Plant Growth Cabinets MODEL: TPG-1260-TH-Co2 Thermoline Scientific Equipment Pty. Ltd. T/A Thermoline Scientific ABN 80 000 859 129 10-12 Ross Place. Wetherill Park. N.S.W. 2164. Australia. P.O. Box 6862, Wetherill Park Delivery Centre, N.S.W. 1851. Australia. Phone: (02) 9604 3911. International: 61 2 9604 3911. Fax: (02) 9725 1706. International: 61 2 9725 1706. Email: sales@thermoline.com.au Web: www.thermoline.com.au
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 Safety Controls and Interlocks Element Safety Thermostat Light Loft Safety Thermostat Humidifier Safety Thermostat Water Level Interlock Electrical Circuit Breakers Crankcase Pressure Regulator Fan Cycle Pressure Control
3 Page 8 Page 10 Page 15 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 23 STAR-700 Operating Guidelines Safe Operating Value (SOV) STAR-700 Operating Guidelines Diurnal/Program Set-Up STAR-700 Operating Guidelines Start Diurnal/Program Cycles. STAR-700 Operating Guidelines Trend Screen STAR-700 Operating Guidelines Data Screen STAR-700 Operating Guidelines Security Screensaver. STAR-700 Operating Guidelines Calibration Screen. STAR-700 Operating Guidelines System Screen Passcodes Service Screen Diagnostics Screen STAR-700 Operating Guidelines Diagnostics Screen Contact Screen Routine Maintenance Adjustable Shelf Guidelines 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 19mm diameter tube. This is the condensate/overflow drain, which takes water away from the inside floor of the cabinet and also the drain and overflow for the Humidifier Tank. Connect this to a suitable waste point. 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 (Option). 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 (workspace). Conditioning area. Light loft area. Control enclosure area. Sensor Housing Main growth area. 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. 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 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 via the STAR-700 Toucscreen can vary lighting intensity; they are as follows, Incandescent. 4x600 watt Halogen Incandescent lamps. HID 1. 3x400 watt HPS lamps. (1 st, 3 rd and 5 th ) HID 2. 2x400 watt HID lamps. (2 nd and 4 th lamps) The lights can be easily changed, with access through the removable front 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, In excess of 250.0degC When replacing the lamps ensure the removable front cover is fitted back in place prior to operation of the cabinet. 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, 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.) Sensor Housing. 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 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. 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.
8 Safe Operating Value (SOV). STAR-700 TOUCHSCREEN OPERATING GUIDELINES. On initial Power up the STAR-700 Touchscreen shows the Screen Saver page. See Below Image. On Initial power up cabinet controls the Safe Operating Value only. The Touchscreen is fitted with a Security Screensaver to stop unauthorised access to the controlling parameters. This Security Screensaver becomes active if the Touchscreen has not been touched for more than 5minutes or if power is cycled. To exit out of the Security Screensaver simply press the Press to Log In & Exit Screensaver Button. The User Access window will appear. To exit out of the Security Screensaver and enter into the Main Menu Screen use the following passcodes: User Number: 1 Passcodes: 1111 These passcode should only be given to Authorised Personnel. To enter the User Number and/or the Passcode simply press the Numeric Window and the Numeric Keyboard will be displayed. Simply enter the User Number and/or the Password and press enter. Once you have pressed enter press the screen anywhere above the Login Button and the Main Menu screen will appear. When in the Main Menu Screen you will notice that the indicator in the top right corner states that the Diurnal/Program Cycle is Off. The Values below the heading Safe Operating Value are the current set values and the controller will start to control these values. During Safe Operating Value control, the Lights can only be manually operated by using the drop down menu underneath the heading Lights (SOV). The Lights SOV is a manual operation of the Lights, in the ON mode they are continually on and in the OFF mode they are continually off. To operate the Lights on a Diurnal/Program Cycle the operator will need set up the Diurnal/Program Cycle. To change the Safe Operating Value simply touch the Operating Value box. A popup numeric keypad is displayed. Type in the new value and press enter. The cabinet will automatically control the new Safe Operating Value. The Safe Operating Value has been designed to be set by the operator to a safe condition that will not cause damage to any of the Research, Experimental and/or Plant Material within the cabinet, in the event of a power failure. If the controller is operating in Diurnal/Program Cycle mode and there is a power failure, on resumption of power the Diurnal/Program Cycle mode will stop and the cabinet will be controlled at the Safe Operating Value. Security Screensaver (SOV Mode)
