Low temperature circulator LTC4 Operating Manual
Grant Instruments, based near Cambridge, England is a world leader in the manufacture and design of equipment for sample preparation, scientific analysis, data acquisition and data analysis providing solutions to the global scientific and industrial markets. Standards Compliance and Quality Grants’ brand and reputation are based around quality, reliability and accuracy. We ensure our products stringently meet all necessary international safety standards.
Contents Contents 1.0 Use of products 2.0 How to use this operating manual 3.0 Safety information 3.1 Safety compliance 3.2 Safety symbols 3.3 Safety warnings 4.0 Operating instructions 4.1 Unpacking instructions 4.2 Fitting the controller to the Refrigeration unit 4.3 Recommended liquids 4.4 Installation 4.5 Electrical supply 5.0 Operating procedures 5.1 Operation 5.1.1 Liquid level 5.1.2 Operation above 60°C 5.1.3 Setting the over-temperature thermostat 5.1.4 Using the control unit pump 5.1.
7.1 Which water should you use in your LTC4 tank? 7.2 How to prevent rust in LTC4 tanks 7.3 How to prevent algae and bacteria? 8.0 Warranty information 9.0 Maintenance and service 9.1 Routine maintenance 9.2 Cleaning 9.3 Fuses 9.5 Routine safety tests 9.6 Service 10.0 Optional accessories 10.1 Alternative pump 11.0 Troubleshooting 12.0 Contact Grant Instruments 13.0 Compliance Notes 31115 V1 Page 3 31 31 32 32 32 32 32 33 33 34 34 34 35 38 38 39 LTC4 Operating Manual www.grantinstruments.
1.0 Use of products The following products are covered by this operating manual: LTC4 & LTC4L The products listed above low temperature circulators designed for indoor laboratory use by a professional user. The LTC4 consists of a TX150 immersion thermostat combined with an R4 refrigeration unit, with insulated hoses and clips to allow circulation of temperature control fluids to external equipment. 2.
3.3 Safety warnings Read the whole of these instructions. Safety may be impaired if they are not followed. Only use liquids specified in these operating instructions, within the specified temperature range. If the alarm lamp is illuminated the liquid temperature may be above its recommended maximum. Do not inhale the vapours given off as they may be toxic. Liquids should be safely discarded and replaced. Do not use the R series unit with flammable heat transfer liquids.
4.0 Operating instructions 4.1 Unpacking instructions Standard equipment includes: LTC4 low temperature circulator Pump connector kit 4 x Jubilee clips 6m of insulated hose Mains cord Operating manual The LTC weighs 39.5kg . Take necessary precautions when moving and lifting. Remove packing materials carefully and retain them for future shipment or storage of the equipment. 4.
To ensure protection the overtemperature cut-out must be set appropriately for the heat transfer liquid selected (see table below). If using non-recommended heat transfer liquids it is important to set the overtemperature cut-out to a value no higher than 25°C below the fire point of the liquid. Use fume extraction when using silicone fluids at elevated temperatures Temp range Recommended liquid Comments -50°C to 50°C Silicone oil – low viscosity Bayer silicone M3.
4.4 Installation After transportation, let the unit stand in its intended working position for six hours. This is to allow the oil to drain to the bottom of the compressor. This is normal procedure for refrigeration compressors. Allow at least 100mm clearance from obstructions on all sides so that there is free air flow through the unit, from the front to the back (this also has the advantage that air is not blowing directly out of the sides onto instruments next to the LTC4).
5.0 Operating procedures 5.1 Operation 5.1.1 Liquid level Fill the tank to an appropriate level with a liquid suitable for your working temperature; see section 4.3 for liquid options. Allow for thermal expansion and contraction of the liquid during operation and for any liquid in external circulation paths. If using liquids that can evaporate then periodic checking and refilling should be completed.
5.1.4 Using the control unit pump The LTC4 allows liquid to be pumped around a closed external system (not open to the atmosphere). It cannot be used for circulation through an external open tank. The pump is fitted with a blanking plate as standard. Fit a pump connector plate as shown below. Ensure o-rings are located in the grooves, use silicone grease to hold the o-rings in place. Note: the blanking/connector plates have a locating hole (see A below) to assist correct alignment onto the pump moulding.
For the connecting cable use a mating XLR style connector such as the NC3FXX manufactured by Neutrik AG The switch over contacts are rated at 24V AC or DC 2A maximum. The relay is rated 24Vac or dc at 2A; to prevent injury or equipment damage, do not connect to greater voltages or attempt to switch greater currents. Voltages as low as 22Vac can be hazardous in locations where wetting of the skin can occur.
5.2 Using the LTC4 5.2.1 Product description, control unit Over-temperature dial Full colour display Function button Select button Main dial Pump outlet plate Float switch Heater coils 5.2.2 Product description, user interface and controls The TX150 features a full colour graphic display, a main dial and two buttons F and S. All functions (setting temperature, pump speed, countdown timer, presets, programs settings and standby mode) can be configured from the home screen.
