Conviron 20 Series User manual
20 Series
INSTALLATION MANUAL
Please read these instructions carefully and
completely before operating the chamber.
Conviron Document Number 280338-ENG, Revision 01
Published by:
CONVIRON 590 Berry Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Canada, R3H 0R9
www.conviron.com
February 2021
EU declaration of conformity available upon request
Printed in Canada
©2021 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 20 Series Installation Manual. This manual provided for the initial uncrating and
installation of the Conviron ATC40, ATC60, PGC20, and PGCFlex chambers, and is provided to
all clients who have purchased a 20 square foot chamber(s).
Clients will find sufficient detail for a typical installation including figures, diagrams, and graphics
to install 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. In such cases, local contact information is provided on the Conviron
website.
Functional Description/Intended Use
This series of chambers is designed to provide a controlled environment for plant production and
scientific experiments including, but not limited to, plant science, biotechnology, and entomology.
WEEE and RoHS Compliance Statements
CONVIRON is committed to meeting all requirements of the WEEE directive (2012/19/EU).
Products labeled with the WEEE symbol (a crossed out “waste
bin”) indicate that the final user should not discard this product
along with other household waste, but that it must be collected
and treated separately.
Please contact Conviron, or your Conviron distributor, for proper handling and disposal
instructions.
CONVIRON is committed to meeting all requirements of the RoHS directive (2011/65/EU). The
RoHS directive requires that manufacturers eliminate or minimize the use of lead, mercury,
hexavalent chromium, cadmium, polybromated biphenyls and polybromated biphenyl ethers in
electrical and electronic equipment sold in the EU after July 1, 2006.
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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 chambers 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.
•Italicized text is used to introduce instructions.
•Red arrows are used to show the required movement of a part, or movable parts during
assembly or disassembly.
•Red circles are used to highlight important assembly or disassembly details, or to show
important small parts in an otherwise large assembly.
•Highlights are used to outline the location of major assemblies or optional equipment.
The “PLEASE NOTE” symbol is used to draw attention to additional information
which may assist in the installation of the equipment.
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SERVICE & TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Before contacting Conviron, please check the following:
•Read this document, the Control System Manual, and the Operation, Maintenance, and
Troubleshooting Manual completely 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
•The software version of the control system. Instructions for obtaining the software
version of your control system are provided in the Control System 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 for global service contact information.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1PRECAUTIONS................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Hazard Identification Symbols...................................................................................................1
1.2 General Precautions.................................................................................................................2
1.3 Installation Precautions.............................................................................................................4
2INSTALLATION................................................................................................................................5
2.1 Installation Overview.................................................................................................................5
2.2 Determining Chamber Location ................................................................................................5
2.2.1 Ambient Environment Requirements..........................................................................5
2.2.2 Clearance Requirements...........................................................................................6
2.2.3 Utility Connection Requirements................................................................................7
2.3 Installation Procedure...............................................................................................................8
2.4 Uncrate and Remove the Pallet................................................................................................8
2.5 Install the Machine Compartment............................................................................................ 11
2.6 Install the Control Panel.......................................................................................................... 12
2.7 Level the Chamber.................................................................................................................13
2.8 Install the Floor Anchors.........................................................................................................14
2.9 Connect the Drain Line...........................................................................................................15
2.10 Connect the Cooling Lines......................................................................................................15
2.11 Connect the Internal Wiring Harnesses................................................................................... 16
2.11.1 Aspirator..................................................................................................................16
2.11.2 Flex Canopy............................................................................................................16
2.12 Connect the Option Systems (if so equipped) .........................................................................17
2.12.1 Auto Watering Irrigation System Line.......................................................................17
2.12.2 Spray Nozzle Humidifier Line...................................................................................17
2.12.3 CO2Supply Line......................................................................................................17
2.12.4 Exhaust Vent...........................................................................................................18
2.13 Connect the Electrical Lines....................................................................................................19
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 2-1 Cabinet Crate.................................................................................................................8
Figure 2-2 Shipping Bracket Lag Screws.........................................................................................9
Figure 2-3 Shipping Bracket & End Board Lag Screws...................................................................10
Figure 2-4 Canopy Wire Harness Connection................................................................................11
Figure 2-5 Plug Covers & Draw Latches........................................................................................11
Figure 2-6 Flush Mount Bracket.....................................................................................................12
Figure 2-7 Extended Height Bracket.............................................................................................. 12
Figure 2-8 Control Panel Electrical Connections............................................................................12
Figure 2-9 Installed Control Panel..................................................................................................13
Figure 2-10 Chamber Levelers........................................................................................................13
Figure 2-11 Floor Anchors...............................................................................................................14
Figure 2-12 Drain Line..................................................................................................................... 15
Figure 2-13 Cooling Lines................................................................................................................15
Figure 2-14 Aspirator Connections ..................................................................................................16
Figure 2-15 Flex Canopy Connections.............................................................................................16
Figure 2-16 Auto-Watering Irrigation................................................................................................17
Figure 2-17 Spray Nozzle Humidifier ...............................................................................................17
Figure 2-18 CO2Supply ..................................................................................................................17
Figure 2-19 Exhaust Vent................................................................................................................18
Figure 2-20 Electrical Connections..................................................................................................19
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1-1 Hazard Identification Symbols.........................................................................................1
Table 2-1 Utility Connection Requirements.....................................................................................7
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1 PRECAUTIONS
The equipment is intended to be installed, operated, maintained, and serviced by trained
personnel, according to the instructions and precautions described in the manuals provided by
Conviron.
