Conviron PGW40 User manual
PGW40
OPERATOR MANUAL
Please read these instructions carefully
and completely before operating the
chamber.
Conviron Document Number 296742-ENG, Revision R00
Published by:
CONVIRON 590 Berry Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Canada, R3H 0R9
www.conviron.com
September 10, 2020
EU declaration of conformity available upon request
Printed in Canada
©2020 Controlled Environments Limited
Conviron is a registered trademark of Controlled Environments Limited. All other trademarks are the property of their
respective owners. Information is subject to change without written notice.
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PREFACE
Welcome to the PGW40 Operator Manual.
This manual describes the features and use of PGW40 chamber and is designed to provide
sufficient detail for the different kit configurations, including a structured format providing step-by-
step instructions. Clients will find sufficient detail for a typical installation including figures,
diagrams, and graphics to operate the chamber without issue. However, given that many
installations are specific to each facility and that facilities may have unique requirements,
additional information or assistance from Conviron may be required.
This equipment is only to be used by authorized personnel - that is, personnel who have been
trained in the proper use of the equipment and who have read this manual.
Latest Manual Versions and Languages
For the latest version of this and other manuals, please visit www.conviron.com.
For manuals in other languages, or for additional printed manuals, please contact Conviron head
office.
Functional Description
This chamber is designed to provide a controlled environment for plant production and scientific
experiments including, but not limited to, plant science, biotechnology, and entomology.
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WEEE and RoHS Compliance Statements
CONVIRON is committed to meeting all requirements of the WEEE directive (2012/19/EU). Please
contact Conviron, or your Conviron distributor, for proper handling and disposal instructions.
RoHS Compliance
Conviron meets the requirements of the RoHS directive (2011/65/EU) and its amendments. The
RoHS directive sets limits for the inclusion of hazardous chemicals.
Document Conventions
Conviron maintains a policy of continual improvement and reserves the right to change the
product without prior notice. Therefore, the images used throughout this manual may differ slightly
from the actual configuration due to updates and product changes.
•Wherever possible, textual descriptions are accompanied by photographs or line
drawings of the chamber to assist the reader in understanding the material.
•Frequent reference is made to left and right sides throughout this manual. Left is
considered to be the left-hand side while facing the equipment.
•Indented bold and italicized text is used to introduce instructions.
•Italicized text is used to identify additional reference manuals.
The “PLEASE NOTE” symbol is used to draw attention to additional information
which may assist in the operation of the equipment.
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SERVICE & TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Before contacting Conviron, please check the following:
•Read this document and the accompanying control system manual in their entirety
before attempting to operate the chamber.
•If you are having a problem using your cabinet(s), pay particular attention to the
relevant section and the pertinent information in this manual, and use the information to
diagnose and correct the problem.
•If the problem persists and/or you require additional assistance please collect the
following information prior to contacting Conviron:
•The serial number of the cabinet, located on the rating plate on the rear of the
chamber.
•The software version of the control system. Instructions for obtaining the software
version of your control system are provided in the control system operator
manual.
•A description of the problem.
•A description of what you were doing before the problem occurred.
