This article applies to South-Tek Systems industrial N2-GEN TS, CS, and S series PSA nitrogen generators.
The touchscreen interface allows the user to start and stop the generator, monitor operating status, review alarms, view trends, and access configurable system settings. This article provides a high-level guide to the main screens and user-facing controls.
Home screen
The Home screen is the main navigation point for the generator touchscreen. From this screen, users can access the dashboard, operation view, graphs, alarms, product information, and system settings.
Powering the unit on and off
The generator is powered on and off using an external power switch or disconnect, typically supplied by others.
Emergency stop
If included, the emergency stop button can be used to stop all generator functions in an emergency. The E-Stop may be mounted on the side or face of the generator.
Start and stop control
- The Start/Stop button is located in the lower right corner of the touchscreen.
- Green indicates the unit is started and considered On.
- Red indicates the unit is stopped and considered Off.
- Press and hold the button for approximately 2 seconds to change states.
When the generator is on, it will cycle automatically to fill the nitrogen storage tank. Once tank pressure reaches the cut-out setting, the generator enters standby. When pressure falls back to the cut-in setting, the generator automatically restarts.
When the generator is stopped, the internal valves return to their normal position. South-Tek recommends valving off the nitrogen storage tank outlet to the process so tank pressure does not drop below cut-in, which can cause purity to fall out of specification briefly after restart.
Dashboard screen
The dashboard is the primary operating status screen. It displays:
- Current date and time
- Nitrogen pressure
- Bed pressure
- Oxygen content
- Generator status
- Run hours
The dashboard also allows the user to scroll through attached sensors and view alarm status. Run hours only accumulate while the generator is actively cycling and producing nitrogen. Standby time is not included.
Sensor data log
From the dashboard, the user can access the sensor data log screen. If the logging option is included, generator data can be tracked and recorded to a memory card. Logged values may include current, average, minimum, and maximum readings for available sensors.
Systems equipped with logging functionality can record data to a specially formatted South-Tek micro SD card for export to a .CSV file.
Operation screen
The operation screen provides a visual representation of the nitrogen generation process and is typically the default screen after initial setup. It also allows the user to display sensor values and access the alarm mute function.
Trending graphs
The graphs menu displays historical trending data for installed sensors. Every generator includes nitrogen tank pressure trending. Optional graphing may also be available for oxygen purity, air flow, nitrogen flow, and incoming air pressure.
Users can adjust the graph Y-axis scale by entering custom minimum and maximum values. The graph screen also provides navigation arrows and gridline display.
Alarm screen and alarm log
The alarm screen displays active alarms. From this screen, users can also access the alarm log, which stores a history of unit alarms with the associated date and time. Up to 256 alarms can be stored at one time.
Resetting the alarm log will clear previously stored alarm history.
Product information screen
The information screen provides unit details such as:
- Current run hours
- Program version
- Manufacture build date
- Serial number
- Commission date
System settings
The system settings menu is password protected. Depending on the options included with the package, settings may include:
- N2 pressure settings
- Sensor setup and calibration
- BlastOff settings
- Change time/date
- Remote start/stop settings
- Display unit settings
Important: Cut-in and cut-out pressure settings are factory set and should not be adjusted without contacting South-Tek Systems, as changes may affect nitrogen purity and flow performance.
Sensor setup and calibration
The calibration screen allows the user to calibrate installed sensors. Standard units include a nitrogen storage pressure sensor, and many systems also include an oxygen sensor. Calibration uses two known points and should only be performed with the proper reference values and procedure.
Remote start/stop
If included, the remote start/stop option can be enabled through the touchscreen settings. Proper PLC communication and wiring must be set up in accordance with the wiring diagram.
Display unit settings
The display unit settings screen allows the user to switch between imperial and metric units.
Maintenance menu
The maintenance menu includes manual valve control and alarm contact test functions.
- Valve controls: Allows the user to individually toggle valves for verification. The generator should be in Stopped mode and the nitrogen outlet valved off before using this screen.
- Alarm contacts: Displays active alarm options and allows testing of optional common alarm and buzzer functions.
Filter replacement screen
The filter replacement history screen shows the last change dates for filter elements, current filter status, and South-Tek filter part numbers. After changing filters, the user can reset the filter calendar from this screen.
Alarm settings
Alarm settings allow the user to configure alarm points for purity, nitrogen tank pressure, and optional BlastOff or PurityProtect functions. The local audible buzzer can also be enabled or disabled through the general alarm settings.