Condair Nortec EL-Series User manual

OPERATION AND
MAINTENANCE MANUAL
Electrode Steam Humidifier
Nortec EL-Series
2582954_D_EN_1811_Nortec-EL_OM
Humidication and Evaporative Cooling
NORTEC
IMPORTANT! Read and save these instructions. This manual to be left with the equipment.

Thank you for choosing Condair
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Commissioning date (DD/MM/YYYY):
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Model:
Serial number:
Proprietary Notice
This document and the information disclosed herein are proprietary data of Condair Ltd. Neither this document, nor
the information contained herein shall be reproduced, used, or disclosed to others without the written authorization
of Condair Ltd., except to the extent required for installation, operation or maintenance of the customer's equipment.
Liability Notice
Condair Ltd. does not accept any liability due to incorrect installation, maintenance or operation of the equipment,
or due to the use of parts/components/equipment that are not authorized by Condair Ltd.
Copyright Notice
© Condair Ltd, All rights reserved.
Technical modication rights reserved.

3Contents
Nortec EL 2582954_D_EN_1811_Nortec-EL_OM
Contents
1 Introduction 5
1.1 Before You Start! 5
1.2 General 5
2 For Your Safety 7
3 Product Overview 9
3.1 General Description 9
3.2 Functional Description 10
4 Operator Interface 13
4.1 Controls 13
4.2 Control Software 15
4.2.1 Home Screen 15
4.2.2 General Navigational Elements 16
4.2.3 Operating Status 16
4.2.4 Maintenance and Fault Status 17
4.2.5 Help 18
4.2.6 System Information 18
4.2.7 Main Menu 25
4.2.7.1 Conguration Menu 27
4.2.7.2 Service Menu 48
4.2.7.3 Administrator Menu 52
4.3 Software Conguration 54
4.3.1 Conguring the Control Software 54
4.3.2 Conguring for Multi-Unit Operation 55
5 Operation 57
5.1 General 57
5.2 Operating Procedures 58
5.2.1 Starting Up 58
5.2.2 Remote Monitoring 58
5.2.3 Inspections During Operation 59
5.2.4 Manually Initiate Steam Cylinder Draining 59
5.2.5 Exporting Trend Data 60
5.2.6 Shutting Down 62
5.2.7 Restarting After Shutdown 62
6 Maintenance 63
6.1 General 63
6.2 Maintenance List 64
6.2.1 Regular Replacement of Steam Cylinder(s) 64
6.2.2 Regular Maintenance of Steam Humidier 64
6.3 Maintenance Procedures 65
6.3.1 Removal and Installation of Door Panels 65
6.3.2 Removal and Installation of Steam Cylinder 66
6.3.3 Removal and Installation of Drain Valve 68
6.3.4 Replacement of Backup Battery and Fuses 69

4Contents 2582954_D_EN_1811_Nortec-EL_OM Nortec EL
6.4 Cleaning 71
6.4.1 Cleaning Agents 71
6.4.2 Cleaning Procedures 71
6.5 Resetting Cylinder 72
6.6 Installing Software and Firmware Updates 73
7 Fault Isolation 75
7.1 General 75
7.2 Fault Indication 75
7.3 General Troubleshooting 76
7.4 Nortec EL Warning and Fault List 78
7.5 Exporting Fault and Service History 83
7.6 Resetting Fault Status 83
8 Wiring Diagrams 85
9 Decommissioning 89
9.1 General 89
9.2 Removal from Service for Disposal or Long-term Storage 90
9.3 Disposal/Recycling 90
10 ProductSpecications 91
10.1 Performance Data 91
10.2 Operating Data 91
10.3 Size and Weight 92
10.3.1 Size 92
10.3.2 Weight 92