Head Office
Technical Services
Conviron
590 Berry St.
Winnipeg, Manitoba,
Canada R3H 0R9
Please visit www.conviron.com/contact-us for global service contact information.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1PRECAUTIONS................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Hazard Identification Symbols...................................................................................................1
1.2 General Safety Warnings..........................................................................................................2
1.3 Operational Safety Warnings and Precautions..........................................................................3
1.4 Maintenance Safety Warnings..................................................................................................4
2CHAMBER FEATURES....................................................................................................................5
2.1 Cabinet Details and Features....................................................................................................5
2.2Control System.........................................................................................................................5
2.3 Airflow and Ventilation..............................................................................................................6
2.4 Instrumentation Port.................................................................................................................6
2.5 Communications.......................................................................................................................6
2.6 Central Management System (Optional) ...................................................................................6
3OPERATION.....................................................................................................................................7
3.1 Fluorescent and Incandescent Combination Lighting ................................................................7
3.2 Counterbalanced Canopy.........................................................................................................8
3.3 Plant Placement on the Unifloor®.............................................................................................8
3.4 Instrumentation Ports................................................................................................................9
3.5 Fresh Air Inlet and Exhaust Ports..............................................................................................9
3.6 Airflow....................................................................................................................................10
3.7 Aspirator.................................................................................................................................10
3.8 Lighting Options .....................................................................................................................10
3.8.1 Fluorescent Lighting ................................................................................................10
3.8.2 LED Lighting - LED Option.......................................................................................11
3.8.3 Ceramic Metal Halide Lighting –CMH Option..........................................................11
3.9 Closed Loop Dimmable Lighting System.................................................................................11
3.10 Fan Speed Control (Optional).................................................................................................12
3.11 Additive Humidification –Spray Nozzle Humidification (SNH Option)......................................12
3.12 Chemical Dryer Dehumidification –(CD Option)......................................................................13
3.13 Carbon Dioxide Additive Control (CO2Option)........................................................................13
3.13.1 Setting Up the CO2Control......................................................................................13
3.13.2 Adjusting the CO2Control........................................................................................14
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3.14 Central Management System –CMS Option...........................................................................14
3.15 Shutdown...............................................................................................................................14
4MAINTENANCE..............................................................................................................................15
4.1 Maintenance Schedule...........................................................................................................15
4.2 Machine Compartment Access...............................................................................................16
4.3Maintenance Precautions .......................................................................................................16
4.3.1 Cleaning..................................................................................................................17
5ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ........................................................................................................ 19
5.1 Terms & Definitions................................................................................................................19
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 2-1 PGW40 Chamber Details & Features..............................................................................5
Figure 3-1 Fluorescent Lamp Life Comparison.................................................................................7
Figure 3-2 Counterballanced Lamp Canopy.....................................................................................8
Figure 3-3 Unifloor...........................................................................................................................8
Figure 3-4 Fresh Air Inlet and Exhaust Ports....................................................................................9
Figure 3-5 Chamber Airflow...........................................................................................................10
Figure 4-1 Machine Compartment ................................................................................................. 16
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1-1 Hazard Identification Symbols.........................................................................................1
Table 4-1 Maintenance Schedule................................................................................................. 15
Table 5-1 Terms and Definitions...................................................................................................19
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1 PRECAUTIONS
The equipment is intended to be installed, operated, maintained, and serviced by only trained
personnel, according to the instructions and precautions described in the manuals provided by
Conviron.
Table 1-1 list precautions intended to help guide the user in the safe operation of Conviron
chambers.
1.1 Hazard Identification Symbols
Table 1-1 Hazard Identification Symbols
Symbol
Description
The ″HAZARD WARNING″ symbol is used whenever a general hazard exists which
could cause personal injury or potential equipment damage, and requires correct
procedures/practices for prevention.
The ″IMPORTANT INFORMATION″ symbol is used to identify operating procedures
which must be followed to ensure smooth and efficient equipment operation.
The ″ELECTRICAL SHOCK/ELECTROCUTION″ symbol is used to identify a
source of potentially dangerous electrical current.
The “ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE” symbol is used to identify equipment which
is sensitive to electrostatic discharge.
The ″BURN HAZARD/HOT SURFACE″ symbol is used to identify surfaces which
are hot enough to cause personal injury.
The “SLIPPERY SURFACE” symbol is used to identify a potential hazard caused
by a slippery surface.
The “MOVING PARTS” symbol is used to identify a potential hazard from moving
parts inside the machine compartment.
The ″PROTECTIVE EARTH-GROUND″ symbol is used to identify the protective
earth connection.
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Symbol
Description
The ″OPTICAL RADIATION″ symbol is used to identify areas where exposure to
ultraviolet (UV) and infrared radiation may be possible.
The ″DISCONNECT MAINS POWER″symbol is used remind service personnel to
disconnect the power at the mains panel before servicing this equipment.
The ″DO NOT DISCONNECT UNDER LOAD″ symbol is used to remind the user to
shut off the power to the receptacle before removing the plug.
The “WEAR EYE PROTECTION-MANDATORY ACTION” symbol is used to
identify areas where eye protection is mandatory.
The “READ THE OPERATOR MANUAL” label is intended to remind the
user to have a thorough understanding of the equipment BEFORE use.
1.2 General Safety Warnings
These precautions should be read and understood before proceeding with installation, operation,
and maintenance.
Only authorized personnel, who have been trained on the proper operation and/or
operation and maintenance of the equipment and who have read and understood
this manual set, should operate and maintain this equipment.
