Iso 14224 2016 Espanol

Section 9 - Troubleshooting
Chapter 9
Troubleshooting
Page 9-1
770-00093 Section 9_Troubleshooting (PP20/PP25) Rev B
770-00083 Power Pallet Technician's Handbook (PP20/v1.09) Rev B
Table of Contents
1. Most Common Problems

2. Gasifier Troubleshooting
2.1 Testing the fuel level switch
2.1.1 Paddle Switch
2.1.2 Flex Reed Switch Troubleshooting
2.2 Testing the Thermocouples
2.3 Testing for leaks
2.4 Tables of Symptoms
2.4.1 Hopper
2.4.2 Auger
2.4.3 Cyclone
2.4.4 Gas filter
2.4.5 Flare
2.4.6 Air inlet
2.4.7 Difficulty starting and operational problems
2.4.8 Pratio problems
2.4.9 Temperature related problems
3. Engine Troubleshooting
3.1.1 Engine
3.1.2 Troubleshooting for the Air Servo
3.1.3 Troubleshooting for the Governor
3.1.4 Troubleshooting for the Oxygen Sensor and Lambda Meter
4. Generator Troubleshooting
5. Automation Assembly Troubleshooting
5.1 Troubleshooting FETs
5.2 Firmware Upload Troubleshooting
5.3 Relay Board Troubleshooting
5.4 Troubleshooting the PCU
Page 9-2
1. Most Common Problems
The most common problems that cause failures to start are:
● Starter not turning over: Insufficient battery charge— during the flaring process, the
air and gas blowers, igniter, grate shaker, and all of the electronics are being powered
by the battery. If the battery is insufficiently charged, the flaring period can deplete the
battery to the point of being insufficiently charged to start the engine. Charging the
battery or replacing it with a fresh battery should fix this problem
● Engine governor and ignition not working: blown fuse— if the hour meter does
not come on and the engine governor does not produce a soft electronic whine when
you turn on the Power Pallet, the circuit they share may not be receiving electricity.
Check fuse F6 on the relay board to see if this fuse was blown. See Chapter 4 of the
Technician’s Handbook for an annotated image of the relay board identifying fuse F6.
● Engine turns over but won’t start: gas path obstruction— if the engine starter is
clearly operational, but the engine still won’t start, the gas path may be obstructed. Make
sure the the valve leading to the engine is open and the valve leading to the flare is
closed; also check the throttle valve to make sure it is not obstructed with tar residues.
Page 9-3
2. Gasifier Troubleshooting
2.1 Testing the fuel level switch

2.1.1 Paddle Switch
To test the fuel level switch, access the testing mode screen on the PCU. In the fuel level switch
test mode, it should give the following values:
● Numbers less than 600 means the switch is depressed by feedstock.
● Numbers near 900 means the switch is untouched, and feedstock level is low .
● 0 means there's no signal and the circuit should be checked for loose connections.
2.1.2 Flex Reed Switch Troubleshooting
1. The switch remains closed at the limit of the the paddles' travel. (Auger remains on
when paddle is depressed)
a. Loosen jam nut and back off the reed switch assembly 1/8 turn. Retighten jam
nut and repeat test.
2. The switch remains open in the rest position. (Auger stays off when reactor is empty)
a. Check to make sure the Switch Rod is concentric with switch body. If not,
complete Flex Switch Calibration procedure.
b. If the Switch Rod is concentric, loosen jam nut and screw in the reed switch
assembly 1/8 turn. Be sure there is enough clearance between the switch rod
and the reed switch by moving the paddle by hand. Retighten jam nut and
repeat test.
3. If scenarios 1 and 2 cannot be resolved, remove the reed switch assembly and test by
checking continuity through the switch. The reed switch should show no continuity in the
absence of a magnet, and SHOULD show continuity when a magnet is held against the
distal end of the threaded stud. The switch should NOT have continuity through any one
of the leads and the body of the switch.
2.2 Testing the Thermocouples