9 Security Screensaver with User Access Window. Main Menu Screen (SOV Mode) Main Menu Screen with Pop-Up Numeric Keypad.
10 Program/Diurnal Set-Up. The STAR 700 has a 250 segment Programmer. The 250 segments are split between 25 Programs (10 Segments per program). The Program Set-Up is securely protected by means of a user name and password. By pressing the Thermoline Logo the Login Screen appears. The Username is 02 and the Password is 2222. Once the Password is entered the next touch of the screen needs to be the Program Set-Up button. If the screen is touch anywhere but the Program Set-Up button the password will be reset and will need to be re-entered. Once the Program Set-Up button has been pressed then the Program Set-Up screen is displayed. Main Screen with Login Screen showing Login Screen Diurnal/Program Set Up Screen. The above screen shows the Program set-up page. This consists of 25 programs having a total of 250segments (10segments per program). Program 1: Segments 1-10 Program 2: Segments 11-20 Program 3: Segments 21-30 Program 4: Segments 31-40 (etc) Program 25: Segments 241-250.
11 Each program can be set as an independent program or can be linked to create one large or multiple large programs. This is achieved by not using an End segment in a particular program. For example if your program requires the use of 15 segments we can use the 10 segments of Program 1 and the first 5 segments of Program 2 making Segment 15 (5 th Segment of Program 2) an End Segment type. We would then start program 1 and as the program runs through the first 10 segments of program 1 and because there is no end segment in Program 1 it continues to run program 2 until it find the end segment at segment 15. When linking multiple Programs, to use more than 10 segments, the programs need to be sequential. By pressing on Program 1 the following screen is displayed. The below example is a Diurnal cycle of 40degC and 40% day and 10degC and 80% Night. Assuming that 40degC is at midday this program has been written to start at 25degC and 60%RH assuming that the day condition of 40degC and 40%RH is Midday then this program would need to be started by the operator at 6am. Program 1 Segment 1-5 Program 1 Segment 6-10
12 The following is a description of what each of the items in the Program are and what function they perform. Segment Type: Jump To: Jump Cycle: Temperature: Humidity: Co2: Hours: Minutes: Seconds: End Action: G Soak Temp The segment type can either be a Time, Jump To, or End type. Time: This determines that the segment is a period of time. The time is set in Hours, Minutes and Seconds. Jump To: This allows the program to repeat a predetermined set of segments. By selecting the Jump To parameter in segment type and then entering a segment value at the Jump To parameter, will tell the program were to jump back to. At Jump Cycle enter how many times it jumps back to or repeats the predetermined set of segments. See Example on next page. End: This tells the program when to end. There has to be an end segment. Failure to enter an end segment will cause the controller to indefinitely dwell at the last segment. The operator would enter the segment number that the program will jump back to. This value is ignored if the segment is set to either a Time or End Segment. The operator would enter a value here as to how many times the Jump To repeats itself. A value of 0 will continually repeat the Jump To segments until the operator ends the Program Cycle manually. This value is ignored if the Segment Type is set to either a Time or End Segment. The operator would enter the Temperature they require the cabinet to achieve. This value is ignored if the segment s Step Type is Jump To. The operator would enter the Humidity they require the cabinet to achieve. This value is ignored if the segment s Step Type is Jump To. The operator would enter the Co2 they require the cabinet to achieve. This value is ignored if the segment s Step Type is Jump To. The operator would enter the required length of time for the segment in Hours. This value is ignored if the segment Step Type is set to either Jump To or End. The operator would enter the required length of time for the segment in Minutes. This value is ignored if the segment Step Type is set to either Jump To or End. The operator would enter the required length of time for the segment in Seconds. This value is ignored if the segment Step Type is set to either Jump To or End. This value determines what will happen when the program ends. It can be set to SOV, which stops the program from operating and controls the Safe Operating Values. Or it can be set to dwell, in which case it will continue to control the Temperature, Humidity and Co2 of the last Time segment. This is the Guaranteed Soak Parameter and is only visible if the Guaranteed Soak is enabled. This parameter is generally not used on the Climatron range of Plant Growth Cabinets as it can extend the time of a Diurnal Program effectively making the Diurnal Cycle longer than 24hours. The Guaranteed Soak allows the Program to maintain its Programmed Temperature Value for the duration of the Segment Time by automatically placing the Program into a holding pattern and not allowing the program to proceed if the Actual Temperature Value deviates the Programmed Temperature Value by a predetermined value. Once the Actual Temperature Value is within the predetermine range then the Program will automatically continue.
