Forma Scientific 3911 User manual

Forma Scientific, Inc.
P.O. Box 649
Marietta, Ohio 45750
U.S.A.
Telephone: [phone]
Telefax: [phone]
M.odel: 3911/3913
Reach-In Incubator
11 cu ft capacity
Manual No. 7013911 Rev-1
IMPORTANT!
Read This Instruction Manual
Failure to read, understand and follow the instructions in this manual may result in damage
to the unit, injury to operating personnel and poor equipment performance.
Caution: All internal adjustments and maintenance must be performed by
.qualifiedservicepersonnel
Refer to the serial tag on the
rear cover
of this manual

Forma Scientific, Inc. _________________________ ~-
NOTE:
The material in this manual is for information purposes only. The contents and the
product it describes are subject to change without notice. Forma Scientific, Inc. makes no
representations or warranties with respect to this manual. In no event shall
Forma
Scientific, Inc. be held liable for any damages, direct or incidental, arising out of or related
to
the use of this manual.
MANUAL NO. 7999999 I
...
0 IN-2111 8/96 Product release (2) add Watlow 982 deg
REV ECN DATE DESCRIPTION
11

----------------------------------------------------------
Forma Scientific, Inc.
Do You Need Information or Assistance on Forma Scientific
Products?
If you do, please contact us 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) at:
1-740-373-4763 Direct
1-888-213-1790 Toll Free, U.S. and Canada
1-740-373-4189 FAX
http://www.forma.com Internet Worldwide Web Home Page
[email protected] Service E-Mail Address
Fonna's Sales Support can provide information on pricing and give you quotations. We
can take your order and provide delivery information on major equipment items or make
arrangements to have your local sales representative contactyou. Our products are listed
on the
Internet and we can be contacted through our Internet home page.
The Forma Product Service Support can supply technical infonnation about proper
setup, operation or troubleshooting
of your equipment. We can fill your needs for spare or
replacement parts or provide you with on-site service.
We can also provide you with a quotation
on our Extended Warranty for your Fonna products.
Whatever
Fonna products you need or use, we will be happy to discuss your applications.
If you are experiencing technical problems, working together, we will help you locate the
problem and, chances are, correct it yourself...over the telephone without a service call.
When more extensive service is necessary, we will assist you with direct factory trained
technicians or a qualified service organization for on-the-spot repair.
If your service need is
covered by the
Fonna warranty, we will arrange for the unitto be repaired at our expense and to
your satisfaction.
Regardless
of your needs, Forma's professional telephone technicians are available to
assist you Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. EasternTime. Please contact us
by telephone or fax.
If you wish to write, our mailing address is:
Fonna Scientific, Inc.
PO Box 649
Marietta,
OR 45750
International customers please contact your local
Fonna Scientific distributor.

I
Forma Scientific, Inc._~ _______________________ Safety
General Safety Notes used in this Manual
Important operating and/or maintenance instructions. Read the accompanying text
carefully.
Ce symbole attire I'attention de I'utilisateursurdes instructions importantes
de
fonctionnement eVou d'entretien. II peut etre utilise seul ou avec d'autres symboles de
securite. Lire attentivement
Ie texte d'accompagnement.
Wichtige Betriebs* und/oder Wartungshinweise. Lesen Sie den nachfolgenden Text
sorgfliltig.
Importante instruccions de operacion y/o mantenimiento. Lea el texto acompanante
cuidadosamente.
Potential electrical hazards. Only qualified persons should perform procedures
associated with this symbol.
Ce symbole attire I'attention de I'utilisateursurdes risques electriques potentiels.
Seules des personnes qualifiees doivent appliquer les instructions et les procedures
associees
ace symbole.
Gefahrvon Stromschlagen. Nurqualifizierte Personen sollten die Tatigkeiten
ausflihren, die mit diesem Symbol bezeichnet sind.
Potencial de riesgos electricos. Solo personas
das capacitadadas deben ejecutar los
procedimientos asociadas con este simbulo.
Equipment being maintained
or serviced must be turned off and locked off to prevent
possible injury.
Risques potentiels lies a I'energie. L'equipement
en entretien ou en maintenance doit
etre
etein! et mis sous ch~ pour eviterdes blessures possibles.
Gerate, an denen Wartungs- oder Servicearbeiten durchgefuhrt werden, mussen
abgeschaltet und abgeschlossen werden, urn Verletzungen zu vermeiden.
EI equipo recibiendo servicio 0 mantenimiento debe serapagado y segurado para
prevenir danos.
11