5Introduction
Nortec EL 2582954_D_EN_1811_Nortec-EL_OM
1 Introduction
1.1 Before You Start!
Thank you for purchasing the Nortec EL steam humidier.
The Nortec EL steam humidier incorporates the latest technical advances and meets all recognized
safety standards. Never-the-less, improper use of the Nortec EL steam humidier may result in danger
to the user or third parties, and/or damage to property.
To ensure safe, proper and economical operation of the Nortec EL steam humidier, observe and comply
with all information and safety instructions contained in this manual, as well as all relevant documenta-
tion of components of the installed humidication system.
If you have additional questions, contact your local Condair representative. They will be glad to assist you.
1.2 General
Limitations
The subject of this manual is the Nortec EL steam humidier. The various options and accessories may
only be described in-so-far as is necessary for proper operation of the equipment. Additional information
on options and accessories can be obtained in the instructions that are supplied with them.
This manual is restricted to the operation and maintenance of the Nortec EL steam humidier, and is
intended for well trained personnel who are suitably qualied for their respective tasks.
Symbols Used in This Manual
CAUTION!
The word "CAUTION" in conjunction with the general caution symbol is used to provide safety
instructions that, if neglected, may cause damage and/or malfunction of the unit or damage to
property.
WARNING!
The word "WARNING" in conjunction with the general warning symbol is used to provide safety
instructions that, if neglected, may cause injury to personnel. Other specic warning symbols may
also be used in place of the general symbol.
DANGER!
The word "DANGER" in conjunction with the general danger symbol is used to provide safety
instructions that, if neglected, may cause severe injury to personnel or even death. Other specic
danger symbols may also be used in place of the general symbol.

6Introduction 2582954_D_EN_1811_Nortec-EL_OM Nortec EL
Other Related Publications
This operation manual is supplemented by other publications such as the installation manual, spare
parts list, etc., which are included in the delivery of the equipment. Where necessary, appropriate cross-
references to these publications have been added in this manual.
Storage of Manual
Keep this manual in a place where it is safe and readily accessible. If the equipment is moved to another
location, make sure that the manual is passed on to the new user.
If the manual is lost or misplaced, contact your local Condair representative for a replacement copy.

7For Your Safety
Nortec EL 2582954_D_EN_1811_Nortec-EL_OM
2 For Your Safety
General
Every person who is tasked with the operation and maintenance of the Nortec EL steam humidier must
read and understand this manual before performing any work. Knowing and understanding the contents
of the operation manual is a basic requirement for protecting personnel against any kind of danger,
preventing faulty operation, and operating the unit safely and correctly.
All labels, signs and marking applied to the Nortec EL steam humidier must be observed and kept in
a readable state.
PersonnelQualications
All procedures described in this manual must only be performed by personnel who are adequately quali-
ed, well trained and are authorized by the customer.
For safety and warranty reasons, any activity beyond the scope of this manual must only be performed
by qualied personnel authorized by Condair.
All personnel working with the Nortec EL steam humidier must be familiar with, and comply with the
appropriate regulations on workplace safety and prevention of accidents.
Intended Use
The Nortec EL steam humidier is intended exclusively for air humidication using a Condair-approved
steam distributor or blower pack within specied operating conditions (refer to "Operating Data" on page 91
for details). Any other type of application, without the express written consent of Condair, is considered
to be not conforming to its intended purpose, and may lead to dangerous operation and will void the
warranty.
In order to operate the equipment in the intended manner all information contained in this manual, in
particular the safety instructions, must be observed closely.
DangersthatmayarisefromtheNortecELsteamhumidier:
DANGER!
Risk of electric shock!
The NortecELsteamhumidierismainspowered.Livepartsmaybeexposedwhenthedoor
panels are removed. Touching live parts may cause severe injury or even death.
Prevention:Before performing any work inside the Nortec EL steam humidier, shut down the
humidier properly and secure it against accidental power-up as described in "Shutting Down" on
page 62.
WARNING!
Riskofsevereburnsfromexposuretohotsteamvapours!
TheNortecELsteamhumidierproduceshotsteamvapours.Contactwiththehotsteam
vapours can result in severe burns.
Prevention:Never perform any work on the steam system (including the steam lines, steam dis-
tributors, etc.) while the humidier is operating. Shut down the Nortec EL steam humidier, as
described in "Shutting Down" on page 62 before xing any leaks in the steam system.

8For Your Safety 2582954_D_EN_1811_Nortec-EL_OM Nortec EL
WARNING!
Risk of severe burns from contact with hot surfaces!
Components of the stream system (including the steam cylinder, steam distributors, etc.)
get up to 212°F (100°C) during operation. Contact with the hot surfaces can result in severe
burns.
Prevention:Shut down the Nortec EL steam humidier as described in "Shutting Down" on page 62
and wait for the components to cool down before performing any work on the steam system.
CAUTION!
Risk of damage to internal components from electrostatic discharge (ESD)!
Theelectroniccomponentsinsidethehumidieraresensitivetoelectrostaticdischarge
(ESD).
Prevention: Take appropriate measures to protect the electronic components inside the unit against
damage caused by electrostatic discharge (ESD). Refer to ANSI/ESD-S20.20.
Preventing Unsafe Operation
If it is suspected that the Nortec EL steam humidier cannot be operated safely for any of the reasons
listed below, shut it down immediately, as described in "Shutting Down" on page 62,and secure it against
accidental power-up.
• Humidier is damaged
• Electrical connections are loose or damaged
• Humidier is not operating properly
• Leaks in the steam system
All personnel working with the Nortec EL steam humidier must immediately report to the customer any
alternations to the humidier that may a󰀨ect safety.
ModicationsProhibited
Modicationsarenotpermitted on the Nortec EL steam humidier without the express written consent
of Condair.
Always use original Condair replacement parts and accessories available through your local Condair
representative.