13 G Soak Humidity G Soak CO 2 This is the Guaranteed Soak Parameter and is only visible if the Guaranteed Soak is enabled. This parameter is generally not used on the Climatron range of Plant Growth Cabinets as it can extend the time of a Diurnal Program effectively making the Diurnal Cycle longer than 24hours. The Guaranteed Soak allows the Program to maintain its Programmed Humidity Value for the duration of the Segment Time by automatically placing the Program into a holding pattern and not allowing the program to proceed if the Actual Humidity Value deviates the Programmed Humidity Value by a predetermined value. Once the Actual Humidity Value is within the predetermine range then the Program will automatically continue. This is the Guaranteed Soak Parameter and is only visible if the Guaranteed Soak is enabled. This parameter is generally not used on the Climatron range of Plant Growth Cabinets as it can extend the time of a Diurnal Program effectively making the Diurnal Cycle longer than 24hours. The Guaranteed Soak allows the Program to maintain its Programmed CO 2 Value for the duration of the Segment Time by automatically placing the Program into a holding pattern and not allowing the program to proceed if the Actual CO 2 Value deviates the Programmed CO 2 Value by a predetermined value. Once the Actual CO 2 Value is within the predetermine range then the Program will automatically continue. Lighting/Event Outputs. At each segment page there is a Lighting/Events button. By pressing this button the display shows Eight events that can be turned ON and OFF for each segment. The First Event which is generally labelled Lights is what turns the lights ON and/or Off. A total number of Eight Lighting/Event Outputs are available, however only the required hardware is fitted per cabinet. Program 1 Lighting/Event Segment 1-5
14 Program 1 Lighting/Event Segment 6-10 Program Features. There are a few other features of the program that cannot be changed but are described below. Guaranteed Soak: This is a tolerance value, set at +/-2.0degC, and guarantees that the Program Set Values for Temperature only are reached. If during a program cycle the Actual Temperature deviates the Program Set Value (PSV) by more than +/-2.0degC the program will be put into a hold mode until the Actual Temperature is within the PSV. There is no Guaranteed Soak on the Humidity Value or the Co2 value. These values can deviate without the program going into a hold mode. Program Start Value: The Program starts at whatever the Actual Temperature, Humidity and Co2 are. If when starting the program the Actual Temperature is more than +/-2.0degC from Segment 1 s PSV the Guaranteed Soak value will hold the program until it reaches Segment 1 s target temperature. Power Failure: In the event of a power failure the Program Cycle will end. On resumption of power the cabinet will control the Safe Operating Values.