5.2.3 Product desciption, rear panel connections External probe input USB port RS232 communcations port Switched relay port Mains power input 5.2.4 Communications ports The TX150 and TXF200 provide a RS232 and a USB data port for communication with a PC running Grant Labwise™ software. Labwise™ provides the abilty to remotely configure, control, monitor programs as well as log program temperature data. Only use a RS232 cable supplied by Grant instruments. The USB cable is a Type A to Type B style 5.
5.2.7 Product description, refrigeration unit front panel (grille removed) Power switch Over temperature protection reset Freezing protection, 5˚C switch Drain port Drain insert Condenser fins The over temperature protection reset: protects the unit from overheating by the over temperature cut-out. This will be actuated when the working fluid is raised above between 110°C and 120°C.
5.2.8 Product description, refrigeration, rear panels Communications lead fuse & socket Communications lead fuse & socket Power supply for accessory pumps Power supply for accessory pumps Main fuses Mains inlet Mains inlet 220-240V unit 5.2.9 110-120V unit Display. Explanation of home screen icons. Communication Relay External probe Settings Heater on indicator (high power) Standby °c . .
current liquid temperature the heater will switch on and the heater icon will be displayed. 5.2.11 Running a bath preset Each TX150/TXF200 contains three presets which can be configured to different set temperatures and in the case of the TXF200 the pump speed can additionally be configured. This allows the bath to be conveniently run at frequently used temperatures and pump speeds. See section 5.3.1 for information on preset configuration. 1.
5.2.13 Running a program The TX150 has the capability to run automatic temperature profiles called programs. The TX150 has the capacity to store 1 program containing 30 individual temperature/time segments.The TXF150 can only be configured and edited using Grant Labwise™ software When a program is running icon access is limited to the standby and program functions 1. Rotate the dial until the program icon is highlighted, press the S button. °c . °c .
1. Rotate the dial until the standby icon is highlighted, press the S button. °c . °c . : °c . . °c The temperature and countdown timer values are no longer displayed. 2. To resume operation, rotate the dial until the standby icon is highlighted, press the S button. The display returns to the home screen and the TX150 resumes operation at the last temperature and pump speed set. : 5.2.
5.3 Viewing, editing and saving settings 5.3.1 Configuring a preset 1. Rotate the dial until the settings icon is highlighted, press the S button. °c . °c . : °c Settings Pressing F returns to the home screen without making changes. . 2. Rotate the dial to scroll up and down the list, until preset is highlighted, press the S to select. Pressing F returns to the settings screen without making changes. Presets Liquid Probe Alarms Settings . °c 3.
5.3.2 Selecting a liquid type The liquid type determines the limits of the set temperature range.
5.3.3 Selecting a temperature probe type The bath temperature can be controlled using an internal or external temperature probe. 1. Rotate the dial until the settings icon is highlighted, press the S button. °c . . °c : °c Settings . 2. Rotate the dial to scroll up and down the list until probe is highlighted, press S to select. Probe options are displayed Probe Alarms Buzzer Language °c Settings Probe . 3.
5.3.4 Configuring high and low temperature alarms There are three functions in the alarm menu. 1. A high alarm function, which causes an alarm condition when the bath temperature goes higher than the alarm value. The alarm value can be set as a fixed temperature above the set temperature or a deviation offset value above the set temperature. Below is an example of a high temperature deviation alarm, where the deviation value has been set to 5˚C. High temperature deviation alarm.
Hold off time. Temp Alarm acknowledged Hold off period 8 mins Alarm value Set point temp Liquid temp Time 2 0 5 10 15 Each alarm can be programmed to latch, activate an audible buzzer and a relay. Alarms are cancelled by pressing the F or S button or if an alarm condition has been removed. 1. Rotate the dial until the settings icon is highlighted, press the S button. °c . . °c : °c Settings . 2.
. High Alarm 5. Temperature is highlighted, press S to select. °c 6. Rotate the dial to define the temperature value, press S to set. °c Temperature . Latching On Relay On Buzzer Off 7. Rotate the dial to highlight latching, press S to select. Save 8. Rotating the dial will display on/off, press S to select. When latching is on, a temperature alarm continues unless acknowledged by the user even if the temperature comes back in range 9.
5.3.5 Setting the buzzer volume level Three buzzer volume levels are available, low, medium and high and off. 1. Rotate the dial until the settings icon is highlighted, press the S button. °c . . °c : °c Settings . 2. Rotate the dial to scroll up and down the list until buzzer is highlighted, press S to select. Volume options are displayed. Probe Alarms Buzzer Language °c Settings . 3.
°c Settings . 2. Rotate the dial to scroll up and down the list until language is highlighted, press S to select. Language options are displayed. Probe Alarms Buzzer Language Settings . °c Probe 3. Rotate the dial to scroll through the language options (English, French, German, Italian and Spanish) press S to save the selection. The display returns to the settings screen. Alarms Buzzer Language 5.3.7 4. Press F to return to the home screen.
3. Rotate the dial to toggle between on/off, press S to save the selection. °c Settings . The display returns to the settings screen. Alarms Buzzer 4. Press F to return to the home screen. Language Relay 5.4 On Completing a calibration The TX150 allows up to five temperature points to be calibrated.
