TJR TUJR WF4 Manual 01 25 15
TJR TUJR WF4 Manual 01 25 15
TJR TUJR WF4 Manual 01 25 15
Tenney Junior
Environmental Test
Chambers Model TUJR
Models TJR/TUJR
Model TJR
COPYRIGHT© 2014 THERMAL PRODUCT SOLUTIONS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
REPRODUCTION OF THIS MANUAL IN ANY MEDIUM WITHOUT THE EXPRESS PERMISSION OF
THERMAL PRODUCT SOLUTIONS IS PROHIBITED.
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such release, disclosure or use.
Table of Contents
1.0 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 CONTACT INFORMATION ........................................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 PARTS AND SERVICE INQUIRES.................................................................................................................................... 1
1.3 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ....................................................................................................................................... 2
P a g e | ii Table of Contents
6.0 OPERATION ............................................................................................................................................. 40
6.1 STANDARD CONTROL PANEL .................................................................................................................................... 40
6.2 STANDARD OPERATION PROCEDURE.......................................................................................................................... 41
6.3 OPERATION WITH TEMPGARD IV IV INSTALLED ........................................................................................................... 42
6.4 OPERATION PROCEDURE ......................................................................................................................................... 42
ALARMS....................................................................................................................................................... 43
6.5 TEMPGARD IV IV ALARM SETPOINT ENTRY–WATLOW EZ ........................................................................................... 44
ALARM SETPOINT ENTRY PROCEDURE ................................................................................................................ 44
ALARM CONDITIONS ...................................................................................................................................... 44
SAVING AND RESTORING USER SETTINGS (COPIED FROM THE WATLOW LIMIT CONTROLLER MANUAL) .......................... 45
P a g e | iv Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction
Congratulations on purchasing a chamber from one of the fine divisions of Thermal Product Solutions. Your
chamber has been designed to operate with the reliability you expect for the demands you impose on your
product and research testing. We truly hope that every aspect of chamber design and quality will measure up
to your strictest standards.
Headquartered in New Columbia, Pennsylvania, Thermal Product Solutions includes the following five
divisions that manufacture environmental test chambers, industrial ovens, and furnaces. The Blue M,
Gruenberg, Tenney, and Lindberg divisions are located in New Columbia, Pennsylvania, which is in the
North-Central part of the state. MPH is located in Riverside, Michigan.
Main Number: 570 - 538 - 7200 Toll Free Number: 1 - 800 - 586 - 2473
Fax-Parts Department: 570 - 538 - 7385 Fax-Service Department: 570 - 538 - 7391
Fax-Main: 570 - 538 - 7380
Website: www.thermalproductsolutions.com
Unit Type
Model Numbers: Model TJR Tenney Junior - Benchtop Unit
Model TU-JR Tenney Junior - Upright Unit
Mechanical
Shipping Weight: 260 lbs.
16" W x 11" D x 12" H = 1.22 Ft3 (406.4 W x 279.4 D x 304.8 H
Internal Capacity:
Millimeters)
Electrical
Standard Chambers 120 V, 16 A, 60 Hz, 1 PH
CE Marked Chambers 220 V, 13 A, 50 Hz, 1 PH
Environmental
Note: This manual may also apply to special chambers with alternate
model numbers (listed below).
For special Model XXXX, O/N xxxxx, the following custom temperature
specifications apply:
Temperature Range:- xx° to + xxx° C, +/- xx deg. after stabilization
THE LISTED CHAMBER SPECIFICATIONS ARE BASED ON OPERATION AT 24° C AMBIENT TEMPERATURE,
ALTITUDE AT SEA LEVEL, AND A 60 HZ POWER SUPPLY. CHAMBER OPERATION UTILIZING A 50 HZ POWER
SUPPLY MAY DE-RATE THE LISTED PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS.
Option Specifications
2.1 Symbols
Various symbols are used throughout the manual to alert the reader to a potentially dangerous situation.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or
serious injury.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or
moderate injury
Control Panel
Chamber
Workspace Machinery
Compartment
Machinery
Compartment
Control Panel
Chamber
Workspace Machinery
Compartment
Heater Control
The heaters are controlled by a time proportioned output from the main controller. This output energizes a
solid state relay, which provides power to the electric heaters.