The thermocouples may need to be tested to check to see if they are giving correct readings.
To test a thermocouple on the Power Pallet, turn on the Power Pallet, unscrew and extract the
thermocouple while leaving it plugged in, then apply a small flame such as a flame from a lighter
to the tip of the thermocouple and watch for the temperature reading on the PCU to rise. If the
thermocouple reading does not rise when heat is applied to the thermocouple, the thermocouple
itself is probably damaged, and should be replaced.
2.3 Testing for leaks
Page 9-4
Air leaks constitute an entire class of problems that can arise anywhere there is a joint or
interface or even a faulty hose. Because the entire gas circuit is under vacuum pressure when
the machine is operating if there is a leak, air will leak into the gas circuit rather gas leaking out.
Because of this, testing for leaks is not always easy. The most common ways to detect a leak
are:
● Observing the emission of smoke when the machine is shut down—

Immediately after the Power Pallet is shut down, the system will no longer be under
vacuum pressure. There will be enough residual heat in the system to continue pyrolysis,
so the biomass in the pyrolysis column will continue to smoke. The smoke will eventually
migrate throughout the system. If you observe smoke leaking from any point, the location
where the smoke is exiting the gas circuit is usually the location of the leak.
● Observing excessive heat anywhere on the gas circuit during operation—
if there is a leak, and air is being introduced into the gas circuit while the machine is
operating, it is not unusual for internal fires to ignite around the leak. Rapid heating
surrounding a likely leak point indicates that an internal fire is burning near an air leak.
Undetected air leaks can cause a jet of flame to burn right through whatever structure is in
front of the leak. The machine should be stopped as soon as possible if this is the case to
avoid irreversible damage.
Page 9-5
An example of localized overheating due to an internal fire caused by an air leak from a poorly
re-sealed interface.
● Scanning for leaks with a mechanic’s stethoscope, or other detection methods—

The most reliable way to detect leaks is to use one of the detection methods listed below
to detect air rushing out of a leak as a little bit of positive pressure is applied to the gas
circuit while the machine is fully cooled down. To apply positive pressure, shut both of the
valves leading out of the gas filter and to apply a low level of positive pressure to the gas
circuit (as little as ½ psi, no more than 2 psi) using an adapter and a restricting valve with
a pressure dial connected to a source of compressed air. Alternatively, you can connect
some other source of blown air, such as shop vacuum cleaner’s air outlet. To detect leaks,
the following methods all work quite well: (WARNING: Be sure to totally purge the gas
circuit with the gas blowers before you attempt any positive pressure leak tests; if there is
a leak, carbon monoxide left in the gas circuit can leak out and asphyxiate the technician
testing the machine.)
○ Spray soapy water over likely leak points. If there is a leak, you will see bubbles
form around the leak. Be sure to wipe away the soapy water when you finish testing
for leaks.
○ Slowly move a smoking incense stick past potential leak points while the
machine is under positive pressure. If there is a leak, you will see the stream of
air disturb the smoke from the incense. WARNING: the All residual gases must
be purged before this test. If combustible gases leak out, the smoldering tip of the
incense stick may ignite the gases and cause a fire.
○ Slowly move a downy feather past potential leak points. The principle of this test
is the same as above; you should be able to see any leak disturb the feather as you
move it by.
If you find a leak, the appropriate remedy depends on what is leaking. Any seals you can tighten
should be tightened; if a leak is occurring on a hose or other component, it may be patched
as a temporary fix while a replacement is ordered. Often times, leaks near gaskets between
imperfect mating surfaces can be remedied by the application of RTV silicone sealant.
Page 9-6
2.4 Tables of Symptoms

2.4.1 Hopper
Symptom Possible root cause Solution
Air leaks around hopper 1) Damaged lid gasket Align or replace lid gasket
2) Misaligned bolts or Align or replace drying bucket flange

flange gasket gasket. If leaking seen through bolt
holes, apply silicone RTV around
bolt hole and reinsert bolt.
2.4.2 Auger
Auger jamming 1) Feedstock is too difficult Remove any material that is over
for auger 1.5'' in length. Avoid feedstock that
has a natural tendency to entangle
or other natural transport difficulties.
2) Auger is bent. Disconnect the auger assembly

from the drying bucket. Gently bend
the auger spiral to be straight in
alignment with the auger motor
shaft.
3) Auger is catching on portion of the drying bucket right

inner wall of drying bucket. above the base of the auger may
need to be trimmed or bent forward.
4) Fuel level switch needs The fuel level switch may not be
adjustment. actuating properly to turn the auger
off in time allowing the auger to
compact the fuel into the reactor.
Double check that the switch works
and adjust the tension spring on the
fuel level switch.
5) Tar build-up around fuel Unscrew the entire fuel switch

switch obstructs motion fixture and clean out all tar with
solvents.
Auger not turning on 1) Fuse needs Check the two forward and reverse
replacement. fuses for the auger on the relay
board.
2) Relay needs Replace relay on the relay board.