Contact the responsible party, or Conviron, immediately if in doubt about safe
operation and/or maintenance of the equipment.
Warning: Read and understand the product manuals before moving,
installing, operating, or servicing this equipment.
Failure to follow these instructions could result in equipment
damage, serious personal injury, or death.
The manual contains safety information that must be understood
and followed before working with the product.
Precautions
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1.3 Operational Safety Warnings and Precautions
Conduct a visual inspection of the equipment and surrounding area by walking
around the unit to ensure no debris or obstacles are present that could pose a
safety hazard BEFORE operating the cabinet.
Operate your Conviron equipment for a minimum of 5 days BEFORE introducing
any research material to ensure proper and stable operation.
Avoid direct contact with any broken fluorescent lamps. Fluorescent lamps are
extremely fragile and may emit harmful vapors when broken.
Follow all applicable local environmental regulations and guidelines for disposal of
hazardous material. If in doubt, contact local authorities for proper disposal
procedures.
DO NOT allow water or liquids to contact any electrical components.
Ensure that there are no obstacles in the path of the canopy before moving it.
DO NOT touch the lamps. Lamps operate at high temperatures and present a burn
hazard.
DO NOT touch the lamp holders. The heated metal and glass present a burn
hazard. Ceramic metal halide and high-pressure sodium lamps operate at very
high temperatures.
DO NOT touch the heaters. The hot surface presents a burn hazard.
DO NOT look directly at the ceramic metal halide lamps while in operation.
Use adequate eye protection for the concerned wavelengths of Actinic UV, Blue
Light and Infrared. Also wear protective clothes and gloves.
Alternatively, the operator may turn off the ceramic metal halide lamps through the
control panel user interface while accessing the cabinet.
Keep all body parts out of the path of any canopy in motion.
Operate your Conviron equipment for a minimum of five days before introducing
any research material to ensure proper and stable operation.
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1.4 Maintenance Safety Warnings
Only qualified trades-people, i.e. electricians, plumbers, refrigeration mechanics,
etc. should perform installation work as required, according to local codes and
regulations.
DO NOT attempt to install or maintain this equipment without the appropriate
knowledge and expertise.
DO NOT over-tighten the cam locks. The cam locks could be rotated to the point
where they no longer properly engage their receptacles.
Ensure that the drain connections are secure BEFORE operation if the cabinet is
equipped with a separate coil dehumidifier.
Inspect all connections in the machine compartment BEFORE connecting the
equipment to the building utilities.
Conviron recommends waiting at least 10 minutes after powering off the
equipment before servicing the heater elements or related components.
DO NOT service the control panel without using proper ESD procedures, including
the use of a grounding strap and/or anti-static mat.
Use only original replacement parts when maintaining and servicing the
equipment.
Follow all applicable local environmental regulations and guidelines for disposal of
hazardous material. If in doubt, contact local authorities for proper disposal
procedures.
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2 CHAMBER FEATURES
2.1 Cabinet Details and Features
Figure 2-1 shows an oblique view of the fully assembled PGW40 chamber.
Figure 2-1 PGW40 Chamber Details & Features
2.2 Control System
The CMP6060 control system provides advanced programming capabilities, allowing ramping or
stepping of environmental conditions to match research requirements. User programmable “set
and forget” alarms track the chamber’s operation relative to user defined setpoints. Visual and
audible notifications provide a further level of protection. For remote monitoring and control, the
chamber comes ready to communicate with Conviron’s Central Management System.
Alternatively, you may have an Argus control system. The Argus system brings together all
monitoring and control of research compartments, greenhouses, growth chambers, and related
areas under a unified central command complete with intelligent integration of shared resources
such as water and energy systems. The technology provides a unique mix of advanced climate
control, irrigation, and nutrient management capabilities to support agricultural and horticultural
research activities.
Refer to the included Conviron CMP6060 Operator’s Manual for complete instructions.
