Conviron BDR16 User manual

BDR16 User Manual
287849-ENG
R00

October 2018 | 287849-ENG R00 i
BDR16 User Manual
Please read these instructions carefully and
completely before operating the chamber.
Conviron Document Number 287849-ENG, Revision 00
Published by:
CONVIRON 590 Berry Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Canada, R3H 0R9
www.conviron.com
October 2018
Printed in Canada
2018 Controlled Environments Limited
Conviron is a registered trademark of Controlled Environments Limited. All other trademarks are the property of their
respective owners. Information subject to change without written notice.

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PREFACE
Welcome to the BDR16 User Manual. This manual describes the features and use of Conviron’s
BDR16 chamber and is written in a straightforward and minimally technical style.
This manual is designed to provide sufficient detail for the different configurations, including a
structured format that provides 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.
Functional Description/Intended Use
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).
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.
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.
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 controller manual in its 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.
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
Conviron Technical Services
Please visit www.conviron.com for global service contact information.

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CONTENTS
1PRECAUTIONS......................................................................................................................................8
1.1 Hazard Identification Symbols .......................................................................................................8
1.2 General...........................................................................................................................................9
2CHAMBER FEATURES .......................................................................................................................11
2.1 Control System.............................................................................................................................11
2.2 Airflow...........................................................................................................................................11
2.3 Ventilation ....................................................................................................................................11
2.4 Barrier Canopy.............................................................................................................................11
2.5 Instrument Ports...........................................................................................................................12
2.6 Communications ..........................................................................................................................12
2.7 Levelers........................................................................................................................................12
2.8 Central Management System ......................................................................................................12
3PROVIDE ELECTRICAL SERVICE TO CHAMBER............................................................................13
4START UP ............................................................................................................................................15
4.1 Power ON.....................................................................................................................................15
4.1.1 Starting a Chamber with DX Systems..........................................................................15
4.1.2 Starting a Chamber with Direct Cooled (GLY) Systems ..............................................17
5OPERATION.........................................................................................................................................19
5.1 Fluorescent and Incandescent Combination Lighting..................................................................19
5.2 Plant Placement...........................................................................................................................19
5.2.1 Unifloor®.......................................................................................................................20
5.2.2 Wire Shelves ................................................................................................................20
5.3 Instrument Ports...........................................................................................................................21
5.4 Fresh Air Inlet and Exhaust Port..................................................................................................22
5.5 Fan Speed Control.......................................................................................................................22
5.6 Airflow...........................................................................................................................................23
5.7 CO2Control..................................................................................................................................23
5.8 Aspirator.......................................................................................................................................24
5.9 Lighting Options ...........................................................................................................................25
5.9.1 Fluorescent Lighting.....................................................................................................25
5.9.2 LED Lighting.................................................................................................................25

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5.9.3 Closed Loop Dimmable Lighting System .....................................................................26
5.10 Additive Humidification.................................................................................................................26
5.10.1 Air-assisted Spray Nozzle Humidification (ASNH).......................................................26
5.10.2 Ultrasonic Humidification System (USH)......................................................................27
5.10.3 Bypass Dehumidification..............................................................................................27
5.11 Additive Carbon Dioxide Control..................................................................................................28
5.11.1 Setting up the Additive CO2Control.............................................................................28
5.11.2 Adjusting the CO2Control ............................................................................................29
5.11.3 CO2Scrubber ...............................................................................................................30
5.12 Central Management System ......................................................................................................30
5.13 Shutdown .....................................................................................................................................30
6ADDITIONAL INFORMATION..............................................................................................................31
6.1 Terms & Definitions......................................................................................................................31
6.2 Product Updates ..........................................................................................................................32
6.3 Disposal .......................................................................................................................................32