replacement.
Page 9-7
3) Fuel level switch is Replace.
damaged.
4) Tar build-up holds Unscrew the entire fuel switch

switch in off-position. fixture and clean out all tar with
solvents.
Low current state for 1) Bridging in the hopper or Check the two forward and reverse
auger drying bucket. fuses for the auger on the relay
board.
2) Low/No feedstock Fill the hopper up with feedstock.
PCU is not indicating the 1) Current sensing not Make sure current sensor is wired
correct auger state. working properly correctly or current sensor may
need replacing.
2.4.3 Cyclone
Ignition of gas inside Cyclone ash can does not Take the can off of the cyclone
the cyclone indicated by have an air tight seal and clean the components. Make
excessive heat, blistering sure the gasket is seated properly;
paint, etc. replace gasket if damaged.
No condensate or ash Blockage in the inside the Use a wire brush and a stick to
accumulates in the cyclone check for and clear out blockages in
cyclone ash can after the cyclone.
running for a while.
2.4.4 Gas filter

Pfilt is less than Preactor Filter media is saturated Change the filter media.
by a difference greater with tar, or was packed
than 30 (3 inches WC) with too many fines.
Page 9-8
2.4.5 Flare
Too much air Air blower gasket stuck in Adjust the gasket so that it seats properly
allowed into flare housing. in the gasket housing.
stack at low flows
Flame seen above Flare does not have Increase air blower output using the knob
the flare stack enough air; flame starved on the control panel.
of oxygen.
Flare is not lighting. 1) White smoke seen as Reactor is not lit yet. White smoke is
steam actually seen during actually steam coming off of moisture in
start up of the reactor. the system.
2) Improper air to fuel ratio Try increasing or decreasing the air

in flare stack. blower to achieve the right air to fuel
mixture in the flare stack.
3) Igniter not working Test igniter using testing screen on the

properly. PCU. Check fuse on the relay board.
Replace igniter tip if damaged.
Gas blowers are 1) Charcoal is packing Clean out the reactor and char basket,
not able to achieve densely the grate basket then use correctly sized charcoal and
over 5 WC. feedstock for the second start.
2) Gas blower Check to see if both fans are operational

malfunctioning. and the fan blades are intact or fouled
with tar; clean with alcohol if fouled.
3) Low battery Recharge the 12V DC battery.
2.4.6 Air inlet

Smoke seen passing 1) Gasifier is on an Level the Power Pallet.

through air inlet incline, causing check
check valve when valve flap to fail to seal.
machine is off.
2) Check valve flap Tap on the flap and it should fall back into
physically obstructed or place. Remove check valve and remove
stuck open by tar. tar residue with alcohol.
2.4.7 Difficulty starting and operational problems
Page 9-9
Ignition port melted Torch being applied to Lighting the reactor should take no longer
from heat ignition port for too long than 10 minutes. If feedstock does not
by operator trying to light seem to light, see the row below.
the reactor.
Reactor Bridging, non-combustible Open the PyroReactor viewport and break

temperatures not debris, or other problems the bridging with a stick. If bridging is a
increasing after may be hindering ignition. common occurrence, feedstock might
extended application
need to be sifted or processed differently.
of torch to the
ignition port
Melted or damaged Air leak in somewhere in Find and replace the part with the air leak.
components, or the gas circuit causing a If it is a welded piece of the pyroreactor,
discoloration from fire in the wrong place the whole pyroreactor will need to be
local over-heating
replaced. Ensure that there are no leaks
in the reactor around the bungs, flanges,
gaskets, and joints before running the
system.
Difficulty starting Clinker formation around Clean out the reactor, chip away clinkers.
reactor the air nozzles; high Perhaps use a lower mineral feedstock.
temperatures around
nozzles may be causing
ash fusion
2.4.8 Pratio problems