The following precautions are intended to help guide users in the safe installation of Conviron
chambers. These precautions should be read and understood before proceeding with installation,
operation, and maintenance.
1.1 Hazard Identification Symbols
Table 1-1 Hazard Identification Symbols
Symbol
Description
The “HAZARD WARNING” symbol is used whenever a 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 “MOVING PARTS” symbol is used to identify a potential hazard from moving
parts inside the machine compartment.
The “HAND CRUSH/FORCE FROM BELOW” symbol is used to identify a potential
hazard from moving parts inside the chamber.
Precautions
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Symbol
Description
The “PROTECTIVE EARTH-GROUND-MANDATORY ACTION” symbol is used to
identify the protective earth connection.
The “PROTECTIVE EARTH-GROUND” symbol is used to identify the protective
earth connection.
The “WEAR EYE PROTECTION-MANDATORY ACTION” symbol is used to identify
areas where eye protection is mandatory.
The “OPTICAL RADIATION” symbol is used to identify areas where exposure to
ultraviolet (UV) and infrared radiation may be possible.
The “FALL HAZARD” symbol is used to identify a potential hazard of falling from
elevated surfaces.
The ″SLIP HAZARD″ symbol is used to identify a potential hazard of falling due to
slippery surfaces.
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 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 chamber.
Operate your Conviron equipment for a minimum of five 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.
Precautions
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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.
Take all appropriate safety precautions when using and maintaining this equipment
including wearing appropriate safety apparel and using appropriate tools.
Use only original replacement parts when maintaining and servicing the equipment.
If in doubt about safe operation and/or maintenance of the equipment, contact
Conviron immediately.
Working with high voltage will be required when installing the equipment. Do not
attempt this work unless you have the appropriate knowledge and experience.
Disconnect and lock out the main power before servicing the equipment.
The main terminal in the control panel has live voltage unless the external breaker is
OFF. Use extreme caution when working on the control panel to prevent injury.
Water coming into contact with the electrical components presents a high voltage
hazard. Avoid these conditions. If you have any doubt about safe watering practices,
contact Conviron.
The control system may come equipped with an optional Uninterrupted Power
Supply (UPS) and power will remain live for a period of time even if the power supply
is turned OFF. Use extreme caution when working on the control panel to prevent
injury.
If you have any doubts as to whether your unit comes equipped with a UPS, contact
Conviron.
Do not touch the lamps. Fluorescent lamps operate at high temperatures and
present a burn hazard.
Do not touch the lamp holders. The heated metal and glass presents 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.
Refrigeration lines can be very hot when the chamber is operating. For safe
operation, insulate hot gas lines on site to prevent inadvertent contact, i.e., exposed
refrigeration lines.
Keep all body parts out of the path of any canopy in motion.
Precautions
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Alert service personnel immediately if a slip hazard is detected.
Ensure that appropriate fall protection equipment and fall arrest system is in place
before starting work above the chamber.
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.
Never check evaporator fans for free movement while power remains ON. Perform
visual and auditory checks to ensure circulating fans are operating.
1.3 Installation Precautions
Do not attempt to install or maintain this equipment without the appropriate
knowledge and expertise.
Use extreme caution when moving the cabinet. Conviron recommends a minimum of
two people to move the cabinet.