Exterior
Enamel baked on galvanized steel
Interior
White enamel baked on smooth galvanized steel
Highly reflective, easy to clean
Counterbalanced Light Canopy
Fluorescent, CMH, and LED options available
Side Mounted Machine Compartment
Touch Screen Controller
Fresh Air/Exhaust Air Ports
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2.3 Airflow and Ventilation
The units include fresh air intake and exhaust ports which are adjustable to allow up to 55 ft3/min
(1.55m3/min) of air exchange. The standard chamber configuration exhausts air to ambient, with
no additional connection required. Chambers with the CO2or the LT/ULT option have automatic
dampers
2.4 Instrumentation Port
Two 2” (50mm) access ports with light-tight caps are provided in the front door of the chamber.
These ports allow small instruments and monitor leads to be inserted into the chamber without
opening the front door, and without significantly changing the environment within the chamber.
2.5 Communications
An RJ45 connection port is included for connection to the facility network.
2.6 Central Management System (Optional)
For use in conjunction with the CMP6060 controller, the Conviron Central Management™ (CM)
system provides a comprehensive suite of time-saving, value-added features for remote control
and monitoring of chambers equipped with the CMP6060 controller, such as:
•A “dashboard” view displaying the status of all chambers with remote access/control of
all chambers from anywhere with Internet access.
•Experience protection by alerting designated personnel when an alarm is triggered.
•Risk management through auto backup and restore, including system protection,
disaster recovery, and file restoration.
•Data collection, storage and management capabilities, and multi-chamber account
management.
Refer to the Central Management manual for complete instructions.
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3 OPERATION
The following description and instructions provide an overview of basic operation of the chamber.
3.1 Fluorescent and Incandescent Combination Lighting
A typical lamp canopy includes fluorescent and incandescent lamps. However, other types of
lamp configurations are available. Fluorescent lamps should be changed regularly, as intensity
diminishes with use.
Figure 3-1 shows an example of the fluorescent lamp intensity loss over time. Refer to the lamp
manufacturer’s specifications for more detailed information.
Figure 3-1 Fluorescent Lamp Life Comparison
All lighting control outputs are logged to determine how long the lights have been on. Operators
can set a “warning” message to pop up at the controller as a reminder.
Refer to the included Conviron CMP6060 Operator’s Manual for complete instructions.
Read and understand all included user manuals completely before attempting to
operate this equipment.
HOURS OF USE
PERCENT RATED LUMENS
PGW40 Operator Manual
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3.2 Counterbalanced Canopy
PGW40 chambers incorporate a counter-balanced lamp canopy (Figure 3-2) for ease of height
adjustment between the lamp canopy and the plants.
The counterbalanced system with pulleys allows a single person to manually adjust the height of
the canopy.
Figure 3-2 Counterbalanced Lamp Canopy
3.3 Plant Placement on the Unifloor®
Plant materials, in pots or trays, are placed directly on the Unifloor® (Figure 3-3) and do not need
to be moved during the experiment. Excess irrigation water will drain into the drain pan below the
Unifloor and be channeled out of the chamber to the floor drain.
Figure 3-3 Unifloor
Keep all body parts out of the path of the canopy when it is being adjusted.
Ensure the canopy path is clear before moving the canopy.
Obstacles present in the path of the moving canopy can cause damage to the lamps,
canopy, sensors, cabinet, and valuable experimental material.
Operation
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3.4 Instrumentation Ports
The instrumentation ports with threaded closures are located on the doors of the chamber. The
ports enable instrument probes, and small hoses, etc. to be passed through the wall of the cabinet
for connection to equipment within the cabinet growth environment.
3.5 Fresh Air Inlet and Exhaust Ports
The fresh air inlet allows the operator to manually adjust the rate at which fresh air is introduced
into the chamber. The threaded collar is located on the front of the machine compartment and can
be adjusted from fully closed (no fresh air) to fully open to allow up to 55 ft3/min (1.55m3/min) of air
exchange.
The fresh air inlet assembly contains a foam filter to help prevent dust and larger particulate
matter from entering the growth area. This filter should be cleaned monthly to prevent a build-up
of foreign material that could restrict airflow.
Fresh air is drawn into the front of the chamber through the intake port located in the machine
compartment and then exhausted through the exhaust port (Figure 3-4). An optional variable
speed fan is available.
Figure 3-4 Fresh Air Inlet and Exhaust Ports
The instrumentation ports are intended for low-voltage wires only.
Conviron does not recommend the use of extensions cords inside the chamber.
Fresh Air/Exhaust Air Ports
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3.6 Airflow
Continuous airflow is critical to the efficient operation of the chamber.