Air-Cooled
Condenser
Pressure
Switch PS2
Pressure
Switch PS1
Refrigerant Flow
Refrigerant flow in the high stage is from the compressor as a hot compressed gas, to the air cooled
condenser where the gas cools and condenses to liquid form. It then flows to the cascade condenser, being
metered by a capillary tube. In the cascade condenser, high stage refrigerant absorbs heat from the
circulating low stage refrigerant. As it absorbs heat, the high stage refrigerant boils and vaporizes. It then
returns to the compressor through the suction line accumulator SLA. The cycle is repeated.
Conditioning Plenum
Heat Limiter
Conditioned
RTD Sensor Air Output
Air Circulation
Heat
Limiter
Heater Refrigeration
Coil
RTD Sensor
Figure 8 Thermal
Cutoff
Features
Temperature conditions may be controlled with the standard Watlow F4 Controller. The WF4 is a powerful ¼
DIN profiling type controller with the following features.
Single Channel
Profiling: Forty Profiles, 256 Steps
Automatic & Manual Control
1 Input: Universal Type (RTD is Std.)
4 Digital Inputs
2 Auxiliary Analog Inputs - Optional
2 Control Outputs: Time Proportioned, On/Off, or 4-20 ma
2 Alarm Outputs
8 Digital Event Outputs
2 Retransmit Outputs - Optional
Communications: EIA-232 and EIA-485 with Modbus RTU
Figure 9 Watlow F4 Temperature
protocol Controller
Displays
PV Display: (Upper Display) Process Value. Error information when applicable.
LCD Display: (Lower Display) 4 line display shows information about setup, operation, and
programming. A cursor (>) indicates the selected parameter or present value in memory. Cursor moves
via the 4 navigation keys.
Scroll Bar: (Within LCD Display) Appears when the Up or Down Keys can reveal more information in
the LCD Display.
Indicator Lights
1A, 1B, 2A, 2B: Lights when the corresponding controller channel output is active.
Alarm 1 & 2: (Bell #1 and Bell #2 graphics) Lights during an alarm state.
Communications: (Phone graphic) Lights (pulsates) when the controller sends or receives valid data.
Profile Indicator: (Chart-line graphic) Run / Hold Status. Lights when a ramping profile runs. When
blinking, the profile is on hold. When not lit, operates as a static set point controller.
Data Communications
Standard data communications with the VT V is Type RS232. A VTV Communication Command Set
manual, along with various other related communication manuals are provided in the Supplemental
Instructions Section. As a reference, different data communication types are briefly described below.
RS232C / RS423A: Both interfaces are compatible and use 3 wires: a single transmit wire; a single receive
wire; and a common line. The maximum wire length is 50 feet. Only a single chamber may be connected to
your computer. Data signals are measured as plus and minus 12 Volts to common with RS232C, and plus
and minus 5 Volts to common with RS423A.
RS422A: This interface uses 5 wires: a transmit pair; a receive pair; and a common line. Up to ten
chambers may be connected to your computer on a multi-drop network up to 4,000 feet long. Data signals in
each pair are measured as a plus or minus 5 Volt differential.
EIA-485: This interface uses only 2 wires. Both wires are used for transmitting and receiving data, and
therefore, only one device may talk at a time. Up to 10 chambers may be connected to your computer on a
multi-drop network up to 4,000 feet long. Data signals are measured as a plus or minus 5 Volt differential. An
EIA-485 card must be installed for signal conversion.
IEEE-488: This is a parallel multi-drop interface with several control and data lines. Each device connected
must be set to a unique address. Data from other test devices may also be collected. An IEEE-488 to serial
converter card must be installed. Maximum cable length is approx. 33 ft.
Controller Configuration
The pre-programmed controller configuration for your chamber is documented in the Test Report, which is
located in the Supplemental Instructions Section. Refer to the controller manual for programming details.
Important! The configuration set-up is mainly provided for your reference. Not all of the parameters shown
apply to your chamber. Changes to some of the set-up parameters may drastically affect your chamber
performance and void your warranty. Contact the TPS Service Dept. before attempting any changes.
Operation
The Dry Air Purge System is activated by an Event output from the main controller, which must be turned
ON. Reference the Event Label on the side of the chamber or your Test Report for the Event Number
assigned to this feature. When activated, the event output will directly energize the dryer and the Dry Air
Purge solenoid valve ASOL.
