This article covers day-to-day operation of the TL-450 and TL-1050, which use a PLC controller with a Run/Standby display. If your unit has a touchscreen, see the HMI Controls & Operation article instead.
The controller display
The controller is mounted on the side of the cabinet. Its screen shows the current run mode and run hours, and the buttons below it provide access to the BlastOff test and the filter-change reset.
Run and Standby modes
The system has two run modes, Run and Standby. When you turn on the power switch, the controller automatically determines which mode to enter and shows it on screen: Run in green and StdBy in amber.
- Run: the system is producing nitrogen and feeding it to the storage tank.
- Standby: the tank is fully pressurized, so production stops and the compressor shuts off.
The system fills the storage tank to about 70 PSIG and then enters Standby. It stays in Standby until the tank pressure falls 7 to 10 PSIG. When nitrogen is drawn and the tank drops below the cut-in pressure (about 62 PSIG), the pressure switch returns the system to Run and recharges the tank. The pressure switch is preset at the factory and needs no field adjustment.
Starting and stopping
- Start: turn on the power switch and make sure the valves on the gas lines are open.
- Stop: close the valves on the gas lines. Powering the system down is not necessary.
- Emergency shutoff: turn off the power switch on the control panel on the side of the generator.
Switch mode: BlastOff test and filter reset
The two front buttons work only when the controller is in S (Switch) mode and unlocked. If the screen shows LOCK, press and hold the Mode Select Button to unlock it (repeat to lock again). With the controller unlocked, press the Mode Select Button until the system mode indicator shows S.
- BlastOff Simulation (button 5): hold for 3 seconds to activate. This simulates a BlastOff event and trips the alarm dry contact for 2 seconds so you can confirm it is working.
- Filter Change Reset (button 0): after installing a new filter kit, press and hold for 7 seconds. An audible beep confirms the 1,000-hour timer and filter alarm have reset.
Status and alarm displays
| Display | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Run (green) | Producing nitrogen to the storage tank | None |
| StdBy (amber) | Tank full; system in standby | None |
| F Alm (red) | Filter change overdue (every 1 year or 1,000 hours) | Change the filters, then reset using button 0 (see Switch mode) |
| b ōFF (red) | BlastOff detected a downstream line leak | Turn the unit off and back on to reset, then correct the leak. Do not reset repeatedly. |
The unit also has a low-pressure alarm contact that trips when the system falls below its set pressure (default 1 PSIG) and resets when the pressure rises 1 PSIG above the set point. If the BlastOff alarm returns or the system runs excessively, see the Troubleshooting article to isolate the leak.
Access and programming
The controller is fully programmed and needs no values entered to run. Do not modify the program, as doing so voids the warranty. If the program fails, first cycle power to the system. If that does not resolve it, contact South-Tek Systems.
Related articles
- TL Series — HMI Controls & Operation
- TL Series — Startup & Commissioning
- TL Series — Troubleshooting
- TL Series — Filter Replacement & Preventive Maintenance
- TL Series — Safety Guidelines