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Commissioning & Safe Start-Up Sequence
With reference to the diagram in the
Recommended Piping Layout
section.
Once the generator has been installed, DO NOT Switch on the power immediately. It is
recommended that the inlet compressed air supply valve (1) remains closed, and that
the inlet bypass valve (2) is opened slightly to sufficiently allow the inlet compressed
air to vent and purge any remaining moisture from the newly installed pipework (if this
is the first operation of the compressed air supply, it is recommended that the air be
vented for a minimum of 2hrs to allow the air filtration and dryer to stabilise).
Once the inlet pipework has been purged, the inlet bypass valve (2) can then be
closed and the pressure gradually introduced to the generator by slowly opening
the compressed air inlet (1) valve. The outlet bypass valve (3) should now be open to
atmosphere, and the delivery valve (4) to the customer application should be closed.
Ensure that both Process Tank Isolation valves (5) are both fully open.
The power can then be turned on. On first start up air will be introduced to Column
1 and the front panel gauge will slowly start to rise. The front panel display will show
a message “COLUMN 1” and a timer counting up. After approx. 30 to 80 seconds
(timing will vary depending on your specific performance requirements) the front panel
display will briefly show an “EQUALIZING” message and the pressure on Column 1 and
2 gauges should level out. Column 1 will then vent rapidly to zero and column 2 will
continue to rise slowly. During this process the TANK pressure gauge should continue
to slowly rise. Allow the Nitrogen Process Gas Tank to reach pressure, then continue
to vent the outlet gas through the bypass valve (3) for a minimum of 4 hours (ideally
this should be done overnight to fully purge all the remaining oxygen/moisture in the
system).
The Generator has been pre-set in the factory to give the specified output flow-rate
and pressure. Failure to achieve the factory specification after maintenance may be as
a result of an incorrect service procedure, please review any maintenance carried out.
If unable to achieve specification contact Peak Gas Generation for further assistance.
After this time the outlet bypass valve (3) can be closed, and the delivery valve (4) to
the customer application should be slowly opened to pressurize the line.
The design of the generator is that it will deliver up to your specific output pressure and
flow of nitrogen. Should the demand for Nitrogen be less than the rated output flow,
or indeed should the demand stop the generator will automatically go into ECO Mode
and the front panel LED will illuminate. In ECO mode the changeover of the columns is
suspended which will stop the consumption of inlet compressed air. The control system
will automatically detect when the demand resumes and the generator will start to
produce nitrogen again.