Dry Air
Injection
Flowmeter
Supply Metering
Connection
Gaseous nitrogen displaces oxygen. Make sure the area surrounding the chamber is well
ventilated to dilute the gas vented from the Strato-flo check valve.
Burn Hazard. Avoid contact with cryogenic materials. Serious burns from immediate frostbite
will result. Insulated gloves, eye goggles, and protective clothing MUST be worn when
working with or around these materials. Gloves should be loose fitting so they can be quickly
discarded in case liquefied gas spills or sprays into them.
GN2 Injection
Vent Valve
Flowmeter
Supply
Metering
Inlet
Incomplete evaporation will cause droplets of liquid to fall to the floor and accumulate. If
enough liquid accumulates, it may seep towards the chamber door gasket. Do not allow LN2
to contact the door gasket. Exposure to LN2 will damage the gasket and violate the seal.
Refer to the Installation Instructions Section for supply and connection type specifications.
Gaseous nitrogen resulting from vaporized LN2 displaces oxygen. Make sure the area
surrounding the chamber is well ventilated to dilute the gas vented from the chamber vent
port check valve!
Operation
The system is activated by an event output from the main controller (or by a manual switch). To use the
system, the Event must be turned ON. Reference the Event Label on the side of the chamber or your Test
Report for the Event Number assigned to this feature.
Once the system is enabled with the event output, the controller's time proportioned Full Cooling output will
energize a solid state On-delay timer. If the Full Cooling output remains on longer than ten seconds, the
timer will time out and energize the LN2 Injection solenoid valve SOL. This valve will open to permit the flow
of LN2 into the chamber to boost the cooling rate. As soon as the Full Cooling output turns off, the timer
output will open to de-energize SOL and shut off the flow of LN2.
Supply
Inlet
Operation
The system is activated by an event output from the main controller (or by a manual switch). To use the
system, the Event must be turned ON. Reference the Event Label on the side of the chamber or your Test
Report for the Event Number assigned to this feature.
Once the system is enabled with the event output, the controller's time proportioned Full Cooling output will
energize a solid state On-delay timer. If the Full Cooling output remains on longer than ten seconds, the
timer will time out and energize the CO2 Injection solenoid valve SOL. This valve will open to permit the flow
of CO2 into the chamber to boost the cooling rate. As soon as the Full Cooling output turns off, the timer
output will open to de-energize SOL and shut off the flow of CO2.
Refer to the Installation Instructions Section for supply and connection type specifications.
Oxygen is displaced by carbon dioxide gas. Make sure the area surrounding the chamber
is well ventilated to dilute the gas vented from the chamber vent port check valve!
CO2 Injection
Vent Valve
Overview
Intrinsically safe equipment has been incorporated into the chamber interior design to help protect the
chamber from an explosive condition that could arise when processing with flammable volatiles or
combustibles. Explosion relief equipment is included with this design. Please note that using the equipment
below does not automatically classify your chamber as a Class A type chamber under NFPA 86.
• GN2 Purge System with initial high flow purge and low flow purge to maintain an inert atmosphere
• Oxygen Monitoring System to detect oxygen levels above the lower LEL level for the process
involved
• Exhaust Blower Purge Air System
Explosion Relief
There are two methods of employing unobstructed explosion relief for freely relieving internal
explosion pressures according to NFPA 86A. These methods include the use of explosion
relief vents and explosion venting door latches. Each are described is separate sections.
Explosion relief is designed as a ratio of relief area to oven volume. The minimum design
shall be at least 1 ft2 (0.093 m2) of relief area for each 15 ft3 (0.424 m3) of oven volume.
One or more Brixon Explosion Venting Latches are installed on the chamber door to provide venting in the
event of an internal explosion or deflagration. The latches are non-sparking types, which are made of either
aluminum or brass and are designed to release at a predetermined pressure. Latches may be chrome
plated.
When chamber air pressure rises (due to a deflagration) to the release point of the door latches, the latches
will disengage and allow the door to blow out away from the chamber. A stainless steel safety chain with a
snap action clasp is attached to the oven door to limit the outward travel of the door should an explosion
occur.