9Product Overview
Nortec EL 2582954_D_EN_1811_Nortec-EL_OM
3 Product Overview
3.1 General Description
The Nortec EL steam humidier is an atmospheric steam generator, which operates on the electrode
heating principle. It is designed for direct room humidication using a blower pack, or humidication
through the ducts in an air handling unit using a steam distributor.
The Nortec EL steam humidier has state-of-the-art features. It has an integrated control board which
not only controls the humidier, but also allows the humidier to be connected to a building automation
system (BACnet, Lonworks, Modbus) or the internet so it can be controlled and monitored remotely.
In addition, up to six humidiers (12 cylinders) can be set up in a main-extension conguration using
Condair's Linkup system to satisfy large humidication needs.
The Nortec EL steam humidier comes in three di󰀨erent housing sizes – small, medium and large. The
small and medium size models have a single steam cylinder, while the large model is equipped with
dual steam cylinders. Each steam cylinder has its own dedicated driver board to receive control signal
inputs. The dual driver boards allow the large models to be congured to operate in series, in parallel
or independent mode to control humidity in one or more zones depending on how they are congured.
Figure 1 shows the various components of the Nortec EL steam humidier (door panels removed for clarity).
Figure 1:
1
2
3
5
8
9
12
13
15
16
17
18
19
21
23
25
6
10
11
20
22
24
14
4
7
Nortec EL Steam Humidier (Medium size model shown)
1 Main contactor, K1
2 Driver board
3 Terminal block, high voltage supply
4 Specication label
5 Transformer
6 Remote fault indication PCB
7 Integrated control board
8 Cylinder strap
9 Electrode plug
10 Steam outlet hose (optional)
11 Steam adaptor (optional)
12 Sensor, high water level (orange wire)
13 Low voltage terminal
14 Front panel
15 Touchscreen display
16 On/Off switch
17 Drain canal
18 Drain valve
19 Steam cylinder
20 Fill hose (ll cup to cylinder)
21 Fill valve
22 Fill hose (ll valve to ll cup)
23 Steam outlet, steam cylinder
24 Overow hose
25 Fill cup

10 Product Overview 2582954_D_EN_1811_Nortec-EL_OM Nortec EL
3.2 Functional Description
Refer to Figure 1 on page 9 and Figure 2 on page 11.
Water Supply
Water enters the humidier through the ll valve into the open ll cup with integral air gap, and then ows
down through the ll hose into the steam cylinder.
Steam Generation
When the humidier receives a signal to supply steam the contactor closes, and after a 60 second delay
the ll valve opens and water enters the bottom of the steam cylinder, as described above.
As soon as the electrodes come in contact with the water, current begins to ow between the electrodes,
generating heat. As the water level continues to rise, more surface of the electrodes come in contact
with the water. This results in more current draw. Once the water has heated to the boiling point, steam
will be produced. (Note: On rst startup when the conductivity level of the water is low, it may take 30-
60 minutes for water to heat su󰀩ciently to produce steam).
When the steam output reaches the requested level, the ll valve closes. As water is evaporated, the
water level and current drop. When the current falls below a certain percentage of the requested level,
the ll valve opens to raise the water level and the current and maintain the required steam output level.
When the actual output is higher than the requested steam output, the ll valve remains closed until
the desired output level is achieved through a gradual lowering of the water level due to evaporation.
Water Level Monitoring
A sensor monitors the high water level in the steam cylinder. When the sensor detects the high water
level, the ll valve closes to prevent over-lling.
Drainage
As the evaporation process continues, the conductivity level of the water increases due to the increasing
levels of residual minerals left behind as the water turns into steam. This a󰀨ects the current draw, which
can rise beyond optimal levels. To prevent this from happening, the Nortec EL's auto-adaptive control
algorithm periodically drains some concentrated water in the cylinder and replaces it with fresh water.
Control
Steam production can be controlled using the continuous proportional (P) or the proportional-integral
(PI) controller internal to the humidier, or an external modulating controller, or with an On/O󰀨 control
signal from an external humidistat.