area to help reduce the heat build up within the light area. The air is drawn through the light loft area, across the lamps, and is then exhausted out to atmosphere. Lighting is provided by five High Pressure Sodium lamps (5 x 400 watt and four incandescent lamps). Switching the lamps in a series of timers can vary lighting intensity; they are as follows, Incandescent Timer. 4x60 watt incandescent lamps. HID Timer 1. 2x400 watt HPS lamps. (2 nd and 4 th lamps) HID Timer 2. 3x400 watt HID lamps. (1 st, 3 rd and 5 th lamps) The lights can be easily changed, with access through the removable roof panel. Do not attempt to remove the Lamps while they are illuminated. Allow the Lamps to cool prior to removing them, as the surface of the Lamp can become extremely hot. When replacing the removable roof panel, make sure that the 300mm-exhaust spigot is at the left-hand end of the chamber (Non Controller end). Lamps fitted are GE Lighting Lamps, Part Number LU/400-HO-T-40. As an alternative Metal Halide Lamps can be fitted. However they need to be a Metal Halide that can operate on High Pressure Sodium Equipment. The Osram HQI-T-400 is a suitable Lamp. Controls enclosure area. This area contains the following, Sensor Housing. Operators control panel. (Mounted on the front) Electrical control panel. Humidifier steam generator. Refrigeration compressor, pressure controls, solenoids, etc. Miscellaneous other controls (water solenoids, etc.) Inside the 'Main work space' you will notice a Stainless Steel box; this box contains the temperature sensor, humidity sensor and a small circulating fan. When the cabinet is running and trying to control the set temperature and humidity, it is very important that the 'Sensor Housing' is located on the shelf alongside the samples that are being processed. It is of major importance that the inlet and outlet airflow of the 'Sensor Housing' is not restricted in any way. If the airflow is impaired for any reason, you will experience erroneous results.

7 Operator Control Panel. Temperature, Humidity &Co2 (Option) Controllers and Timer. The day and night temperature, humidity & Co2 (Option) controls are Eurotherm 3216 microprocessor based instruments, with digital indication of Temperature to one decimal place and Humidity to one percent. Co2 (Option) will indicate to one PPM. A 24- hour timer provides diurnal control by switching a digital input on the Eurotherm 3216 and activating a second Set Value. Lighting Timers. There are three 24-hour timers that switch the banks of lighting on, also at a predetermined time. These timers should be synchronised with the Day/Night control timer. Function Switches. There are two function switches provided to switch on the main control functions, which are as follows, Main Switch. Supplies power to the control and instrument circuits. Also starts the circulating fans and allowing temperature only control of the cabinet. (Although the Humidity Controller will indicate the Relative Humidity inside the cabinet it will not control). Humid Switch. This turns on the water supply control circuit for the humidifier, and allows the humidifier elements to be switched on. Also allows the controller to start controlling the set Humidity. Co2 Switch (Option). This turns on the Co2 supply control circuit and allows the chamber to control Co2 concentrations in Parts Per Million (PPM) Alarm Indicators. These indicating lights provide fault indication for the following, Low Temperature. High Temperature. Humid Trip. Humid Off. High Temperature Safety. (Operator Adjustable) This thermostat measures the air temperature of the workspace. If the workspace temperature exceeds the high temperature safety setting, all the cabinets controlling functions will shut down. Please note that if the High or Low Temperature safeties trip the lights will turn off and may take up to 10 minutes to re-ignite again.