15 Starting the Diurnal/Program. The following screen shows the Diurnal/Program Set-Up screen. Once the desired program has been set up then the operator will need to enter the desired program number value into Start Program Number. Once the desire value has been entered the operator can then start the program by using the drop down menu. The following describes the item and the function of the parameters in the drop down menu. End The end parameter is what stops a current running program from operating Start The Start parameter is what starts the program that is entered into the Start Program Number. Pause The Pause Parameter will simply pause the program at its present point. It will hold this point until the resume parameters is selected. If the Start parameter is selected while a program is in pause it can restart the program from the beginning. Resume The Resume parameter will resume a program after it has been paused. Diurnal/Program Set Up Screen. Note: The Program can be Started, Stopped, Paused and Resumed in the Main Menu Screen. However you cannot select the Program Number in the Main Menu Screen. When the program is operating the Start Program Number value disappears and the Program Number Running value appears. The Program Running Number is a read only value just to give the operator and understanding of which program is operating. To change the Program that is running the operator will need to End the program to change the Start Program Number. This can only be performed in the Program Set-Up page.
16 Main Screen (SOV) Showing Diurnal Drop Down Menu. Main Screen (PSV Mode)
17 Trend Screen The images below are the Trend and the Co2 Trend Screen. They show a live trend of the performance of the cabinet. The screen shows the last 12hr period. By pressing the left pointing arrows the screen scrolls back to view a graphical depiction of the previous period from power up. A total of approximately 800days of logging can be viewed. After approximately 800 days the data is lost. The Trend Screen is refresh s every time power to the instrument is cycled at power up. Trend Screen Co2 Trend Screen
18 Data Screen By pressing the Data Menu Button the image below is displayed. On this screen Data can be retrieved for archiving purposes. Insert a USB Memory Card into the USB port at the front of cabinet. Keep watching the screen for the following message USB Disk/SDMMC Card Plugin Once this message has been viewed the operator can press the Download Data to USB button. The Red Indicator will flash whilst data is being downloaded to the USB Memory Card. When the Red Indicator stops flashing it is safe to remove the USB Memory Card. The length of time it takes to download the data will depend on how much data is being downloaded. If the memory is full, then the download period could be quite long. Data is downloaded as a Comma Delimited File. This data can be imported into Microsoft Excel. When importing data make sure that the date format is set for YMD (Year-Month-Day). Every 24hrs the Data Log Menu screen is refreshed. The Data that is downloaded to the USB Memory Card is downloaded in files that represent every 24hrs. The data in the table is refreshed every 24hrs. However the data in the memory that can be downloaded will store approximately 800 days. Data Menu Screen.
19 Security Screensaver. The Touchscreen is fitted with a Security Screensaver to stop unauthorised access to the controlling parameters. This Security Screensaver becomes active if the Touchscreen has not been touched for more than 5minutes or if power is cycled. If the Touchscreen has not been touched for more than 10minutes the Backlight switches off and the screen goes blank. (This is designed to lengthen the life of the Touchscreen). To re-illuminate the Touchscreen simply touch the screen and the Security Screensaver will be shown as below. This Security Screensaver allows the operator to check the conditions without the need to enter the security code to access the Control Pages of the Touchscreen. Security Screensaver (SOV Mode) Security Screensaver (DSV Mode) If the Security Screensaver is active and the screen is touched a Pop-Up window appears as shown in the next image.
20 Security Screensaver with Pop-Up Login Message To exit out of the Security Screensaver simply press the close button. Then press the Press to Log In & Exit Screensaver Button. The User Access window will appear. Security Screensaver with User Access Window. To exit out of the Security Screensaver and enter into the Main Menu Screen use the following passcodes: User Number: 1 Passcodes: 1111 These passcode should only be given to Authorised Personnel. To enter the User Number and/or the Passcode simply press the Numeric Window and the Numeric Keyboard will be displayed. Simply enter the User Number or the Password and press enter.