Calibration points must be a minimum of 5˚C apart and there must be at least 20˚C between the highest and lowest points. Any points added that do not match these criteria will not be accepted by the unit. Once set, calibration points can be changed or deleted but a minimum of 2 points must remain. Prior to calibration, ensure the probe type to be calibrated is selected, (internal or external); the bath is set to the desired temperature and has been stable at the temperature for at least 5 minutes. 1.
5.4.1 Restoring factory calibration settings If the thermometer value is entered before the bath temperature is completely stable the calibration could be poor and liquid temperature readings will be incorrect. If the TX150/TXF200 is not in accordance with the thermometer following calibration then it may not have been successful and the unit should be reset, using the restore factory settings function. °c Calibrate Probe Point 19.86 c Point 70.04 c . 2.
6.0 Technical specifications 6.1 Operating conditions Ambient temperature range 5 to 40°C Altitude above sea level Up to 2,000m (6,500ft) Operating environment Indoor use only Maximum relative humidity 80% RH up to 31°C decreasing to 50% RH at 40°C 6.2 Electrical details Mains supply: Pollution degree: Installation category: 230V @ 50Hz or 120V @ 60Hz 2 II Mains supply voltage fluctuations are not to exceed ±10% of the nominal supply voltage. 6.
7.0 Technical Tips 7.1 Which water should you use in your LTC4 tank? For the long-term reliability of the equipment it is important to use oxygenated water that is free from ions and minerals that can cause corrosion of stainless steel. We recommend the use of distilled water and de-ionised water from modern ion exchange systems that do not use salt back flushing to regenerate the ion-exchange cartridges. Stainless steel is protected from corrosion by a layer of chromium oxide.
7.3 How to prevent algae and bacteria? Water baths provide the ideal environment for the growth of micro-organisms. If left uncontrolled the growth of these organisms can result in a range of serious problems and health risks from pathogenic bacteria. The growth of algae on the surface of parts will cause biofouling which can reduce performance. Micro-organisms that produce acidic metabolic by-products can cause bio-corrosion by depolarisation of metal surfaces.
Clean the outside of the equipment with a damp cloth, using water only. Do not use chemical cleaning agents. Before using any other cleaning or decontamination method, check with Grant Instruments or your local representative to make sure that the proposed method will not damage the equipment. Scale on immersed parts can be removed using chemical de-scaling products designed for use on equipment that has metal parts.
9.6 Service If service is required, switch off the unit and contact Grant Instruments or your local representative for repairs. Please note, all returned units must be accompanied by a Return Materials Authorisation (RMA) number, obtainable by contacting the Grant service department (details below). Service Department Grant Instruments (Cambridge) Ltd Shepreth Cambridgeshire SG8 6GB UK Tel: +44 (0) 1763 260 811 Fax: +44 (0) 1763 262 410 E-mail: labservice@grantinstruments.com 10.
11.0 Troubleshooting Symptom Possible cause Action required Unit fails to cool Compressor Wait for compressor to cool, when thermostat overheated causing will reset and compressor will switch on again. internal overtemperature thermostat to operate Unit failing to cool below 5°C Freezing protection switch is on and is preventing further cooling Unit not cooling at higher temperatures Over temperature Refrigeration unit may have temperatures in protection switch has excess of 100°C.
Symptom Possible cause Action required Display shows “Low Temperature Alarm” Low temperature warning alarm has tripped Check that the bath set temperature is correct (see section 5.2.10). Check that low temperature alarm is correct (section 5.3.4). Check that the liquid level in the bath is adequate Unit showing erratic temperatures Calibration values not Restore the factory calibration settings (see set correctly section 5.4.1) then re-calibrate if required (see section 5.4).
Symptom Possible cause Action required Display shows “Low liquid Alarm” Liquid level has dropped below minimum level Check that the liquid level in the bath is adequate Display shows “Internal temperature probe Fault” Faulty temperature probe Have a competent person check the probe for an open or short circuit fault or contact Grant.
12.0 Contact Grant Instruments At Grant we are continuously trying to improve the performance we offer our customers. If you have any feedback on Grant’s products or services we would like to hear from you. Please send all feedback to: Quality Manager Grant Instruments (Cambridge) Ltd Shepreth Cambridgeshire SG8 6GB UK Tel: +44 (0) 1763 260 811 Fax: +44 (0) 1763 262 410 E-mail: feedback@grantinstruments.com 13.
Notes 31115 V1 Page 39 LTC4 Operating Manual www.grantinstruments.
LTC4 Operating Manual 31115 V1 Page 40 www.grantinstruments.
31115 V1 Page 41 LTC4 Operating Manual www.grantinstruments.
LTC4 Operating Manual 31115 V1 Page 42 www.grantinstruments.
Grant Instruments (Cambridge) Ltd Shepreth Cambridgeshire SG8 6GB UK Tel: +44 (0) 1763 260811 Fax: +44 (0) 1763 262410 Email: labsales@grantinstruments.com www.grantinstruments.
