N2GEN-FLEX Series Alarms, Trends, and Common Troubleshooting – South-Tek Systems

This article applies to South-Tek Systems industrial N2GEN-FLEX series PSA nitrogen generators.

The N2GEN-FLEX touchscreen provides alarm history, live operating trends, and stored historical data to help users review system behavior and identify basic operating issues. This article explains what those screens show and outlines common troubleshooting steps for the system.

Alarm Record screen

The Alarm Record screen shows the date and time of recorded alarm events. This screen also includes alarm reset functions.

Alarm record section
Alarm reset section

Maintenance alarms should only be reset after the required service has been performed. If an alarm repeats, do not continue resetting it without first reviewing the system condition.

Current Curve or Historical Curve screen

The touchscreen includes a trend screen that displays operating curves for the main process values. Depending on software version, this may be labeled Current Curve or Historical Curve.

Purity trend
Flow rate trend
Pressure trend

This screen is useful for identifying changes in generator behavior over time, including purity swings, pressure changes, or unstable flow conditions.

Historical Data screen

The Historical Data screen shows stored operating records for pressure, purity, and flow rate.

Historical data section
Adjustable historical data storage interval

The data storage interval can be adjusted based on operational needs. This screen can be helpful when reviewing how the system was performing before an alarm or shutdown event.

Common alarm-related settings

The User Settings screens contain several setpoints that affect how alarms are triggered and how the system responds.

Low Pressure Alarm
Purity Alarm Start Time
Purity Alarm Stop Time
Purity Alarm Setting
Purity Discharge Rate

A low pressure alarm will activate when inlet pressure falls below the configured low pressure alarm setting. A purity alarm will activate if the purity does not meet the configured requirement within the set time. If the purity issue is not resolved within the configured stop time, the system may shut down.

The Purity Discharge Rate setting controls the minimum acceptable purity for gas being sent to the application. Gas below that threshold will be discharged to atmosphere instead of being sent downstream.

How to review an alarm condition

Open the Alarm Record screen and review the alarm history.
Check the Status screen for current pressure, purity, and flow rate.
Review the Current Curve or Historical Curve screen for operating trends.
Review Historical Data if stored records are needed.
Confirm whether a maintenance interval, filter interval, or purity issue may be contributing to the condition.

Common troubleshooting

PLC will not turn on

If the PLC will not turn on, begin by checking the system power supply.

Confirm supplied power is within specification.
Ensure the system is plugged in.
Ensure breakers are on.

System will not start

If the system will not start, first verify that the emergency stop has not been engaged.

Turn the E-Stop button clockwise to deactivate it.
Confirm the touchscreen is active and responsive.
Confirm the system is not still within the shutdown delay period.

Excessive noise

If the system is making excessive noise, there may be a leak or a worn component that requires service.

Inspect for obvious signs of leakage if it is safe to do so.
Schedule a service visit to inspect the system and replace worn components.

Additional operating checks

When reviewing an alarm or abnormal operating condition, also verify the following:

The touchscreen is powered on and responsive.
Incoming power is within specification.
Incoming air supply is available and within the required conditions.
No unauthorized changes have been made to system settings.
Required maintenance has not been overdue.

Do not change protected settings

Do not adjust timing values, calibration values, analyzer settings, or other control settings unless specifically directed by South-Tek Systems. Improper changes may affect alarms, displayed values, and generator operation.

When to contact South-Tek

Contact South-Tek Systems if alarms continue to repeat, if purity does not recover during normal operation, if the PLC will not power on after basic power checks, or if the system develops abnormal noise or suspected leakage.

Full manual

For full operating, installation, and maintenance guidance, download the complete O&M manual below.

Download the N2GEN-FLEX Series O&M Manual

Need additional support?

If you need help reviewing alarms, trend data, or troubleshooting a FLEX system, contact South-Tek Systems Service.

Phone: (910) 415-1880
Email: support@southteksystems911.zendesk.com