Pratio too low 1) Pratio reads lower than Make sure there is no leaking in the
10 during start up and does reactor lid, reactor port cover, hopper and
not increase due to leaking drying bucket connection, or hopper lid.
upstream of the reactor.
. 2) Pratio is 15-20 due to This can happen when using feedstocks

packing in the reduction bell that produce very fine particles of
charcoal, such as pelletized feedstocks.
3) Charcoal used for Turn up the gas blower or increase the

starting gasifier has too load on the engine or repack the reactor
many small pieces or made with coarser charcoal, sifted to remove
from pelletized charcoal dust.
dust.
4) Grate basket may be Clean out grate basket, perhaps blend

Page 9-10
fouled with clinkers clinker-prone feedstock with lower-mineral
feedstock.
5) Pratio is below 15 for If the gasifier operates well in spite of

most all of the run the low Pratio, this is not a problem, and
alarm threshold needs to be adjusted.
Pratio too high 1) Reactor is out of If the hopper, drying bucket and the
feedstock. reactor are completely empty of feedstock
the system should turn off. If it does
not shut down automatically, turn the
system off immediately and wait until the
system cools before filling with feedstock.
Operating without sufficient feedstock is
an explosion hazard.
2) Bridging in the hopper, Open the reactor lid port, and check
reactor or the drying bucket. to see if there is bridging; use a rod to
break apart any bridges. Be careful as air
allowed through the port may cause flame
to rise.
3) Jammed auger. Check auger to see if it is working

properly; a broken auger may fail to push
material into the reactor, leading to Pratio
problems.
2.4.9 Temperature related problems

Trst too low or not 1) Wet feedstock or Replace with appropriate feedstock and
increasing charcoal. charcoal.
2) Pratio values are too Feedstock particles are too fine in reactor,
low/resistance is too high pelletized feedstocks may have fallen
in the reactor to support apart and caused packing in the reactor.
proper reaction rates
. 3) Gas flows too low in Increase flows by turning up the gas

reactor blower or increase the load on the engine/
generator.
4) Thermocouples installed Make sure thermocouples are properly

incorrectly connected and installed to the right depth.
5) Faulty thermocouple or Test the thermocouple, replace if needed.

grounded thermocouple
Page 9-11
6) Fault connection on the Switch Trst and Tred to see if each
PCU board. connector gives the same reading,
replace if needed.
Temperatures are 1) Insufficient feedstock in Turn off the system by closing the gas or
too high (above pyrolysis zone (pyrolysis engine valve. Fill the hopper up
1020˚C) and tar cracking are with feed stock when the system is cool.
endothermic, and help
regulate top temperatures.)
2) Fuel burns too hot; coal, Do not use coal in gasifier; if nut shells
and some nut shells burn are giving excessive temperatures, blend
extremely hot with some wood chips, or use some fuel
with higher moisture content.
3) Localized combustion Shut down the system, locate leak and

due to leaks inside the repair.
system
Thermocouple Faulty extension cable. Replace extension cable.

reading does not
exceed 2
Page 9-12
3. Engine Troubleshooting
3.1.1 Engine
Symptom Possible Cause Corrections/Solutions
Engine cranks but 1) If first starting the Cranking the engine will purge the air
does not start. system up, there will be until wood gas and the correct air mixture
air in the gas filter and the reaches the engine. This can normally
lines leading to the engine. take longer than a typical engine start
approx 20 sec). Do not operate the
starter continuously for more than 30
seconds. Be sure to allow the starter
motor to rest for 30 seconds between start
attempts. If the engine does not start after
3 attempts allow the starter to cool for 10
minutes before attempting to start again.
2) Gas quality may be Switch over to the flare and make sure
poor. that the reactor is producing good gas
and the reactor temperatures are ideal. If
the flare will not ignite please refer to the
troubleshooting section in Chapter 3.
3) Gas filter may be Check the filter media to see if it needs to

clogged. be changed. Tars may cool from previous
run and typically condense around the
bottom grate. Reactor vacuum (Preact)
should be less than 3 inches of water (30
units) above reactor vacuum. Change the
filter media if needed. Refer to the gas
filter documentation for further information.
4) Throttle valve may need Check throttle valve operation, clean if

maintenance necessary.
Page 9-13
5) Air mixture servo not Check lambda meter for error code.
opening properly Use air servo adjustment menu to verify
operation of the air servo.
6) Grid Tie Systems: Mixture on grid-tie systems is controlled by