Do not tilt the cabinet when moving it. Heavy components located in the machine
compartment can cause the cabinet to tip.
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.
Ensure that the cabinet is leveled and secured to the floor before operating the unit.
Inspect all connections in the machine compartment before connecting the
equipment to the building utilities.
Ensure that power to the chamber line is off, and locked out or tagged out, before
making any electrical connections at the chamber.
Ensure that all electrical boxes and panels are closed and that no one is in contact
with the equipment before powering up.
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2 INSTALLATION
2.1 Installation Overview
The following is an overview of the steps required to install the chamber in its final location. Each
step on the list is covered in detail in the subsequent sections.
1. Determine the chamber location.
2. Uncrate and unpack the cabinet, machine compartment, and lifting kits.
3. Move the parts to the assembly location (if not in the final location).
4. Assemble the machine compartment onto the cabinet.
5. Move assembled chamber to the final location and level the chamber.
6. Make all required external and utility connections.
7. Start the system.
2.2 Determining Chamber Location
The following considerations must be addressed before an appropriate location for the chamber
can be determined:
•Ambient environmental requirements.
•Clearances required for operation and service.
•Access to required utility connections.
2.2.1 Ambient Environment Requirements
The chamber requires a conditioned ambient environment to achieve the performance
specifications. It is important to ensure that the room in which the growth cabinet is located
adheres to these environmental conditions.
2.2.1.1 Temperature
Conviron guarantees performance of the growth chamber for ambient temperature conditions
between 59°F to 95°F (15°C and 35°C). Recommended ambient conditions are 70°F (21°C) at
50%RH.
Only qualified trades-people, i.e. electricians, plumbers, refrigeration mechanics, etc.
who have read and completely understand these instructions should perform the
required installation work. This work must be done in accordance with local codes
and regulations.
Contact Conviron immediately if in doubt about safe and proper installation of the
equipment.
Installation
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2.2.1.2 Humidity
The chamber will tolerate a range of ambient relative humidity conditions; however, performance
will be limited by the following factors:
•Humidity is not controlled in chambers that are not equipped with the optional
humidification and/or dehumidification devices. The resulting internal humidity will be a
combination of the ambient conditions and internal conditions within the cabinet.
•The lowest achievable relative humidity in the growth cabinet with a dehumidification
option will be a resultant dew point determined by the capability of the chamber.
Ambient humidity conditions above the equivalent moisture content of 70°F (21°C) at
50%RH may cause a reduction in dehumidification performance.
•The highest achievable relative humidity in the growth chamber with a humidification
option is resultant to a dew point of 77°F (25°C) unless stated otherwise. Ambient
humidity conditions below the equivalent moisture content of 70°F (21°C) at 50%RH
may cause a reduction in additive humidification performance. The range of operational
ambient humidity is up to 90%RH (non-condensing).
2.2.1.3 Altitude
The maximum altitude is specified to be 7000ft. (2134 m) above sea level.
2.2.2 Clearance Requirements
The chamber is shipped in three main pieces, the cabinet, the machine compartment and control
panel.
Whenever possible, install the machine compartment once the cabinet has been moved to its final
location area. If it is necessary to fully assemble the growth chamber before moving it to its final
location, ensure that all hallways, doorways, elevators, and other obstacles along the route to the
final location can accommodate the cabinet dimensions of 100"W x 35½"D x 101"H (2540mmW x
900mmD x 2565mmH) (106”H [2692mm] with the service cover opened).
In order to ensure normal operation and adequate space for servicing, the cabinet requires the
following minimum clearances when installed:
•39” (1000mm) above the cabinet with the lid closed.
•2” (50mm) from the back of the cabinet.
•2” (50mm) between cabinets (for side-by-side installations).
Installation
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2.2.3 Utility Connection Requirements
Table 2-1 Utility Connection Requirements
Connection
Used by
Connection at
Cabinet
Specifications
Standard/
Optional
Electrical
All electrical
components
Terminal block
Refer to rating plate attached to the
chamber.
Standard
Water
Water cooled DX
refrigeration system
1/2” OD copper
pipe
Water @ 50psi (3.45 Bar) minimum
Standard
Drain
Cabinet drain
1” sch40 PVC
Drain must not be elevated above cabinet
drain connection.