You must set the Watlow LV Limit Controller to a temperature setpoint that is well below the
auto ignition temperature of the vapor present in the chamber! This setpoint is only
determined by the customer.
Door Safety
Chain
Brixon
Door Latch
RS-485 Interface
RS-485 is a multipoint communications standard set by the Electronics Industry Alliance (EIA) and
Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA). RS-485 supports several connection types, including DB-9
and DB-37. Because of lower impedance receivers and drivers, RS-485 supports more nodes per line than
RS-422.
Refer to electrical drawings for pin outs.
• One of these Microsoft Windows PC Operating Systems: Windows 95, 98, 98 Special Edition, NT
4.0 Service Pack 6a, 2000 Service Pack 2
• A Pentium Processor 233 MHz or better
• 128 MB Ram plus 32 MB for each simultaneous chamber session
• 40 MB hard disk space
• One serial port
• One National Instruments GPIB IEEE Interface (Optional)
• One 10/100 Ethernet card using TCP/IP (Optional)
• Printer (Optional)
• Fax Modem (Optional)
Example Screens
Chambers and any remote machinery skids or control cabinets should be handled and
transported in an upright position. They must never be carried on their back, front, or any
side.
Do to the vibration incurred during shipping and handling, it is possible that mechanical
connections could become loose. Check all connections to make sure they are secure.
Inspect the circulation fan inside the chamber. The fan is driven by an external motor that
is mounted on isolation bushings. Sometimes during shipping, the motor is pushed out of
vertical alignment. If this has occurred, the fan blade may strike the plenum cover.
Eliminate the interference by pushing the motor back into alignment on its rubber mounts.
However, be sure that the shipping abuse was not so great that the extension shaft on the
fan has been bent.
A Strato-flo check valve is mounted on the side of the chamber to insure that the chamber
does not become pressurized.
Supply Connection
Flow Adjustments
Adjust the flow adjustment valve at the supply connection to maintain 100 PSIG max. Adjust the flowmeter
metering valve to approximately 300 cubic feet per hour.
Gaseous nitrogen displaces oxygen. Make sure the area surrounding the chamber is well
ventilated to dilute the gas vented from the chamber vent valve.
Burn Hazard. Avoid contact with cryogenic materials. Serious burns from immediate frostbite
will result. Insulated gloves, eye goggles, and protective clothing MUST be worn when
working with or around these materials. Gloves should be loose fitting so they can be quickly
discarded in case liquefied gas spills or sprays into them.
GN2 Injection
Vent Valve
Flowmeter
Supply Metering
Inlet
Flow Adjustment
Adjust the flowmeter Metering Valve to maintain approximately 300 cubic feet per hour.
A Strato-flo check valve is mounted on the side of the chamber to insure that the chamber
does not become pressurized.
Gaseous nitrogen resulting from vaporized LN2 displaces oxygen. Make sure the area
surrounding the chamber is well ventilated to dilute the gas vented from the Strato-flo check
valve!
Burn Hazard. Avoid contact with cryogenic materials. Serious burns from immediate frostbite
will result. Insulated gloves, eye goggles, and protective clothing MUST be worn when
working with or around these materials. Gloves should be loose fitting so they can be quickly
discarded in case liquefied gas spills or sprays into them.
Do not allow liquid nitrogen to contact the door gasket. Exposure to LN2 will damage the
gasket and violate the seal.
Flow
Adjustment
Vent Valve
LN2 Injection
Carbon Dioxide gas displaces oxygen. Make sure the area surrounding the chamber is well
ventilated to dilute the gas vented from the chamber vent port check valve!
Burn Hazard. Avoid contact with cryogenic materials. Serious burns from immediate frostbite
will result. Insulated gloves, eye goggles, and protective clothing MUST be worn when
working with or around these materials. Gloves should be loose fitting so they can be quickly
discarded in case liquefied gas spills or sprays into them.
CO2 Injection
Vent Valve
Supply
Inlet
There is no flow adjustment for the CO2 supply. A fixed orifice on the injection port inside the
chamber regulates the supply.
Specifications for Model TJR-INS can be listed as either Standard or CE Marked. See sales
quote.
Standard Chambers: 120 V, 16 A, 60 Hz, 1 PH (Standard units do not employ the CE Mark)
Your main power fused disconnect switch should be fused at 20 Amps.