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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 3-1: Minimum Circuit Ampacity on Rating Plate .......................................................................13
Figure 3-2: Wiring Connection Order...................................................................................................14
Figure 5-1: Fluorescent and Incandescent Lamp Combination...........................................................25
Figure 5-2: Unifloor ..............................................................................................................................20
Figure 5-3: Instrument Port Locations..................................................................................................21
Figure 5-4: Fresh Air Inlet and Exhaust Port Location.........................................................................22
Figure 5-5: Inlet/Exhaust Port Close-up...............................................................................................22
Figure 5-6 BDR16 Air Flow.................................................................................................................23
Figure 5-7 Aspirator ............................................................................................................................24
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1-1 Hazard Identification Symbols.............................................................................................8
Table 6-1 Terms and Definitions........................................................................................................31

Precautions
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1 PRECAUTIONS
The equipment is intended to be installed, operated, maintained, and serviced only by trained
personnel, following the instructions and precautions described in the manuals provided by
Conviron.
The following precautions are intended to help guide users 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 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 “ROTATING FAN BLADES” symbol is used to identify a potential hazard
from spinning fans 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 “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 “READ THE OPERATOR MANUAL” label is intended to remind the user to
have a thorough understanding of the equipment before use.
1.2 General
These precautions should be read and understood before proceeding with installation, operation,
and maintenance.
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.
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.

Precautions
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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.
Keep all body parts out of the path of any canopy in motion.
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 lamps while in operation.
Use adequate UV eye protection when working under HID lamps. Also wear
protective clothing and gloves.

Chamber Features
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2 CHAMBER FEATURES
2.1 Control System
The 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 set points. 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™.
Refer to the included Central Management manual for complete instructions.
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 control system manual for complete instructions.
2.2 Airflow
Fresh air intake and exhaust ports are adjustable to allow up to 30 ft3/min (0.84 m3/min) of air
exchange.
2.3 Ventilation
The standard chamber configuration exhausts air to ambient, with no additional connection
required.
2.4 Barrier Canopy
The unit comes with a tempered glass or acrylic barrier that, in combination with separate cooling
coils located within the lamp loft, helps prevent heat from entering the chamber from the lamp loft.
Read and understand all included user manuals completely before attempting to
operate this equipment.

Chamber Features
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2.5 Instrument Ports
Two 1″(25mm) access ports with light-tight caps are provided in the front wall 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.
2.6 Communications
An RJ45 connection port is included for connection to the facility network. In an Argus system,
communication between the chamber and the control system is established using Aquaseal
wiring.
2.7 Levelers
The unit is supplied with leveling feet.
2.8 Central Management System
For use in conjunction with the 6000 series controllers, the Conviron Central Management™ (CM)
system provides a comprehensive suite of time-saving, value-added features for remote control
and monitoring of chambers, such as:
A dashboard view displaying the status of all chambers with remote access/control of all
chambers from anywhere with Internet access.
Experiment 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.

Provide Electrical Service to Chamber
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3 PROVIDE ELECTRICAL SERVICE TO CHAMBER
1. Install the electrical supply following local code using the “Minimum Circuit Ampacity”
information found on the rating plate.
Figure 3-1: Minimum Circuit Ampacity on Rating Plate
2. Punch out one of the knock outs in the control panel located close to the top-right
corner.
3. Using knock-out cutters to prevent metal filings, enlarge the hole to the size required by
the supply connector.
4. Install the supply connector and supply wiring (3PH, N, PE).
5. Route the wiring to the terminal lugs leaving space between the supply wiring and the
other wiring in the control panel.

Provide Electrical Service to Chamber
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6. Insert wiring in the following order:
Ground wire into the ground lug.a. Neutral wire into the neutral lug.b. Hot wire into each of the L1, L2, and L3 lugs.c.
Figure 3-2: Wiring Connection Order
Ensure that the size of the wire matches the rating marked on each lug.