Air is channeled through internal ducting to the Unifloor® into the chamber space. A circulating
loop of conditioned air can also be established to maintain precise environmental conditions within
the chamber. Air is drawn over the refrigeration coil, or heaters and circulated throughout the
chamber. Fresh air may also be introduced, if required.
Figure 3-5 Chamber Airflow
3.7 Aspirator
Located in the growth area, the aspirator houses the sensors used to monitor temperature and
humidity levels within the chamber. The aspirator receives an air sample from the room to
measure and control conditions and provides shielding from the chamber lighting to prevent false
readings caused by radiant energy.
3.8 Lighting Options
The chamber can be equipped with many different lighting configurations. Programmable settings
are in micromoles and the maximum setpoint values will depend on the selected type of light.
3.8.1 Fluorescent Lighting
The standard lighting configuration consists of a combination of fluorescent and halogen
incandescent lamps to provide a balanced spectrum for plant growth. Both lighting types are
independently programmable in steps.
The fluorescent tubes and halogen incandescent lamps are individually replaceable, as required.
Operation
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3.8.2 LED Lighting - LED Option
LED lighting offers significant advantages over the fluorescent lighting packages, including:
•Decreased wattage consumption yields significant energy savings.
•Reduced overall maintenance costs due to the longer life of LEDs.
•Reduced heat production during operation, which reduces demand on the cooling
system and allows the light to be closer to the plants.
•Reduced sensitivity to temperature variations.
3.8.3 Ceramic Metal Halide Lighting –CMH Option
Ceramic metal halide (CMH) lamps are commonly used to provide an optimal spectrum including
abundant far red.
3.9 Closed Loop Dimmable Lighting System
Lamp canopies incorporate dimmable ballasts. Automatic adjustment of the light intensity can be
set within the programmed range for as low as 10% for fluorescent, 10% for LED, or 40% with
CMH lamps, to the maximum intensity. Incandescent lamps are controlled in light levels.
Prior to operating dimmable fluorescent lamps, run the lamps at full intensity for a period of 100
hours to burn off impurities on the filament ends of the lamps left the during manufacturing
process.
Contact Conviron for LED light bar replacement.
DO NOT look directly at the ceramic metal halide lamps while in operation.
High intensity light can be harmful to your eyes. Use caution when working with high
intensity light equipped chambers.
Use adequate eye protection for the concerned wavelengths of Actinic UV, Blue
Light and Infrared. Also wear protective clothes and gloves.
Alternatively, the operator may turn off the ceramic metal halide lamps through the
control panel user interface while accessing the cabinet.
Failure to burn in the fluorescent lamps before dimming will significantly reduce the life
of the tubes.
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3.10 Fan Speed Control (Optional)
Fan speed is user adjustable between the factory preset minimum and the maximum allowable
fan rpm.
Refer to the included Conviron CMP6060 Operator’s Manual for complete instructions.
3.11 Additive Humidification –Spray Nozzle Humidification (SNH Option)
The optional additive humidification uses the pressure from the water supply to atomize the water
through a small orifice in the spray nozzle. The spray nozzles are located within the air handling
system of the chamber and the water is directly injected into the air stream before it is introduced
to the chamber.
A minimum of 60 psi (4.2 bar) is required to operate spray nozzles. If this water pressure is not
available, the CPSNH option is required to achieve the required pressure.
A 1/4" compression fitting OD ‘Quick Connect’ fitting is supplied on the chamber for connection to
the mains purified water supply.
The humidification system needs reverse osmosis filtered water.
The SNH controls the relative humidity inside the cabinet when the operator-selected relative
humidity setpoint is above the actual relative humidity level displayed by the controller, within the
following parameters:
•A relative humidity setpoint of 0 will turn OFF humidification/dehumidification devices.
•The highest achievable relative humidity setpoint is determined by two factors:
•Resultant of ambient conditions moisture load within the cabinet from plant
transpiration and watering or misting.
•Capabilities of the SNH.
Complete product specifications are available upon request.
Refer to the included Conviron CMP6060 Operator’s Manual for complete instructions.
DO NOT add potentially irritating disinfectants or anticorrosive compounds to the
water.
DO NOT use well water, industrial water, cooling circuit water, or any potentially
chemically or bacteriologically contaminated water.
Table of contents
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