8 Low Temperature Safety. (Operator Adjustable) This thermostat measures the air temperature of the workspace. If the workspace temperature exceeds the low temperature safety setting, all the cabinets controlling functions will shut down. Please note that if the High or Low Temperature safeties trip the lights will turn off and may take up to 10 minutes to re-ignite again. Safety Controls and Interlocks There are a number of safety controls fitted to Thermoline Plant Growth Chambers, some of which are available to the operator and others, which are factory preset, as follows. Element Safety Thermostat. (Not operator adjustable). This thermostat measures the air temperature adjacent to the air heating elements. If air-circulating fans fail or airflow is impaired by the placement of samples, this thermostat prevents the element from overheating. Humidifier Safety Thermostat (Not operator adjustable). This thermostat measures the temperature adjacent to the heating elements in the humidifier (steam generator). If there is an interruption to water supply (and level interlock fails), this thermostat switches off the heating elements and they remain switched off until it is manually reset. If tripped a red indicator on the 'Operator Control Panel is illuminated. Water Level Interlock. The humidifier tank is fitted with two float switches. The upper level float switch operates a solenoid valve in the water supply, to maintain a constant level in the humidifier supply tank. The lower level float switch is interlocked with the humidity control circuit, such that if the water level falls below this float switch, power to the heating elements is switched off. If the humidity function is turned on and the water level falls below the lower float switch, a red indicator (Humid Off) on the 'Operator Control Panel' is illuminated. Electrical Circuit Breakers. These circuit breakers protect the electrical system against major damage from electrical faults. If they are tripped for any reason, determine the cause and rectify the fault before resetting. Crankcase Pressure Regulator. (Not operator adjustable). This mechanical regulating device has two functions and are as follows, 1. It prevents the pressure of the gas returning to the compressor from rising above its stated tolerance. 2. It provides some degree of refrigeration capacity regulation to balance the heating and cooling systems.

9 Fan Cycle Pressure Control. (Not operator adjustable) This pressure switch operates the fan on the refrigeration condenser, to maintain the refrigerant pressure when the surrounding ambient air temperature is appreciably lower than the internal chamber operating temperature.

10 Operating Guidelines. Diurnal Temperature, Humidity & Co2 (Option) Control. Switching between two set values within the Temperature, Humidity & Co2 controllers, using a 24-hour time clock generates an alternating Day to Night Temperature, Humidity & Co2 cycle. At the time of delivery the temperature and humidity controllers have been set up with a 3.00ºC and 6.0%RH per hour ramp rate. As an example the purpose of these ramp values is to allow a 24hr simulation of an Environmental Condition. Changing from 5.0ºC (Night) to 45.0ºC (Day) and 80%RH (Night) to 20%RH (Day). Note that the maximum and minimum temperature and humidity are the Day & Night (SP2 & SP1) set values within the temperature and humidity controllers. Diurnal Lighting Control. The lighting is switched by independent 24-hour time clocks, which provides adjustment of light intensity and the creation of dawn and dusk effects. General Operation. 1. Turn on the main switch. This allows the Eurotherm 3216 Temperature, Humidity and Co2 Controller to operate. The top displays will indicate Actual Temperature, Humidity and Co2, with the bottom displays indicating Actual Set Value (Note 2). At this time the operator will need to set the Day, Night and Ramping Set Value. The Eurotherm Controllers have two Set Values. One for Daytime operation and the other for Night time operation. By pressing the Scroll Key the operator will scroll through four (4) parameters SP1, SP2 and SP.RAT & OFST. The Table below describes the functions of these parameters. SP1 Set Value 1 This is the Night Time Set Value SP2 Set Value 2 This is the Daytime Set Value SP.RAT Ramp Rate Value (Note 1) This is the Ramp Rate Value. This value restricts the temperature rate of change within the chamber. This is in units of DegC/Hour OFST Offset This is a One Point offset. It allows the operator to correct any difference between the actual temperature or Humidity and what the controller is reading Note 1: The Ramp Rate value has been utilised to allow the operator to simulate a 24hr Environmental Cycle. Note 2: When the Eurotherm Controller first powers up the Actual Temp, Humidity & Co2 will be identical to the Actual Set Value. The Actual Set Value will then change at the Ramp Rate until the desired Day or Night Set Value is reached. The active Set Value will be displayed via a scrolling message along the bottom of the controller. 2. As the operator presses the Scroll Key and scrolls through the above parameters all that has to be done to change the value is press the Raise or Lower Key to adjust the desired value.