Standard
Purified Water
Humidification
System
1/4” push-in fitting
Water Quality:
• RO Water
• filtration: <2 microns or 0.00008”
• resistivity: 0.01 to 0.02 Meg ohm-cm
Pressure and flow rate:
60 psi (4.2 bar)
Maximum water usage: 1.06 US Gal/min
(4 l/min)
Optional
Glycol/Water
Hydronic refrigeration
system
3/4” copper
Designed to work with central chiller
refrigeration system.
Optional
CO2
Additive CO2 control
system
1/4” push-in fitting
CO2@ 0.04 –0.5 LPM
Optional
Refrigeration
Remote outdoor air-
cooled (DXRAC) and
outdoor air-cooled
(OACU) condensing
units
Dependent on
placement of
cabinet and
condensing unit
Dependent on refrigeration system
specifications and placement of cabinet
and condensing unit
Optional
Alarm Contacts
Central alarm
contacts
Terminal block
Normally Open, Dry Contact,
5A maximum
Standard
Ethernet
Communication
(COMM) option:
Central Management
System
RJ45 Ethernet
port
Straight Through Cable:
For CM or building network connection
Crossover Cable:
For direct computer connection
Standard
Installation
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2.3 Installation Procedure
The 20 Series growth chambers are shipped in two crates. The larger crate contains the cabinet
(Figure 2-1), and the smaller crate contains the machine compartment and the control panel.
2.4 Uncrate and Remove the Pallet
The crate is attached to the shipping pallet with staples and screws. Dismantle and remove the
crate from the shipping pallet.
Figure 2-1 Cabinet Crate
Only qualified trades-people, i.e. electricians, plumbers, refrigeration mechanics, etc.
who have read and completely understood these instructions should perform the
required installation work and according to local codes and regulations.
Contact Conviron immediately if in doubt about safe and proper installation of the
equipment.
Do not leave any nails, staples, or screws protruding from the crating material to
eliminate potential puncture injuries.
Recycle, or properly dispose of, the crating material and shipping pallet.
Installation
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If using a fork lift:
1. Remove the four lag screws, two on each side (Figure 2-2), that secure the shipping
bracket to the pallet.
Figure 2-2 Shipping Bracket Lag Screws
2. Position the fork lift centered with the center of the cabinet.
3. Slowly lift the cabinet off the shipping pallet, ensuring the cabinet is balanced on the
forks and the cabinet is rising evenly.
4. Remove the shipping pallet and then proceed with installing the machine compartment.
The following instructions describe removing the crating material for a chamber
equipped with castors and for a shipping pallet constructed with lag bolts. Other
chamber and pallet configurations differ slightly.
Installation
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If not using a fork lift:
1. Remove the eight lag screws, four on each side (Figure 2-3), from the ends of the
pallet.
Figure 2-3 Shipping Bracket & End Board Lag Screws
2. Remove the pallet end boards.
3. Position lifting devices, such as pallet jacks or small scissor jacks, under the shipping
bracket and raise the cabinet slightly.
4. Remove the remains of the pallet.
5. Lower the cabinet and proceed with installation.
Installation
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2.5 Install the Machine Compartment
Every order includes a lifting frame for use with a lifting device, such as a fork lift truck, to lift the
machine compartment onto the cabinet and a set of handles to assist in positioning the machine
compartment in its final position.
Refer to the included Conviron document number 275733, Operation and Maintenance of the MC-
20 Lift Frame, for the safe usage of the lifting frame.
1. If installing an ATC type chamber, connect the canopy wires before lowering the
machine compartment completely.
If installing a PGC chamber, plug the wire harness into the canopy after the machine
compartment is installed.
Figure 2-4 Canopy Wire Harness Connection
2. Install the plastic plug covers into the holes used to attach the lifting frame, four on each
side.
Figure 2-5 Plug Covers & Draw Latches
3. Close all eight draw latches, four on the front and four on the rear, to secure the
machine compartment to the chamber.
Installation
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2.6 Install the Control Panel
1. Lift the Control Panel onto the chamber and rest the bracket (Figure 2-6 , Figure 2-7) on
the back of the panel on the edge of the cabinet.
2. Secure the bracket to the cabinet with the included 8-32 x ½” screws.
Figure 2-6 Flush Mount Bracket
Figure 2-7 Extended Height Bracket
3. Open the Control Panel door, locate and align the four mounting holes, and then install
the ¼ - 20 x ¾” bolts.
4. Connect the cables from the Control Panel to the machine compartment (Figure 2-8).
Figure 2-8 Control Panel Electrical Connections
Table of contents