CE Marked Chambers Only: 220 V, 13 A, 50 Hz, 1 PH
Your main power fused disconnect switch should be fused at 16 Amps
Before making the power supply connection to your unit, you must perform the following
procedure:
1. Verify the power supply voltage rating established for your chamber (listed above). The voltage rating
is also found on the serial tag on the side of the oven. Note the rated value here: _____________
2. Measure and record the intended voltage source. Note the measured value here:_____________
3. Reference the “Line Voltage Min/Max Tables” below. Verify that the power supply voltage source you
measured and recorded is within the minimum and maximum allowable operating voltages for your
chamber voltage rating. If it is not within this operating range, do not make the power connection!
Otherwise, erratic operation and damage may occur to your equipment, which may void your warranty.
If you have any questions, please call the TPS Service Department.
One of the most common causes of equipment malfunction is low line voltage as the power
source to the unit. Ordinarily in this condition, the heat output would be reduced and the
system's motors would operate erratically, eventually overheat, and shut down. You must be
certain that your equipment is connected to a circuit with an adequate voltage and current
source. An oversupply voltage would also cause erratic operation and eventual shutdown, or
damage to your equipment.
High Accessible Current – An Earth connection is essential before connecting the power
supply. Make sure equipment is properly grounded in accordance with all codes.
Make sure that all electrical wiring is properly installed in accordance with all National and
Local Electric Codes. Make sure all connections are secure.
Application of Power
• Before energizing any equipment, make a visual inspection for loose components, electrical
connections, fittings, etc. Shut all operating switches to the “OFF” position before energizing.
• Have trained personnel start and check out the equipment before its first cycle.
• Power ON/OFF Switch-Controls power to the chamber. The integral green light is on when power is
on to the chamber.
• Chamber ON/OFF Light Switch (optional) - Turns the light on or off in the chamber.
• Watlow Temperature Controller- Temperature is controlled with the Watlow F4S Controller. The F4S
is a profiling type single channel ¼ DIN controller.
Watlow F4
Temperature Controller Chamber ON/OFF
Light Switch
Option
Power ON/OFF Switch
Do not open chamber door after operating at extreme low temperatures. Human exposure to
temperature extremes can cause injury. Take appropriate precautions when handling product.
Always cool the chamber down below 167° F (75° C) before shutting it down. Otherwise,
damage to the circulation motor shaft bearings will result.
For complete programming and/or operating instructions on any of the controllers, electrical /
mechanical components, or optional equipment, you must refer to their operating manuals
included with your Tenney manual.
This equipment is not designed for use with volatile or explosive materials unless it is equipped
with a solvent venting package or intrinsically safe interior design, and specifically stated in your
chamber specifications. Loading of such materials may result in explosion or fire.
Make sure you have read (and understand) this entire manual before beginning operation.
Make sure the Installation Instructions have been properly followed before operating the
chamber. All switches should be in the OFF position before starting the sequence below.
1. Plug the chamber power supply cord into your power supply receptacle. The display of the main
controller should be illuminated.
2. Load the product and make sure the door is securely closed.
3. Enter the desired temperature program, or manual setpoints into the main controller.
Important: Check to see if any optional equipment must be turned on with an Event Output from the
main controller. If an Event Output were supplied, a Controller Event Output Label with the Event
Output listing would be installed on the side of the chamber. Reference the corresponding ‘Option’
section for a description of any optional feature.
5. Close the Power switch on the main controller panel. The conditioner fan will start, and chamber
conditioning will begin.
If you wish to use the Tempgard IV IV feature for product over / under temperature
protection, set the Watlow EZ Zone’s high/low temperature limits at this time. Refer to the
“Temperature Alarm and Shutdown Circuit”, and the “Watlow EZ Zone - Tempgard IV IV
Alarm Setpoint Entry” sections for further details.
If you wish to use the Tempgard IV IV feature for chamber over / under temperature
protection, do not change the factory preset values. These have been set to ± 4° C for the
high/low ratings of your chamber.
Alarms
1. With the SILENCE Switch is in the NORMAL (Right) position and an alarm occurs, the alarm buzzer
and SILENCE Light will turn ON.
2. Press the SILENCE Switch to the SILENCE (Left) position to turn the alarm buzzer OFF. The SILENCE
light will remain ON.