“Engine On” signal the PCU. A single wire from the DeepSea
from DeepSea to PCU controller to the tells the PCU to enable
disconnected. mixture control. If this connection has
been severed, the PCU will not control
mixture and the engine will not start.
Engine starts then 1) This can be due to Refer to the governor and throttle
abruptly shuts the governor automatic documentation.
off after a few shutdown thresholds.
seconds.
2) Air mixture servo not Possibly due to oxygen sensor

opening properly. malfunction. See oxygen sensor
documentation.
1) Engine oil level low Check oil level with dipstick. Add oil if
Engine shuts necessary.
down. PCU display
shows oil pressure
alarm.
2) Configuration wrong in Check the configuration screen on the

the configuration screen of PCU and make sure it matches the
the PCU configuration of the Power Pallet.
3) Jumper configuration Check relay board documentation and

wrong on the relay board make sure that the jumper is configured
properly.
Engine backfires 1) Air/Fuel mixing in the Check for air leaks upstream of the
line before engine. engine. Check the gas lines and gas filter
and other components upstream for air
Page 9-14
leaks.
2) Poor gas quality Switch to flare. See troubleshooting

section in Chapter 3.
3) Wrong spark timing Confirm spark plugs are wired for correct
engine firing order.
Engine pre-ignition Poor spark plug wire Confirm wires are well seated.
when starting seating
Engine speed Sticky valve on engine Open up throttle and clean valve using
unstable governor alcohol or other solvent.
3.1.2 Troubleshooting for the Air Servo
Symptom Possible Cause Solution
Servo does not move 1) Servo not connected Check all wiring connections from servo
when adjusted to PCU to PCU
2) Adjustment outside of Make sure adjustment is between 0 and

servo range 180.
3) Servo faulty Replace servo
Servo having difficulty Air filter could be Pull air filter away from servo linkage.
rotating all the way obstructing the servo. Check air servo for internal binding. This
will be indicated by vibration felt on the
plastic servo body
Min or max position Remove servo from valve and adjust or

outside of servo range flip the valve around. Set servo to lowest
position using adjustment menu (See Air
Servo section above), disassemble, and
re-align with splines on butterfly shaft.
3.1.3 Troubleshooting for the Governor
Issue Possible Cause Solution
Service tool does not 1) Governor not powered on Ensure PCU is in engine test
Page 9-15
connect to governor mode, listen for
governor "whine"
2) Serial cable not connected Verify all cable connections,

ensure use of correct port on
automation assembly.
3) Harness connections mis- Verify governor and key switch

wired harness RS-232 connections
at relay board. Wire colors are
marked on the board.
4) Relay board serial buffer IC is Perform serial loop-back test.

faulty Replace buffer IC if necessary
5) Governor is faulty Replace governor
Engine shuts down The engine may have exceeded Start the engine under a
abruptly after starting. the underspeed threshold of lighter load and ramp more
the governor and the governor slowly to the desired load.
may have gone into automatic
shutdown mode.
Engine can crank for more Throttle sticking and unable to Throttle valve in need of
than 90 seconds but fails open or actuate properly. maintenance. Follow
to start. maintenance instructions
above.
3.1.4 Troubleshooting for the Oxygen Sensor and Lambda Meter