Start Up
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4 START UP
Once the cabinet is assembled, leveled, and all connections have been made, the cabinet can be
powered on. Verify that the cabinet is operating properly before introducing any research material.
4.1 Power ON
Before powering on the system:
Ensure all mechanical, fluid, and electrical connections are secure.
Ensure all local, municipal, and facility inspections are complete.
Ensure no service personnel are performing work on the cabinet.
All chambers using a direct expansion (DX) refrigeration system are equipped with scroll
compressors with crankcase heaters. Crankcase heaters help avoid compressor damage caused
by condensation of refrigerant in the compressor crankcase when the unit is off.
4.1.1 Starting a Chamber with DX Systems
Perform these checks before starting the chamber.
4.1.1.1 Before Starting the Unit
1. Check that the proper electrical power is connected to the main terminals, identified
with the MAIN SERVICE CONNECTION label. See Figure 3-2: Wiring Connection
Order on page 14.
2. Ensure that all breakers are ON.
It is critical that the crankcase heater be allowed to run for a minimum of two hours
before running a program and powering ON the compressor.
The crankcase heater is active whenever the main disconnect switch is turned to ON
and the chamber is not running.

Start Up
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4.1.1.2 Visual Checks
1. Check that all lights function when turned on and that the doors are light tight.
2. Inspect the doors with interior lights on, in a darkened room.
3. Check the evaporator fan for free movement. Some chambers have a separate breaker
for fans.
Ensure that the main disconnect switch is set to OFF before checking the evaporator
fans for free movement.
Never check the evaporator fans for free movement while the power remains ON.
Contact with moving fan blades could cause serious injury.
Do not touch the heater. Contact with the hot surface of the heaters presents a burn
hazard.

Start Up
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4.1.1.3 Start-Up Procedure
1. Ensure that all drain lines, water lines, or refrigerant lines on units with a remote air
cooled condenser are connected.
2. The chamber is shipped with the refrigerant valves closed. Remove the cap and open
the valves.
3. For a water cooled condensing unit, open the manual bypass valve for constant flow
supply, close the bypass valve for variable flow supply, or adjust the bypass valve as
required during water system balancing.
4. Turn main electrical disconnect switch to ON.
5. With the control system powered up, set and run a program. Refer to the supplied
control system manual for further details.
4.1.2 Starting a Chamber with Direct Cooled (GLY) Systems
Perform these checks before starting the chamber.
4.1.2.1 Before Starting the Unit
1. Check that the proper electrical power is connected to the main terminals, identified
with the Main Service Connection label.
2. Ensure that all breakers are ON.
3. Open all hand valves on the pump stand.
4. Open all manual air vents.
5. Fill the system main lines with glycol.
6. Close all manual air vents after the system is filled.
Severe damage to the refrigeration system will occur if the chamber is started without
first removing the cap and opening the valves.
Do not turn the control system off during boot up.
Operate your Conviron equipment for a few days before introducing any plant
material. This acquaints you with the equipment’s operation and ensures the
equipment meets the requirements for your experiments.

Start Up
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4.1.2.2 Visual Checks
Check the evaporator fan for free movement. Some chambers have a separate breaker for fans.
4.1.2.3 Start-up Procedure
1. Ensure that all drain lines and water lines are connected.
2. Turn main electrical disconnect switch to ON.
3. With the control system powered up, set and run a program. Refer to the supplied
control system manual for further details.
4. Purge air from the pump and gradually open the valve to the coil. Purge air from the coil
using the air vent located on the back of the coil housing.
5. Check that all lights function when turned on and that the doors are light tight. Inspect
the doors with interior lights on, in a darkened room.
Ensure that the main disconnect switch is set to OFF before checking the evaporator
fans for free movement.
Never check the evaporator fans for free movement while the power remains ON.
Contact with moving fan blades could cause serious injury.
Do not touch the heater. Contact with the hot surface of the heaters presents a burn
hazard.
Operate your Conviron equipment for a few days before introducing any plant
material. This acquaints you with the equipment’s operation and ensures the
equipment meets the requirements for your experiments.