Forma Scientific, Inc. _________________________ Safety
Hot surface(s) present which may cause burns to unprotected skin or to materials
which
may be damaged by elevated temperatures
Presence de surface{s) chaude{s) pouvant causerdes bn'llures sur la peau non
protegee,
ou surdes matieres pouvant etre endommagees pardes temperatures
elevees.
Heit3.e Oberflache{n) konnen ungeschutzter Haut Verbrennungen zufugen oder
Schaden
an Materialien verursachen, die nicht hitzebestandig sind.
Superficias calientes que pueden causarquemaduras a pieI sin proteccion 0 a
materiales que pueden estardanados por elevadas temperaturas.
..J Always use the proper protective equipment (clothing, gloves, goggles etc.).
..J Always dissipate extreme cold or heat and wear protective clothing.
..J Always follow good hygiene practices.
..J Each individual is responsible for his or her own safety.
111

Fonna Scientific, Inc._'-- ____________________ Content
Table of Contents
SECTION 1 - RECEIVING
1.1 Prelinrinary Inspection................................................................................ 1-1
1.2 Visible Loss or Damage............................................................................. 1-1
1.3 Responsibility for Shipping Damage........................................................... 1-1
SECTION 2 - INSTALLATION AND START-UP
2.1 Location .....................................................................................................2-1
2.2 Water (Hunridity System) and Drain Connections........................................2-1
a. Connecting the Water Inlet for the Hunridity System.............................2-1
b. Connecting the Drain Line .....................................................................2-2
2.3 RS-232 Output Interface and Remote Alarm Connector..............................2-3
2.4 Power Connection .....................................................................................2-4
2.5 Start-Up Procedure...................................................................................;.2-4
2.6 Setting the Overtemp Safety Thennostat....................................................2-4
2.7 Setting the Undertemp Safety Thermostat...................................................2-5
2.8 Preparing the optional Cob
ex Recorder.....................................................2-6
a. Installing the Chart Recorder Battery....................................................2-6
b. Changing the Chart Paper.....................................................................2-6
c. Changing the Pen ..................................,................................................2-7
d. Calibrating the chart recorder................................................................2-7
2.9 Controller Configuration.............................................................................2-8
Temperature Configuration
Hunridity Configuration
SECTION 3 - CONTROL PANEL OPERATION
3.1 The Control Panel ....................................................................................3-1
Main
Power Switch and Indicator Light..............................................3-1
Refrigeration Switch and Indicator Light................................................3-1
Defrost Switch and Indicator Light.........................................................3-2
Overtemp Safety Control, Indicator Light, and Audible Alarm ..............3-2
Undertemp Safety Control, Indicator Light, and Audible Alarm ............3-2
11

Forma Scientific, Inc._'--- ____________________ Content
Humidify Switch and Indicator Light ......................................................3-3
Dehumidify Switch and Indicator Light...................................................3-3
Audible Humidity Alarm and Indicator ...................................................3-3
3.2 Setting the Incubator's Operating Temperature ......................................3-4
3.3 Setting the Incubator's Operating Humidity ...............................................3-5
3.4 Programming the Controllers .....................................................................3-5
a. Removing the Mechanical Lockout....................................................3-5
b. Removing the Software Lockout..........................................................3-6
SECTION 4 - ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
4. I Cleaning the Incubator............................................................................. 4-1
a. Maintaining the Humidity Steam Generator.......................................4-1
SECTION 5 - SERVICE
5.1 Access
to Electrical Components.............................................................5-1
5.2 Replacing the OvertemplUndertemp Probe and Thermostat ...................5-1
5.3 Replacing the Humidity/Temperature Sensor..........................................5-2
5.4 Replacing the Optional Recorder and Probe(s) .......................................5-3
5.5 Setting the Door Heater Control ..............................................................5-4
5.6 Cleaning and Adjusting the Humidity Steam Generator........".................5-5
SECTION 6 - SPECIFICATIONS
SECTION 7 - SPARE PARTS LISTS
SECTION 8 - WARRANTY
SECTION 9 - DRAWINGS
SECTION 10 -SUPPLEMENTS
111

Forma Scientific, Inc._"-- ________________ ..,.- ____ .....:Receiving
SECTION 1 - RECEIVING
1.1 Preliminary Inspection
This item was thoroughly inspected and carefully packed prior to shipment and all
necessary precautions were taken to ensure safe arrival of the merchandise at its
destination. Immediately upon receipt, before the unit
is moved from the receiving area,
carefully examine the shipment for loss
or damage. Unpack the shipment and inspect
both interior and exterior for any in-transit damage.
1.2 Visible Loss or Damage
If any loss or damage is discovered, note any discrepancies on the delivery receipt.
Failure to adequately describe such evidence
of loss or damage may result in the carrier
refusing to honor a damage
claim. Immediately call the delivering carrier and request that
their representative perform
an inspection. Do not discard any· of the packIng' material
and under no circumstances move the shipment from the receiving area.
1.3 Responsibility for Shipping Damage
For products shipped F.O.B. Marietta, Ohio, the responsibility of Forma Scientific,
Inc. ends when the merchandise
is loaded onto the carrier's vehicle.·
On F.O.B. Destination shipments, Forma Scientific's and the carrier's responsibility
ends when your Receiving Department personnel sign a free and clear delivery receipt.
Whenever possible, Forma Scientific, Inc. will assist
in settling claims for loss or in-
transit damage.
1-1