"Please connect the device 1) Serial cable not connected Verify serial cable connection
to a serial port and switch
it on" when launching LM
Programmer
2) Wrong communications Ensure cable is connected
port on lambda meter to "OUT" port on lambda meter
3) Faulty lambda meter Replace meter
"No serial port available" 1) USB serial adapter not Verify USB connections
when launching LM connected
Programmer
2) Required device drivers not Install appropriate drivers
installed
Page 9-16
3) No serial port Obtain USB serial adapter or
use computer with serial port
Lambda meter display Power cycle lambda meter.
unintelligible after Replace if issue continues.
programming
"E2" error on lambda meter Oxygen sensor not connected Check all oxygen sensor cable
display connections and ensure plugs
are fully engaged to their
sockets
E8 error shown on oxygen Signal error caused by either Check continuity between the
sensor dial, “No O2 sensor low battery or poor connection oxygen sensor module and the
Signal” shown on PCU.* to sensor sensor wire on the Relay Board.
E9 error shown on oxygen Low battery voltage Charge the 12VDC battery.
sensor dial. Or oxygen
sensor resetting over and
over. *
Air mix servo not responding. 1) O2 sensor issue. Refer to O2 sensor
troubleshooting above.
2) Air mix servo wire The air mix servo connector
connection loose or should be securely connected to
misconnected. SRV0 on the PCU board
While running the flare, O2 Leak in the Pyrocoil Replace Pyrocoil.
sensor reads very rich ,
starts at 1.5 then decreases
while engine is not on.
Page 9-17
4. Generator Troubleshooting
Symptom Possible Root Cause Solution
Heavy load step High instant torque on Adjust STAB pot (this will cause
causes frequency drop engine voltages to dip, but allow larger loads
to be placed on the engine with
minimized frequency impact). See
Meccalte “regulators.pdf” for tuning
method.
Low frequency while The load is above what Improve gas quality.
engine throttle is wide engine/gasifier can support Reduce load.
open under current conditions
Voltage is greater than VOLT needs adjustment Take off the front panel of the
+/- 5% from expected generator to access the VOLT
voltage. adjustment pot. Adjust accordingly,
measuring voltage on legs with a volt
meter.
*Please see the Mecc Alte Installers Manual for more troubleshooting.
Page 9-18
5. Automation Assembly
Troubleshooting
5.1 Troubleshooting FETs

To test operation of a FET output, use a voltmeter on the low-resistance or diode-check setting.
The meter should read a low resistance to ground when the FET is switched, on and infinite
resistance when it is switched off.
5.2 Firmware Upload Troubleshooting

PCU serial port does not FTDI USB serial driver not Install USB serial driver on
appear in menu / “Serial installed computer
port not found” error when
uploading
Unable to find COM port USB cable not connected Verify USB connection at top of
PCU, back of podium front door,
and front of podium front door.
Unable to find COM port No power to PCU Turn on Power Pallet using power
switch on podium front door
Error "avrdude: Programming jumper not Ensure programming jumper

stk500_getsync(): not in set (ARD) is set.
sync: resp=0x00"
when uploading
5.3 Relay Board Troubleshooting

Subsystem not functioning 1) Fuse may have blown Check fuse and replace if needed
(wire connection in center of fuse
is broken and plastic housing is
discolored/darkened).
2) Wires disconnected Check all connections in screw

terminals on harnesses (at bottom
of relay board) and on FET screw
terminals at relay board. Check
that all connectors on the other
Page 9-19
ends of the harnesses are fully
plugged into their mates. Use
visual inspection and continuity
test with volt-meter
3) Circuit boards, Check all connections in terminals

harnesses, or subsystems inside the enclosure and at
incorrectly wired subsystems against Wiring
Harness Documents (found
in appendices to Technician’s
Handbook). Use visual inspection
and continuity test with volt-meter.
4) Faulty connection to Check that PCU FET outputs

PCU and analog inputs have a solid
electrical connection.
5) Faulty relay Replace relay with spare
6) Faulty subsystem Check voltage at subsystem when

component PCU commands it on. Replace if
necessary.
7) Faulty component on Check voltages on PCU. Replace

PCU PCU f necessary.
(see section on FET output
troubleshooting)
Fuse blows more than Shorted wiring connection Check for shorted connections on
once. relay board or swapped wires in
harnesses and subsystem (refer
to Wiring Harness Documents
found in appendices).
Page 9-20
5.4 Troubleshooting the PCU

