FTS FLEXI-COOL FC55 User manual

F LEXI -C OOL S ERIES
WITH EDC C ONTROL
FC55
/ FC100
MNL-047-A R EV . 004
I NSTRUCTION M ANUAL
FTS▪3538MAINSTREET,STONERIDGENY12484▪WWW.SPINDUSTRIES.COM▪845‐687‐0071▪[e-mail]
TM

© 2008 SP Industries, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
FTS ▪Thermal Division ▪3538 Main Street ▪POB 158 ▪Stone Ridge, NY 12484 ▪USA
800.824.0400 ▪Phone: [phone] ▪Fax: [phone] ▪[e-mail]
www.SPindustries.com
SP Industries Corporate Headquarters:
935 Mearns Road ▪Warminster, PA 18974 ▪USA ▪800.523.2327 ▪Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]

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Table of Contents
Product Description ............................................................................................................ 5
Safety Overview.................................................................................................................. 6
Installation........................................................................................................................... 7
Operation............................................................................................................................. 8
Probe and Delivery Line..................................................................................................... 9
User Menu......................................................................................................................... 10
Proportional Control Menu............................................................................................... 12
Span Menu........................................................................................................................ 13
Miscellaneous Menu......................................................................................................... 14
Communications Menu..................................................................................................... 15
High Temperature............................................................................................................. 16
Low Temperature.............................................................................................................. 17
Maintenance...................................................................................................................... 18
Cleaning............................................................................................................................ 19
Troubleshooting................................................................................................................ 20
Service............................................................................................................................... 21
EDC RS232 Programmer’s reference............................................................................... 25

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FC Series w/ EDC Control
Thermal MNL-047-A
Division Rev. 004
FTS 5
Stone Ridge, NY USA
845.687.0071
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Flexi-Cool immersion coolers offer high heat removal and fast cool down capability. The refrigerated
Flexi-Cool Probes can be placed wherever you need direct cooling and heat removal from ambient to -
100°C. These probes achieve maximum efficiency because the refrigerant expands directly inside the
probe, there is no secondary medium or pumping involved that introduce additional heatloads and thus
decrease efficiency. All FTS chillers feature innovative design, high-quality construction, and dependable
components. This chiller will reliably serve your cooling needs for years to come.
Features include:
•Small Footprint
•Digital / RS-232 Control
•Choice of three standard probe configurations.
•Cartridge- well suited to cooling vapors.
•Coil- provides the highest surface area and allows maximum cooling of
immersion baths.
•Flexible- A corrugated, stainless steel flex-line makes this probe a versatile tool
that can be used for any number of applications.
•60 inch flexible delivery line.
•Efficient Removal of Heat.
•Temperatures from ambient to -100°C
•Mechanical Refrigeration
•User-settable temperature alarms
MODEL NUMBER INFORMATION
Copy the model number into the appropriate line below. Use the chart to check the
options that have been built into the unit. The model number is listed on the serial tag on
the rear of the unit.
Series
Voltage
ProbeOptions
Controller
ÕFill in Model Number
FC
55
100
A
D
O
1
2
0
1
-100°C Max Low Temperature
P4- Coil 5"OD x 8"L
120V / 60Hz
P2 - Flexible, 0.46"dia x 24"L
P1 - Cartridge, 0.75"dia. x 7"
-50°C Max Low Temperature
No Control
220V / 50Hz
Digital (EDC)
ÕFill in Model Number

FC Series w/ EDC Control
Thermal MNL-047-A
Division Rev. 004
FTS 6
Stone Ridge, NY USA
845.687.0071
SAFETY OVERVIEW
FTS designs and manufactures units to be safe and reliable systems. Safety features
are incorporated throughout and appropriate signs and symbols are provided. In this
manual, safety issues are addressed in context. Users are strongly encouraged to
become familiar with these symbols.
General Alert symbol indicates the potential of personal hazards or
equipment failure.
Electric Shock High Voltage symbol
indicates the presence of high voltage or
current and the potential for injury or death.
Hazardous Chemicals denotes a hazard that may cause irritation or
burns if the substance comes into contact with the skin.
Hot Surfaces symbol indicates a hazard that could cause injury or burns.
Eye Protection symbol indicates a hazard that could cause injury or
irritation to the eyes.
High Pressure symbol indicates the potential for personal hazard or
equipment failure if safe procedures are not followed.