11 Page Key Scroll Key Lower Key Raise key Switching Point Mechanism Blue Switching Pins 3. Rotate all the timer discs (clockwise) to synchronise them at a suitable time. The switching point is at the top left corner of the timers. Blue Switching Pins can be moved inwards and outwards around the circumference of the timer disc. Inwards will activate the Day Set Values. Outwards will activate the Night Set Values. Set the Switching Pins in the Inward or Outward position at the times that the lights are required to turn on and off. When the Blue Switching Pins are moved inwards, lights will be switched on. Pushing the Switching Point Mechanism, top left corner of timer, outwards away from the rotating Blue Switching Pins, can manually operate the timer. This allows the Blue Rotating Pin in the middle of the Switching Point Mechanism to be turned manually. Thus turning the lights on and off manually. Note the Permanent (perm) and Automatic (auto) positions. 4. Check that the High and Low Temperature Safety Thermostats are set to protect against out of tolerance conditions but do not interfere with the set temperatures. To set the High Temperature and Low Temperature thermostat, follow the instructions listed.

12 High Temperature Safety. Run the chamber at the maximum operating temperature with all lights on, and allow time to stabilise. Turn the high temperature thermostat knob slowly, until the 'High temp.' light on the operator's panel is just illuminated. Now slowly turn the knob slowly back in the opposite direction until the light just goes out. The thermostat is now set at a temperature just above the operating temperature; the cabinet will shut down when this value is exceeded. Low Temperature Safety. Run the chamber at the minimum operating temperature, and allow time to stabilise. Slowly turn the low temperature thermostat knob until the 'Low temp.' light on the operator's panel just goes on. Now slowly turn the knob back in the opposite direction until the light just goes out. The thermostat is now set at a value just below the minimum operating temperature. The cabinet will shut down when the temperature falls below this set condition. 5. Turn on the 'Humid' switch if required. Although the Humidity controller is on and indicating a current Relative Humidity Value if the Humidity switch is not on the Humidity will not be controlled. The lowest attainable humidity is limited by: a) The dew point of the refrigeration evaporator, therefore as temperature rises, lower humidity will be possible. b) The transpiration rate of plants within the chamber. c) The effectiveness of drainage from the cabinet The highest attainable humidity is limited by: a) The operating temperature. (High humidity at low temperature is limited by the dehumidifying effect of the refrigeration system) b) The light intensity. With full lighting the dehumidifying effect of the refrigeration limits maximum humidity to 80% RH. 6. Turn on the Co2 switch if required. Although the Co2 controller is on and indicating a current Co2 Value if the Co2 switch is not on the Co2 will not be controlled. Co2 is controlled in Parts Per Million. Operation of relative humidity with dew point temperatures close to or below 0 C. will not be possible. The minimum Humidity at any Temperature is limited to a 0 C Dewpoint. This effect is exacerbated with high light intensities because of the additional heat input to the chamber; therefore minimum dew point temperatures under these conditions should be approx. 5 C.

13 One Point Calibration Procedure. First step is to keep pressing the scroll button until the screen shows the pv.ofs. The following images will be displayed.

14 Once the display shows pv.ofs either press the Raise or Lower key to adjust to the required offset. Press the scroll key again to return to the original screen. The offset value will have changed to the new value. The instrument will then increase or decrease the output to alter the operating value. CAUTION: The Offset value with few exceptions is between 0.5 and The need to use a value outside this range should be carefully considered. If in doubt, return the value to zero and recalculate the offset value.