Unable to read LCD 1) Contrast non-ideal for Adjust the blue contrast knob or
screen/ nothing on LCD lighting conditions. cover the LCD screen to shade
screen from direct sun.
2) Display connection not Check and secure connections.

secure.
3) Display malfunction. Replace display.
4) ATX power supply may be Check that the green ATX LED on
faulty the right side of the relay board
comes on. If not, replace ATX.
White blocks across the 1) Contrast not ideal Adjust contrast knob
screen
2) Firmware corrupt Re-upload firmware
LCD screen stuck on Program timing glitch due to Turn key switch to the OFF
splash screen key switch being on when position and power cycle system.
automation is turned on
Incorrectly proportioned 1) Pressure lines incorrectly Connect pressure lines to correct

pressure values connected ports on PCU
2) Sensor offset calibration Remove lines, calibrate sensors

incorrect (see page 6 of this chapter for
details)
Incorrect temperature 1) Thermocouple extension Verify thermocouple extension

readings disconnected or connected connections at PCU and at
to incorrect socket connection to thermocouple
2) Thermocouple faulty See section on operational

troubleshooting
PCU resets when USB ARD jumper set Disable ARD jumper
cable connected or
disconnected
Page 9-21

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Section 9 - Troubleshooting

1. Most Common Problems

1. Most Common Problems

The most common problems that cause failures to start are:

2.1 Testing the fuel level switch

2.1.2 Flex Reed Switch Troubleshooting

2.2 Testing the Thermocouples

2.3 Testing for leaks

● Observing the emission of smoke when the machine is shut down—

● Scanning for leaks with a mechanic’s stethoscope, or other detection methods—

2.4 Tables of Symptoms

2) Misaligned bolts or Align or replace drying bucket flange

2) Auger is bent. Disconnect the auger assembly

3) Auger is catching on portion of the drying bucket right

5) Tar build-up around fuel Unscrew the entire fuel switch

2) Relay needs Replace relay on the relay board.

4) Tar build-up holds Unscrew the entire fuel switch

2) Low/No feedstock Fill the hopper up with feedstock.

2.4.4 Gas filter

2) Improper air to fuel ratio Try increasing or decreasing the air

3) Igniter not working Test igniter using testing screen on the

2) Gas blower Check to see if both fans are operational

3) Low battery Recharge the 12V DC battery.

2.4.6 Air inlet

Smoke seen passing 1) Gasifier is on an Level the Power Pallet.

2.4.7 Difficulty starting and operational problems

Reactor Bridging, non-combustible Open the PyroReactor viewport and break

2.4.8 Pratio problems

. 2) Pratio is 15-20 due to This can happen when using feedstocks

3) Charcoal used for Turn up the gas blower or increase the

4) Grate basket may be Clean out grate basket, perhaps blend

5) Pratio is below 15 for If the gasifier operates well in spite of

3) Jammed auger. Check auger to see if it is working

2.4.9 Temperature related problems

. 3) Gas flows too low in Increase flows by turning up the gas

4) Thermocouples installed Make sure thermocouples are properly

5) Faulty thermocouple or Test the thermocouple, replace if needed.

3) Localized combustion Shut down the system, locate leak and

Thermocouple Faulty extension cable. Replace extension cable.

3) Gas filter may be Check the filter media to see if it needs to

4) Throttle valve may need Check throttle valve operation, clean if

6) Grid Tie Systems: Mixture on grid-tie systems is controlled by

2) Air mixture servo not Possibly due to oxygen sensor

2) Configuration wrong in Check the configuration screen on the

3) Jumper configuration Check relay board documentation and

2) Poor gas quality Switch to flare. See troubleshooting

3.1.2 Troubleshooting for the Air Servo

Symptom Possible Cause Solution

2) Adjustment outside of Make sure adjustment is between 0 and

3) Servo faulty Replace servo

Min or max position Remove servo from valve and adjust or

3.1.3 Troubleshooting for the Governor

Issue Possible Cause Solution

2) Serial cable not connected Verify all cable connections,

3) Harness connections mis- Verify governor and key switch

4) Relay board serial buffer IC is Perform serial loop-back test.

5) Governor is faulty Replace governor

3.1.4 Troubleshooting for the Oxygen Sensor and Lambda Meter