FC Series w/ EDC Control
Thermal MNL-047-A
Division Rev. 004
FTS 7
Stone Ridge, NY USA
845.687.0071
INSTALLATION
Physical Location
The area where you place the unit should be smooth, level, and capable of safely supporting the weight of
the machine. Space should be provided so that air can properly circulate around the unit. If obstacles are
blocking the airflow, the compressor may overheat. This reduces performance, and can lead to early
compressor failure.
The environment should be well ventilated to prevent excessive build up of heat. Normal room ventilation
is usually adequate.
Electrical Requirements
Only qualified personnel should perform the installation of this unit.
The voltage and frequency requirements are specified on the serial tag on the rear of the unit. Standard
variances in frequency (+/-3Hz) and voltage (-5%, +10%) are allowed.
•Verify that the facilities voltage matches the requirement for the machine, which is printed on the
serial tag on the rear of the machine.
•The electric service wiring must be of a large enough wire gauge that the voltage is maintained to
the receptacle even when a full load is applied to the receptacle. Additionally, the receptacle
voltage should be measured while that receptacle is under load.
•Ensure the proper amperage circuit breaker is installed in the line and located near the equipment.
•Plug in the line cord. (Avoid the use of long extension cords, these cause a significant power drop
between the wall receptacle and the machine.) The MAINS lamp should light
NOTE: For Lock Out / Tag Out plug the appropriate device into the line cord.
Ambient Air Requirements
This unit is designed for operation in a normal indoor environment. (Systems should not be mounted
outside or otherwise exposed to the elements). The environment should be free from air containing large
amounts of moisture, salt or sulfur. If your system utilizes an air-cooled condenser, the fan in the system
draws ambient air across the condenser (radiator) to cool the refrigerant.
The ambient air temperature requirements are:
55°F to 69°F (12°C to 21°C) Acceptable
70°F to 75°F (21°C to 24°C) Ideal
75°F to 80°F (24°C to 27°C). Acceptable, but a reduction in the cooling capacity of the unit is to be
expected (about a 1% cooling capacity reduction per degree above
72°F).
80°F to 85°F (27°C to 29.5°C) Expect reduced reliability. Warranty may be voided.
Over 85°F (Over 29.5°C) Not Acceptable. Warranty will be voided.

FC Series w/ EDC Control
Thermal MNL-047-A
Division Rev. 004
FTS 8
Stone Ridge, NY USA
845.687.0071
OPERATION
System Preparation
1. Plug the provided Pencil Sensor (RTD) into the jack labeled SENSOR on the
back of the machine.
2. Place the sensor so that the shaft is in contact with the fluid / vapor whose
temperature is to be controlled.
3. Move rocker switch on the front of the unit to the POWER
position.
4. System is now in Idle.
5. Display will be blank and the amber Power light will be illuminated.
Start Up
1. Press I/O button.
2. Display flashes SP (setpoint) then the current setpoint
temperature. (The setpoint is the temperature that the unit will
maintain temperature at.)
3. Adjust the Setpoint using the keys.
4. Value for setpoint will be accepted after 4 seconds of
inactivity.
Control
1. When the system is running touch the button to bring up the setpoint.
2. Adjust the setpoint using the keys.
3. The setpoint is automatically accepted after 4 seconds.
Shut Down
1. Press the I/O button to put the unit back in Idle.
2. The refrigeration will shut down and the display will blank.
3. The amber Power light will remain lit.
4. Move the rocker switch to the EMO (off) position.
5. Thoroughly clean and dry the probe head after each use.