15 Regular Checks and Maintenance. Owing to the conditions under which the chamber will operate, some regular checks need to be performed, as follows, The humidifier is continuously evaporating water to produce steamer humidity control. This will leave behind deposits of mineral salts inside the tank, which will eventually form a crust around the elements and may cause premature failure of the elements. It is important that the tank is flushed regularly to reduce this effect. A drain valve is fitted to the humidifier tank to allow it to be emptied. With the power turned off open this valve to drain the tank, and then close it before turning on the power. The water will automatically fill the tank with fresh water. The frequency of this action will depend upon the type of water used and the temperature and humidity conditions set for the plant growth chamber. No water should be allowed to build up in the base of the chamber (below the floors); the floor drain should be checked regularly for blockages. Light intensities should be checked with a light meter, and lamps replaced if necessary. The glass between the loft area and the growth area may need cleaning occasionally, as a dust build-up can also affect light intensity. Intensity of the 400-watt lamps at delivery time is nominally 1000 µmol/m²/sec at 1 metre down from lamps. Lamp Part No LU 400/HO/T/40 (GE Lighting). Alternate Metal Halide HQI-T-400 (Osram). As the refrigeration runs continuously, there is a constant airflow being drawn through the condenser. Due to airborne particles the Air Inlet filter will need to be cleaned regularly. This can be accessed from the wire grill panel at the front of the cabinet. Remove the wire grill panel at the front of the cabinet and you will see a finned aluminium condenser. With a standard soft bristle brush; dust off any dirt or grime. Replace the wire grill panel when finished to avoid unwanted damage to the aluminium condenser face.

16 % RH 100 Temperature/Humidity Limits (Lights Off) Min RH Max RH ºC. 10ºC 15C. 20ºC 25ºC. 30ºC. 35ºC. 40ºC. 45ºC. Temperature % RH 100 Temperature/Humidity Limits (Lights On) Min RH Max RH ºC. 10ºC 15C. 20ºC 25ºC. 30ºC. 35ºC. 40ºC. 45ºC. Temperature Conditions are not guaranteed when the ambient temperature exceeds 30.0ºC.

17 Operating Guidelines for a Hydraulic Adjustable Shelf. The Thermoline Plant Growth Cabinet has been fitted with a Hydraulic Adjustable Shelf/Floor System. This enables the operator to adjust the height of the shelf by 400mm without the need to remove plants or open the door. Shelf/Floor Adjustment. To adjust the shelves simply turn the Shelf Adjustment Arm. A clockwise rotation will raise the shelf and anti-clockwise will lower the shelf. The Hydraulic adjustment allows for 400mm of adjustment without the need to open the doors or remove any Plant s. If more than 400mm of adjustment is needed then the Plant s will need to be removed from the cabinet and the Stainless Steel floor removed. Once the Floor has been removed the Front and Back Floor supports can be removed and raised to the next support level. There are 3 support levels at 300mm centres. This allows for a total of 1000mm of shelf adjustment within the cabinet (See Photos at the end of this document). Please note that the Floor Supports are front and back specific. The Front Support has two blanking plenums that fit between the access doors. This is to prevent the air circulation from short cycling. When adjusting the Shelf Height in an anti-clockwise direction (Lowering the Shelf) you may find that the shelf is not lowering at the same rate at which you are adjusting the arm. This is due to the Hydraulic oil slowly purging back in to the Purge cylinder. Do not be concerned as it will eventually catch up. This will be less noticeable when loaded with plants as the weight helps with the purge of oil. When adjusting the shelf in a clockwise direction (Raising the Shelf) please take great care not to allow the product on the shelf to touch the Glass Roof. Any hard or sharp items could cause the glass to break. As the hydraulic oil in the shelf system is affected by Temperature, you will notice movement of the shelf height. The shelf height will move between mm throughout the 5.0degC to 45.0degC range. Loading the Shelf/Floor. When placing Plant on the floor please load the plant in an even and uniform manner determined by weight not volume. The reason for this is that the four hydraulic rams are connected to one common plunge cylinder. If the Plants are placed unevenly by weight you will find that the floor may not be level. Do not overload the floor. The maximum Total weight that the Hydraulic Shelf system can hold is 300kg. Do not exceed this limit.

18 The above image shows the Shelf Adjustment arm. Simply turn this Clockwise to raise the Floor or anti-clockwise to lower the floor Above image shows the left hand floor in place. Please note that the far left and far right floors are specific to the end location. (This can be determined by the additional blanking plenum on the end). The Left and Right floor ends are interchangeable.

19 The above image shows the right hand floor in place. Above image shows all of the Floor panels in place.

20 Above image shows the Floor adjusted to the middle support on the Hydraulic Ram

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