1. When the alarm clears, the buzzer will turn back ON and the SILENCE Light will remain ON. The
chamber circuitry needs to be reset.
2. If you press the red RESET pushbutton first, the buzzer and SILENCE Light will remain ON. (The red
RESET pushbutton light will turn OFF.) You must then press the SILENCE Switch to the NORMAL
(Right) position to turn the buzzer and the SILENCE Light OFF.
3. If you press the SILENCE switch first, the SILENCE Light will go out and the buzzer will remain ON.
Press the red RESET pushbutton. The buzzer will turn OFF.
1. Press the Advance key one time. The High Limit Setpoint “Lh.S1” parameter will appear in the green
lower display, while the current setpoint for that parameter will be displayed in the upper display.
2. Press the Up or Down arrow key to adjust the High Limit Setpoint. Please note that the preprogrammed
software already has the maximum High Limit Setpoint permitted for this particular chamber. As a
result, as factory received, you can only adjust the High Limit downward.
3. Press the Advance key one time. This will register the new High Limit Setpoint value.
4. The Low Limit Setpoint “LL.S1” parameter will appear in the green lower display, while the current
setpoint for that parameter will be displayed in the upper display.
5. Press the Up or Down arrow key to adjust the Low Limit Setpoint. Please note that the preprogrammed
software already has the maximum Low Limit Setpoint permitted for this particular chamber. As a result,
as factory received, you can only adjust the Low Limit upward.
6. Press the Advance key one time. This will register the new Low Limit Setpoint value. The upper display
will now show the current process temperature.
Alarm Conditions
When an out of limit condition occurs the green lower display will flash “Attn”, while the red upper display will
flash “L ı H1” for a high limit alarm and “L ı L1” for a low limit alarm. This will alternate with the actual process
temperature in the upper display. The alarm buzzer will sound.
Important: When the alarm condition has cleared, you must first press the Reset key on the EZ Zone
faceplate to reset the EZ Zone TGIV alarm contacts.
You must then press the red lighted RESET pushbutton on the TGIV panel. This will reset the chamber main
control circuitry.
Only qualified maintenance and electrical personnel should be allowed to perform any
maintenance or repair work.
Turn the main power disconnect switch on the front of the oven to the OFF position and proceed
with your company’s Lock-Out / Tag-Out procedure before servicing or cleaning. The oven’s
main power disconnect switch is a lockable type.
Frequency of preventative maintenance operations depends upon your particular process application and
frequency of use. Because of this, a hard and fast schedule of maintenance operations is difficult to present.
A set of guidelines suitable for an “average use” oven might not be sufficient for an oven with a high
frequency use. Therefore, the preventative maintenance measures given here are offered as a guide,
allowing you to arrange your own program.
A Preventative Maintenance Schedule/Log chart is provided at the end of this section. The suggested
inspection/service dates given are for average use.
Bi-Annually Conditioner Fan Inspect and clean the conditioner fan in the
conditioning plenum. Make sure the fan spins freely
and that it is tight on its shaft.
Bi-Annually Evaporator Cooling Coil Clean the evaporator cooling coil in the conditioning
plenum
Bi-Annually General Electrical Inspect inside the control panel and the machinery
Connections compartment for loose electrical connections, frayed
wires, loose components, or other potential
problems.
Bi-Annually Electric Heaters Inspect the electric heaters inside the chamber
conditioning plenum and look for sagging elements,
broken insulators, or other defects.
Bi-Annually Electrical Supply Voltage Measure the power supply voltage to your oven and
verify that it is within the ±10% tolerance established
for the nameplate rating of your oven
Annually Main Controller Calibration The main temperature controller should be checked
for temperature indicating accuracy, and for the
proper activation of limit or alarm outputs (when
provided). Please reference the controller user
manual for more information.
All interlocks and safety features should be tested periodically for proper operation.
For each of the items to be inspected, refer to item description sections for details on
maintenance and service.