Forma Scientific, Inc._'-- __________________ -InstallationiStart-up
SECTION 2 - INSTALLATION AND START-UP
2.1 Location
Locate the unit on a
firm, level surface in an area of minimum ambient temperature
fluctuation. A
minimum of 12 inches clearance is required at the top of the incubator and
a minimum
of 3 inches clearance is required at the rear of the incubator to facilitate
adequate air flow around the refrigeration system.
2.2 Water (Humidity System) and Drain Connections
a. Connecting the
Water Inlet for the Humidity System
Do not attempt to operate the humidity system withoutfilling
itwith water. The humidification heater will overheat,
and
the overt{!mp safety thermostat will shut the humidification
system down.
The humidity reservoir will require approximately one quart (.946 liter) of water on
the initial filling. To ensure continuous satisfactory operation
of the incubator, only
distilled water should be used
in the humidity system. Purity of the water used in the
incubator humidifier reservoir must be within the
SOK Ohm to 1 Meg Ohm range to
protect, and prolong the life
of the stainless steel unit.
IMPORTANT:
Use of tap water, or distilled water outside the specified range, will decrease the
operating life
of the unit and will void the warranty.
The water inlet
is the 1/8
11
NPT connection located on the rear top left corner of the
incubator. Water inlet pressure at the unit should be from
15 to 40 PSI. A manual shut-
off valve should be installed between the main water supply and the incubator.
2-1

Forma Scientific, Inc.----''-- ________________ ----'Installation/Start-up
Toprevent mineral buildup on heater coils and humidity
generator walls,
it may be necessary to clean the humidity
generator
and immersion heaters with a non-metallic
abrasive
pad and flush thoroughly every two or three months.
Refer to Section 4.2, aeaning theHumidity Generator and
Immersion Heaters.
b. Connecting the Drain Line
The cabinet's 3/8" MPT drain line connection is located on the rear (lower left side) of
the cabinet. A P-trap (Figure 2-1) is included with the unit and must be installed on the
connection. To install the drain connection:
1. Using Teflon pipe thread tape, tape the threads on the cabinet drain connection.
2. Using an open end adjustable wrench, install the P-trap onto the connection. Make
sure that the trap
is positioned down.
3. Push a piece of 3/8" ID tubing onto the trap and direct the tubing to a convenient
drain. Install a hose clamp on the tubing,
if desired.
To cabinet drain Figure
2-1
Cabinet drain p-trap
~~
2-2

Forma Scientific, Inc. __________________ ---'InstallationiStart-up
2.3 R8~232 Output Interface and Remote Alarm Connector
The Model 3911/3913 is equipped with an RS-232 Serial Communication Interface for
the remote transmission
of temperature and humidity data. Remote alarm connections are also
included onthe terminal strip.
Key
00000
000
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Pin
#
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
1 2 3 4
temperature, Transmit
Data
temperature, Receive
Data
temperature, Common
humidity, Transmit Data
humidity, Receive Data
humidity, Common
temperature, Common
temperature N.D.
tern erature N.
C.
5 6 7 8 9
Description
RS232 -Temperature
1
RS232 -Humidity
1
Remote Alarm Contacts
(Temferature and Humidity)
Terminal Pin Descriptions, R8-232 (1-6) and Remote Alarm Connections (7-9)
Figure 2-2
IMPORTANT USER INFORMATION
Caution! Stored product should be
protected by an activated alarm system
capable
of initiating a timely response
24 hours/day. Forma Alarms provide
interconnectfor centralized monitoring.
2-3

Forma Scientific, Inc.----''-- ________________ ---:InstallationlStart-up
2.4 Power Connection
The electrical junction box is located on the rear top section of the incubator. With
thejunction box switch OFF, connect the incubator
to an adequate power source. See
the electrical data plate mounted on the unit for exact electrical specifications.
2.5 Start-Up Procedure
When the humidification system is operational, the incubator may be started. Preset
the controls as follows:
Overtemp Safety Thermostat........................; (Fully Clockwise)
Undertemp Safety Thermostat....................... (Fully Counterclockwise)
Main Power Switch.......................................ON
Humidity Controller...........:..........................Desired Setpoint
Temperature Controller.................................Desired Setpoint
Door Heater .................................................40% (factory set)
For best overall performance the refrigeration switch should be turned on for most
applications. When running LowlNo humidity, at high temperatures, the refrigeration
switch may be turned
off.
The defrost switch mustbeturnedon when the temperature
setpoint
is 10
o
C, or below.
2.6 Setting the Overtemp Safety Thermostat
Allow the chamber temperature and humidity to stabilize then set the overtemp
safety thermostat as follows:
1. Turn the overtemp control knob slowly counterclockwise until the audible alarm
sounds and the overtemp indicator lights.
2. Turn the overtemp control knob clockwise approximately two units on the scale. The
alarm should be silenced and the overtemp indicator light should go out.
2-4