FC Series w/ EDC Control
Thermal MNL-047-A
Division Rev. 004
FTS 9
Stone Ridge, NY USA
845.687.0071
PROBE AND DELIVERY LINE
Delivery Line
Flexi-Cools have a delivery line that carries the refrigerant to the probe and back. This flexible delivery line
is made of corrugated stainless steel tubing. Although this line is strong, it can be damaged to the point of
rupture if it is repeatedly bent too sharply or forcibly twisted. This line must remain gas-tight in order to
contain the refrigerant charge in the unit. The probes can be put under stress on the connection point of the
delivery line if not handled with care.
Do not move the flexible line when it is cold, always warm the system to ambient (+20°C) before making
any adjustments to the placement of the delivery line.
Probe
Flexi-Cools come equipped with one of three standard probe configurations.
•(1) Cartridge- well suited to cooling vapors.
•(2) Coil- provides the highest surface area and allows maximum cooling of immersion baths.
•(3) Flexible- A corrugated, stainless steel flex-line makes this probe a versatile tool that can be
used for any number of applications.
(1 & 2) The ‘Cartridge’ and ‘Coil’ probes are constructed of Type 304 or 316 stainless heavy wall tubing
and will withstand hard usage. The probes are shipped from the factory in a chemically passive form and
will withstand corrosion attack normal to this type of stainless. However, if the probe comes into contact
with other steel surfaces, the stainless surface will become contaminated with free iron, and rusting or
pitting of the stainless surface may occur. In severe cases, this pitting can lead to perforation. If such a
condition is observed, treat with a 20% Nitric Acid solution by dipping or brushing for approximately one
hour.
NOTE: While cleaning, be sure not to dip the brazed connection at the top of the coil in the acid solution.
(3) The ‘Flexible Probe’ is a probe made of flexible stainless steel tubing. All the precautions outlined for
the delivery line apply to this probe. The probe has no protective braid and is much more susceptible to
abrasion or puncture by a sharp object than the delivery line. Please observe the following precautions.
1. Do not allow the Flexible Probe to drag on the floor or other rough surfaces.
2. When coiling the flexible line, never wrap the flexible probe around the main coil.
3. Never chip ice from the probe.
4. Flexing the probe shortens its life, so avoid unnecessary flexing (especially when probe is
cold).

FC Series w/ EDC Control
Thermal MNL-047-A
Division Rev. 004
FTS 10
Stone Ridge, NY USA
845.687.0071
USER MENU
This unit is equipped with an EDC digital control package. Varying the parameters in the EDC Controller’s
User Menu allow the operation of the unit to be fine tuned to meet the needs of a specific application. A
variety of parameters such as Ramp Rate, Auto-Power Recovery, High and Low Temperature Alarms,
Parameter Lock, Setpoint Limits, readout options, Proportional Control parameters, and several
Communications options can all be adjusted from the User Menus.
The layouts of the menus and parameters contained in those menus are shown on the following pages. They
are navigated using the three buttons on the front panel of the EDC Controller. The legends on the
following pages show how to use these buttons to move around the menus and manipulate the values of the
various parameters.
A programmer’s reference is included at the end of this manual. This reference provides a complete
description of the command set used when to communicating with this unit via RS-232.
Adjust
Parameter
Value
Press & Hold
or
To view Menus
Choose Menu
I/O
Move down to next
parameter

FC Series w/ EDC Control
Thermal MNL-047-A
Division Rev. 004
FTS 11
Stone Ridge, NY USA
845.687.0071
Once a menu has been completed you are returned to the operating mode.
Operating Mode
(Unit is running or in IDLE)
Pid
Proportional
Control
Menu
232
Communication
Menu
Etc
Miscellaneous
Menu
SPAn
Span Menu
rr
Ramp Rate
LA
Low Alarm
PLOC
Parameter Lock
PAr
Parity
HA
High Alarm
It
Integral Time
rdyt
“Ready” Time
Const.
baud
Baud Rate
SH
Span High
dP
Decimal Point
CPb
Cooling Band
dAtA
Word Length
Cct
Cool Cycle
Time
dt
Derivative Time SL
Span Low
Sbit
Stop Bit
PF
Power Fail
Recovery
dEg
Temperature
Scale
rdy
“Ready” Temp.
Band

FC Series w/ EDC Control
Thermal MNL-047-A
Division Rev. 004
FTS 12
Stone Ridge, NY USA
845.687.0071
PROPORTIONAL CONTROL MENU
rr
Ramp Rate
CPb
Cooling Band
It
Integral Time
dt
Derivative Time
Cct
Cool Cycle Time
Programmed transition rate from old setpoint to new setpoint, in degrees per minute. Ramp
Rate is more of a slew limiter, because the available ramp rate is obviously limited by the
thermal load and the pulldown capacities of the refrigeration system.
Width of the temperature span across which cooling is proportionately applied to the
process, in degrees. Note: this is band centered on the setpoint, so a CPb of 5 degrees defines
a window that’s +/- 2.5 degrees from the setpoint.
Integral (Automatic Reset) time, in seconds. Time constant for adjustment of proportioning
action that serves to correct deviations from setpoint.
Derivative (Rate of Change adjustment) time, in seconds. Time constant for adjustment of
proportioning action in order to reduce the slew rate of the process as it approaches the
setpoint. Derivative time is automatically limited to 1/4 of the Integral Time (It).
Period of operation of the cool/bypass refrigeration valves, in seconds. In order to reduce
wear on the solenoids and valves, the period (total time on and off) may never be less than
two seconds. Additionally, the duration of either On or Off is never less than 0.25 seconds.