Inspection Period Actual Date Actual Date Actual Date Actual Date
ITEM TO BE
Inspected / Inspected / Inspected / Inspected /
INSPECTED
Serviced Serviced Serviced Serviced
1. Conditioner fan dead Motor shaft frozen Verify - rotate by hand carefully!
5. Refrigeration System Dead Cooling output failing to close Verify - Contact TPS Service
6. Compressor hums but will not Low line voltage Get proper electrical service
start
7. Repeated shorting or blowing Excessive start time, voltage too low Correct low line voltage problem
of start capacitors
8. Compressor starts, hums, runs Low line voltage Get proper electrical service
slowly, staying on start
winding
9. Low stage compressor will not Pressure switch PS2 not closing Contact TPS Service
run
10. Low stage runs, but little or Low stage is low on refrigerant Have system leak tested
no cooling
11. Compressor runs but cools Restricted ventilation, dirty condenser Move unit away from wall, clean
inefficiently fins condenser fins
12. Refrigeration works long or Excessive heat load Reduce load if possible
continuously
13. Compressor repeatedly trips Pressure switch failure Have refrigeration mechanic
out overload protector check switches. Contact TPS
Service.
15. Noisy compressors, even Broken springs within compressor Replace compressor - Call TPS
with secure hold-downs housing for assistance
The refrigeration system is permanently sealed and a periodic oil change is NOT required.
If a loss of cooling performance is noted, immediately check the condenser for restricted air flow.
All motors are permanently lubricated; therefore, greasing or oiling is not required.
Introduction
Only qualified service personnel should ever be permitted to perform any service related
procedure on this chamber!
This information is written to help the refrigeration serviceman trouble-shoot and repair low
temperature cascade systems. It is assumed that the reader is familiar with standard
refrigeration practice and is interested in the special techniques applicable to cascade systems
Please remember that the following description may differ in some respects to the refrigeration
system equipped with your particular chamber.
History
Prior to the development of low boiling point refrigerants such as R13 (-114 deg. F) and R503 (-127 deg. F),
reaching ultra-low temperatures with mechanical refrigeration was difficult. R22 was used down to -80 deg.
F, but its system had serious drawbacks. Large and cumbersome, the machinery was subject to the many
troubles that afflict a compound system operating at suctions as low as 23 inches of vacuum. The modern
cascade system can reach as low as -120 deg. F with suction pressures of 0 PSIG or higher. Compact,
serviceable, and reliable, today’s cascade system is found on thousands of environmental test chambers.
How It Works
Two types of popular cascade systems are expansion valve and capillary tube. The system described in this
manual is the capillary tube type.
Refrigerants with low boiling points have correspondingly high condensing pressures at normal ambient
temperatures. They cannot be liquefied by conventional air or water-cooled condensing units. Therefore, low
temperature refrigerants are condensed by a separate refrigeration system called “the high stage”. The main
job of the high stage in most cascade systems is to condense low stage refrigerant.
A low-stage characteristic is frosted liquid and suction lines. In a normal cascade system, the liquid line is
always below +32 deg. F. The suction line, returning from a -100 deg. F evaporator, assuming 15 degree
superheat, will also be far below freezing.
9.1.3.7 Thermostat
A thermostat TS is mounted on the suction return line near the low stage compressor to monitor the
temperature of the return gas flow. When a predetermined high temperature is reached, the thermostat will
energize the Artificial Loading solenoid 14SOL. The setting is normally 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Leak Testing
Loss of refrigerant is the most common cause of refrigeration failure. Because of temperature extremes
experienced by its metal parts, the cascade system is particularly susceptible to leaks.
Check the entire system with an electronic leak detector. If the system is empty or at low pressure, boost
pressure to 200 PSIG with inert gas (not oxygen) diluted with a percentage of R22 refrigerant. Test again.
A leak check while the system is at low temperature, -80°F or colder, is a necessity. Expansion valve
flanges, superheat adjustment caps, and other mechanical joints should be tightened and checked for leaks
while at low temperature.
You may use a Halide torch to locate large leaks, but make your final test with the more sensitive electronic
leak detector. This is especially important on the low stage. The low stage is gas charged with a relatively
small quantity of refrigerant. Because of this, small leaks can quickly incapacitate the system.
Before replacing the Thermal Cutoff, make sure all power is completely disconnected from the
chamber. Pull the power supply plug from the power supply receptacle and perform your
company Lock Out / Tag Out procedure
You must place needle nose pliers as shown before bending each lead. Otherwise, you
may damage the device.
OEM Manuals