21 Security Screensaver with Pop-Up Numeric Keypad. As soon as you have pressed enter simply touch the screen anywhere within the Black rectangle. The Touchscreen will then show the Main Screen as shown below. Main Menu Screen (SOV Mode)
22 Calibration Screen. The Thermoline Touchscreen has been fitted with a simple one point calibration adjustment. Access to the Calibration is password protected. To access simply touch the Thermoline Logo and the User Access window will appear. Main Menu Screen with User Access Window To access the Calibration Screen use the following passcodes: User Number: 2 Passcodes: 2222 These passcode should only be given to Authorised Personnel. Calibration Screen. To adjust the calibration simply press the Offset window you require to adjust and enter the difference between the PV and you calibrated device. For example if the PV is showing 10.0degC and you calibrated device indicates the cabinet is at 9.0dgC then the Calibration Offset that needs to be entered is -1.0degC. By pressing the System button in the calibration screen the following screen is displayed.
23 System Screen & Passcodes. By pressing the System Button on the Calibration Page the above screen is displayed. This is the System Settings Screen. It shows the Network Communication parameters, (These will only be displayed if connected to a network) The Time & Date settings, Passcodes and Memory information. To change the Time and date simply touch the parameter that needs to be changed and enter the current or required Time and Date. Please note that the Time does not automatically adjust for Daylight Savings. This needs to be manually adjusted. Passcodes can be changed if needed. Passcode Number 1 is the passcode for User 1. This is the passcode required to exit the screen saver mode. Passcode number 2 is the passcode for user 2 and allows access to the Calibration, System Settings page and the Program Screen. It advised that passcodes are only given to authorised personnel. Thermoline takes no responsibility for lost/forgotten passcodes. Please remember new passcodes. If Passcodes are forgotten they can be retrieved however it will incur the cost of a service technician to come to site. Memory information shows the amount of memory left on the Touchscreen before old data is lost. The number of data files indicates the number of days of data that is stored; this can be as high as 800days. The size of the raw data files is indicative of the amount of memory being used. It does not indicate the size of the data files that are downloaded to the Flash Memory USB port. When the files are downloaded to the Flash Memory USB port they are converted from a file specific with the touchscreen to a Comma Separated File (CSV). (See Data Menu). System Screen Service Screen. This screen is for the sole purpose of our service technicians or service contractors. This is a password protected screen and is only accessible by authorised Thermoline Technicians or Authorised Thermoline Contract Technicians.
24 Diagnostics Screen. The Diagnostics screen is simply a screen to help the operator when problems may occur. For example if the STAR-700 is operating a Program Cycle and there is a cycle of Power, the STAR- 700 usually reverts back to SOV mode. However as power loss may occur due to storms and lighting strike and possibly construction work, the disruptive power supply may cause interference with the communication cable and cause the STAR-700 Controller to turn the control actions for Temperature, Humidity and CO 2 Off. The Diagnostic screen allows the Authorised operator to turn the Temperature, Humidity and CO 2 functions back on again. It also shows the percentage output of each control function. This is a good diagnostic tool if the cabinet is not operating correctly. Diagnostic Screen. Contact Screen The Image Below is the Thermoline Contact Page. Contact Screen.
25 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.
% RH % RH 26 Temperature/Humidity Limits (Lights Off) 100 90 80 70 60 Min RH Max RH 50 40 30 20 10 0 5ºC. 10ºC 15C. 20ºC 25ºC. 30ºC. 35ºC. 40ºC. 45ºC. Temperature Temperature/Humidity Limits (Lights On) 100 90 80 70 60 Min RH Max RH 50 40 30 20 10 0 5ºC. 10ºC 15C. 20ºC 25ºC. 30ºC. 35ºC. 40ºC. 45ºC. Temperature Conditions are not guaranteed when the ambient temperature exceeds 30.0ºC.
27 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 10-15 mm throughout the 5.0degC to 45.0degC range.
28 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. The above image shows the Shelf Adjustment arm. Simply turn this Clockwise to raise the Floor or anti-clockwise to lower the floor
29 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. The above image shows the right hand floor in place.
30 Above image shows all of the Floor panels in place. Above image shows the Floor adjusted to the middle support on the Hydraulic Ram