FC Series w/ EDC Control
Thermal MNL-047-A
Division Rev. 004
FTS 13
Stone Ridge, NY USA
845.687.0071
SPAN MENU
LA
Low Alarm
HA
High Alarm
SH
Span High
SL
Span Low
An alarm can be set to alert the user that the process temperature is too high. Should the
HA be triggered, the system will go to FULL COOL and the display will flash HA. The
temperature alarms are monitored even if the system is in IDLE, in case the user turns off
the system without removing the load; in such an instance, however, the unit is incapable of
supplying full cool, and it is the responsibility of the user to correct the anomaly.
SH defines the maximum allowable setpoint. Adjust the values of Span High and
Span Low to define the range of setpoints acceptable for your particular application.
SL defines the minimum setpoint in this range.
Same as HA, except the system will stop all refrigeration and display LA
Both HA and LA require user reset; clear the messages by pressing the ∇key. They will not
disappear even if the process returns to the correct level.

FC Series w/ EDC Control
Thermal MNL-047-A
Division Rev. 004
FTS 14
Stone Ridge, NY USA
845.687.0071
MISCELLANEOUS MENU
LA
Low Alarm
HA
High Alarm
SH
Span High
SL
Span Low
An alarm can be set to alert the user that the process temperature is too high. Should the HA be
triggered, the system will go to FULL COOL and the display will flash HA. The temperature
alarms are monitored even if the system is in IDLE, in case the user turns off the system without
removing the load; in such an instance, however, the unit is incapable of supplying full cool, and
it is the responsibility of the user to correct the anomaly.
Same as HA, except the system will stop all refrigeration and display LA
Both HA and LA require user reset; clear the messages by pressing the ∇key. They will not
disappear even if the process returns to the correct level.
SH defines the maximum allowable setpoint. Adjust the values of Span High
and Span Low to define the range of setpoints acceptable for your particular
application.
SL defines the minimum setpoint in this range.

FC Series w/ EDC Control
Thermal MNL-047-A
Division Rev. 004
FTS 15
Stone Ridge, NY USA
845.687.0071
COMMUNICATIONS MENU
Display Baud
0 300
1 1200
2 2400
3 9600
PAr
Parity
baud
Baud Rate
dAtA
Word Length
Sbit
Stop Bit The number of stop bits (1, 1.5, 2) may be selected
Data word length may be set to 7 bit or 8 bit
Baud Rate for the RS-232 control communications port may be set according to the table.
Parity detection may be selected per the following:
Note: Data word 8 bit length forces “no parity.”
Display Parity
0 none
1 odd
2 even

FC Series w/ EDC Control
Thermal MNL-047-A
Division Rev. 004
FTS 16
Stone Ridge, NY USA
845.687.0071
HIGH TEMPERATURE
Check the setting of the high temperature alarm (HA) by pressing and holding the
Δ
button to get into program mode. Then using the Δand ∇keys find the SPAn menu,
press 1/0 until HA is displayed, note the temperature for HA.
Use successive 1/0’s and then touch Δor ∇to show the current setpoint.
Then either decrease the temperature setpoint to ensure it is set below the high
temperature alarm setting (HA), or adjust the HA value so that it is above the desired
setpoint. If the HA still goes off, check that the thermal load being applied by your
process is within the heat removal capacity of this unit. Contact the FTS Service
Division if the condition persists.
How
Reported: The display will flash HA, an audible alarm is sounded (depending on the nOIS
setting), and the system will go to FULL COOL. The refrigeration system will
disengage if the condition persists for more than 30 seconds.
Indicates that the temperature of the process is higher than the level set (HA) to trigger
the high temperature alarm. This is a user feature that can be adjusted to the desired
temperature by altering the value for HA in the SPAN menu. If the thermal load is
greater than the chiller’s heat removal capacity, the unit will not be able to hold the
setpoint temperature. This situation is potentially damaging to equipment, so set the
HA just above the setpoint temperature so that you are alerted of temperature runaways
before they damage equipment.
A user-positioned thermocouple monitors the temperature.
Description:
How Detected:
Appropriate
Response:

FC Series w/ EDC Control
Thermal MNL-047-A
Division Rev. 004
FTS 17
Stone Ridge, NY USA
845.687.0071
LOW TEMPERATURE
Check the setting of the low temperature alarm (LA) by pressing and holding the 1/0
button to enter the program mode, then using the Δand ∇keys find the SPAn menu,
press 1/0 until LA is displayed, note the temperature for LA.
Press 1/0 until the controller returns to operation mode and then touch Δor ∇to
show the current setpoint.
Then either increase the temperature setpoint to ensure it is set above the low
temperature alarm setting (LA), or adjust the LA value so that it is lower than the
desired set
p
oint. Contact the FTS Service Division if the condition
p
ersists.
How Reported:
Description:
How Detected:
Appropriate
Response:
The display will flash LA, an audible alarm is sounded, and the system will cease
all refrigeration. The pump and compressor will disengage if the condition persists
for more than 30 seconds.
Indicates that the temperature of the process is lower than the level set for the the
low temperature alarm (LA). The user can set the temperature that this alarm will be
triggered by altering the value for LA in the SPAN menu.
A user positioned thermocouple monitors temperature.

FC Series w/ EDC Control
Thermal MNL-047-A
Division Rev. 004
FTS 18
Stone Ridge, NY USA
845.687.0071
MAINTENANCE
Warning! Hazardous voltages. Risk of electric shock. Disconnect all power before
servicing this unit. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
Notice! Only qualified personnel should perform maintenance on the refrigeration
system itself, and only EPA certified technicians may evacuate or charge refrigerants.
Hazardous Material/Contact Hazard! The chemicals used in this unit are contained
within fully enclosed systems. No maintenance activities involving the refrigeration
system are to be performed by the end-user.
Hot Surface! The compressor and associated tubing in the lower portion of the unit are
likely to be hot and pose a potential burn hazard.

FC Series w/ EDC Control
Thermal MNL-047-A
Division Rev. 004
FTS 19
Stone Ridge, NY USA
845.687.0071
CLEANING
Warning! Hazardous voltages. Risk of electric shock. Disconnect all power
before servicing this unit. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
Notice! Only qualified personnel should perform maintenance on the system.
Caution! Proper safety equipment such as eye and face protection,
gloves and dust mask should be used.
The following procedure should be followed on a routine basis, from weekly to monthly
depending upon the operating environment.
1. Disconnect electric utilities.
2. Wipe down all exterior cabinet surfaces with a damp cleaning cloth.
3. Check switch for proper operation.
4. Vacuum dust from the refrigeration condenser as well as all screens and openings.
5. Remove cabinet panels.
6. Blow compressed air systematically from the top to bottom. Let air settle for several
minutes and repeat.
7. Check for areas that have frosted during operation and insulate as required.
8. Replace cabinet panels.
9. Connect electric utilities.

FC Series w/ EDC Control
Thermal MNL-047-A
Division Rev. 004
FTS 20
Stone Ridge, NY USA
845.687.0071
TROUBLESHOOTING
Symptom Possible Cause Remedy
Low Voltage Check the voltage on the unit
while it is under load. The
voltage must be with in 5% of the
voltage listed on the serial tag on
the back of the unit.
High ambient temperature Check room temperature, and
compare with the Ambient Air
Requirement listed in Installation.
Take steps to reduce this
temperature if it is too high.
Dirty or blocked Condenser Fins Clean condenser,
Compressor
Shuts OFF
and then turns
itself back on
in 3-4 minutes.
Fan not working Check for operation of fan (you
can feel air being drawn across
the condenser). If it isn't
working, contact FTS Service.
Compressor
fails to restart
after it has
been shut off.
High pressure in the refrigeration
system
Wait several minutes and try
starting the unit again.
Blocked or dirty condenser fins Clean them.Gradual loss
of temperature High Ambient Temperature Check room temperature, and
compare with the Ambient Air
Requirement listed in Installation.
Take steps to reduce this
temperature if it is too high.
Loss of refrigerant Call FTS Service.