Forma Scientific, Inc._=--- ________________ ----'InstallationlStart-up
The overtemp safety thermostat is now set a few degrees above the control
temperature setpoint. When the chamber temperature rises to
the overtemp control point,.
the alarm system
will activate, power to the heaters will shut off, and the chamber
temperature will be maintained at the overtemp control point.
When
an overtemp condition occurs, the cause must be determined and corrected
before normal operation under the main temperature controller can be resumed.
Note: When the chamber temperature control setpoint is changed, the overtemp
safety thermostat must be reset to accommodate the change.
2.7 Setting the Undertemp Safety Thermostat
Allow the chamber temperature and humidity to stabilize then set the undertemp
safety thermostat
as follows:
1. Turn the undertemp control knob slowly clockwise until the audible alarm sounds
and the undertemp indicator lights.
2.
Tum the undertemp control knob counterclockwise approximately two units on the
scale. The alarm should be silenced and the undertemp indicator light should go out.
The undertemp safety thermostat is now set a few degrees below the control
temperature setpoint. When the chamber temperature drops
to the undertemp control
point, the alarm system will activate, power
to the compressor will shut off, and the
chamber temperature
will be maintained at the undertemp control point.
When an undertemp condition occurs, the cause must be determined and corrected
before normal operation under the main
temperat~re controller can be resumed.
Note: When the chamber temperature control setpoint is changed, the undertemp
safety thermostat
must be reset to accommodate the change.
2-5

Fonna Scientific, Inc.---''-- ________________ ---Clnstallation/Start-up
2.8 Preparing the (optional) Cobex Recorder
a. Installing the chart recorder battery
The seven-day circular chart
recorder
is located on the front of
the incubator cabinet and is
protected by a glass door.
To prepare the recorder for
operation, open the glass door
and snap the connector onto the
9-volt battery as shown in Figure
2-3. If the unit is operating, the
green LED lights steady.
If the
unit
is not turned on, the LED
blinks.
slotted screws
(loosen only)
-----------,
press to
change
chart
time line
groove
Figure 2-3
If the battery is weak or not connected. the green LED will flash. If power is'lost to the
cabinet, theLED will also flash. When replacing the 9-volt battery. use only an alkaline style
battery.
b. Changing th~ Chart Paper
1. Press the Change Chart button (#3) and hold it for 1 second until the pen begins to move
to the left of the chart. See Figure 2-3.
2. Remove the existing chart by unscrewing the center knob securing it.
3. Install the new chart, positioning it so that the correct time line coincides with the time
line groove on the chart plate.
4. Replace the center knob and screw it tightly against
the chart.
2-6

Forma Scientific, Inc. ___________________ InstallationiStart-up
c. Changing the Pen
1. Using a small flat blade screwdriver, loosen the 2 screws
holding the pen arm and remove the pen and arm as an
assembly.
2. Unsnap the plastic hinge securing the pen. Remove and
discard the old pen.
3. Install the new pen by snapping the hinge securely around
the pen arm.
~
o
Figure 2-4
4. Re-install the pen assembly by sliding the pen arm underthe screws, positioning the pen
tip in the time line groove. Tighten the screws.
5.
Push the Chart Change button and hold it for 1 second until the pen begins to move back
onto the chart.
Note:
Make sure that the pen is marking on the chart. It may be necessary to
gently lift the pen onto the chart paper.
d. Calibrating the chart recorder
1. Place an accurate thermometer(s) in the chamber next to the recorder's probe(s). After about
three minutes, compare thethermometer with the chart recorder.
For 2 pen operations, also
compare
the second thermometer.
Note: For 2 pen operations, first select the pen you wish to
. calibrate. Hold down the
#1 arrow for the red (#1)
pen
or the #2 arrow for the blue (#2) pen, until the
light goes out. Then adjust as necessary.
If an adjustment is necessary, press either the #1 or #2
button
to move the pen left or right. The button must be held
about five seconds before the pen begins
to move. Release the
button when the pen matches
the thermometer.
~
o
Figure 2-5
2-7

Forma Scientific, Inc._~ _________________ --,Installation/Start-up
2.9 Controller Configuration
The controllers have been pre-configured at the factory. Reference copies of the
Configuration records are included on the following pages.
The controller should not be re-configured withoutfirst
consulting Forma Scientific, Inc., Service Department at
1-800-848-3080.
2-8

Forma Scientific, Inc.~ _______________ --,InstallationiStart-up
Temperature Configuration
2-9