MDG De2 User manual

Les Générateurs de Brouillard MDG Ltée / MDG Fog Generators Ltd
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10301 avenue Pelletier, Montréal, Québec, Canada H1H 3R2
Tel. [phone] - Fax [phone]
www.mdgfog.com e-mail : [e-mail]
User Guide
De2 or De4 Fog Generator
with PLC and Modbus RTU interfaces
(Revision A/b, April 2019, © MDG Fog Generators Ltd)

De2 or De4 Fog Generator
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Intentionally left blank

De2 or De4 Fog Generator
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Table of content
Section Page
Table of content 3
User Guide 4
How to read this User Guide 4
Qualified Personnel 5
Need a little Help? 5
Copyright Notice 5
Basic description 6
Pre-Install 8
Environmental Requirements 8
Electrical Requirements 8
Tubing Requirements 8
Unpacking 9
Installing the De2 or De4 10
Typical installation 10
Installation 12
Working with the Fog Generator 14
The Keyboard 15
LCD Saver 15
Menu Tree 16
Operating instructions 19
Starting Procedures 19
Fog Production 19
Shut down procedure 20
FAIL State 20
Digital PLC Control 22
Modbus Control 23
Bootloader 26
Fog Fluid 27
Filling the Fluid Reservoir 27
Troubleshooting 28
External Fluid Reservoir 31
Technical specifications 32
Dimensions 33
MDG De2 33
MDG De4 34
Installation 35
Warranty 36
Declaration of conformity 37
Notes 38

De2 or De4 Fog Generator
User Guide, Rev: A/b, April 2019 4 / 38
User Guide
Congratulations! You are now in possession of a MDG De2 or De4 Fog Generator.
We hope this Fog Generator will bring you long hours of satisfaction.
Please read the following instructions carefully and completely before installing your Fog Generator and
turning it on.
CAUTION
This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical,
sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been
given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance by a person responsible for
their safety. Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.
CAUTION
If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer, its service agent or
similarly qualified persons in order to avoid a hazard.
How to read this User Guide
WARNING and CAUTION are used throughout this manual to forewarn of possible danger
to the users if precautions are not observed. As is customary in military and some commercial
manuals, the precautions will always precede the steps to which it refers so that the users
will be aware of any potential danger before performing the task.
WARNING and CAUTION labels are key equipment parts. Do not remove, change or cover
these labels. If the labels are not readable, contact MDG Fog Generators Ltd.
BOLD TEXT: Contains important information, cautionary steps and warnings that should be read
and understood prior to installing the unit.
BOLD and ITALIC TEXT: pertains to product names and trademarks, proprietary names and
products made by MDG Fog Generators Ltd.
Please read the following instructions carefully and completely before installing, pressurizing and turning
on the Fog Generator.

De2 or De4 Fog Generator
User Guide, Rev: A/b, April 2019 5 / 38
Qualified Personnel
MDG Fog Generators Ltd systems will perform as designed but are to be installed, operated, and
serviced by trained personnel. Installation, operation and servicing of this equipment require trained
personnel with technical skills in electrical theory and fluid dynamics. This manual is not a substitute
for qualified technicians or local authorities on electricity, gas, fluid, or engineering, and therefore
does not supersede, amend or void local safety installation practices. Please refer to local authorities
for further information.
Need a little Help?
At MDG, we try our best to provide you with complete information for our products. Despite our best
efforts, sometimes, a little more is required due to the specifics of your project and installation. We’re
looking forward to go that extra mile for you.
Contact us:
By Phone: [phone] [phone]
By Fax: [phone]
By e-mail: [email protected]m
On the Web: www.mdgfog.com
By Mail: MDG Fog Generators Ltd.
10301, Avenue Pelletier
Montréal, QC, H1H 3R2
Canada
Please note that our business hours are from 08h00 to 12h00 and from 12h30 to 17h00 (8:00AM to
12:00PM and 12:30PM 5:00PM), Eastern (GMT -5).
Copyright Notice
This User’s Guide (Original Instructions) is copyrighted and all rights are reserved by MDG Fog Generators
Ltd.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or
translated into any language or computer language, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
magnetic, optical, chemical, manual or otherwise, without the prior written permission of MDG Fog
Generators Ltd.

De2 or De4 Fog Generator
User Guide, Rev: A/b, April 2019 6 / 38
Basic description
The De2 or De4 Fog Generators were designed with safety and reliability in mind. They are capable of
generating pure white, non-toxic fog for as long as you have fluid (100% duty cycles). Pulsating the Fog
Signal ON and OFF can control the amount of the fog emission. They are one of the quietest in the industry.
The fog generated is also one of the safest and environmentally safe.
These Fog generators are also equipped, as a standard feature, with the Automatic Purging System™
(APS™). This system purges the heating module after the first heating cycle and after every emission of fog
preventing residual build up and clogging.
At the heart of the MDG Fog Systems is an electronic assembly that keeps the heat exchanger at a very
stable temperature, with three different types of fail-safe systems. Those three types of electronic fail-safe
systems are designed to protect against over and under-heating conditions and against component failure.
When an overheating condition is detected, or if the internal temperature of the generator reaches 70°C
(158°F), a safety circuit is triggered. This circuit removes the power to the heating elements, preventing
hazardous conditions. When an under-heating condition occurs, the generator will stop producing fog until
the temperature of the heating module is back within parameters.
If an error occurs, the Fog Generator will automatically shut down, and the Fail state will be displayed on
the LCD, in the Status Menu. Check the FAIL State and Troubleshooting paragraphs for diagnostics.
When « Fog On » mode is activated, the MDG Fog Generator will produce fog for as long as the ready level
is reached (temperature) and all other control parameters are within specifications. When « Fog On » mode
is deactivated, the APS™cycle is automatically initiated to clear the heating module. Never remove the
power to a generator while it is producing fog –See the Shut down procedure.
WARNING
•When not in use ALWAYS switch off the power switch located on the back panel, and
disconnect the gas line, the fog fluid line and the AC line.
•Never install above people.
•This De2 or De4 Fog Generator must be installed in an upright position on a stable and
leveled surface.
•Use in a well-ventilated area.
•Do not operate at less than 2 meters (6.5 ft.) from people.
•The operating pressure is 345 kPa / 3,45 bar / 50 psi.

De2 or De4 Fog Generator
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Access door
Fog fluid input
MODBUS RTU
PLC Connector
USB Connector
LCD
Keyboard
Heating module
- De2 : 2 nozzles
- De4 : 4 nozzles
CO2or N2Gas input
50 psi ± 5%
Fog output
nozzles
AC input, 2960 W,
190-250 VAC
50/60 Hz
Power Supply
24 VDC
AC Ground
Main Control board
AC Input
Control
Input / Output
Heater Control
boards
Fuse (15 A)
IEC Filter
Combiner

De2 or De4 Fog Generator
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Pre-Install
Environmental Requirements
•0 ºC to 50 ºC (32 ºF to 122 ºF) operating temperature
•2 m (6.5 ft) clearance on all sides and in front of the equipment required.
•Wall-mounting hardware (not provided) must support 22.4 kg (49.2 lb) on four suspension points
(see Dimensions paragraph).
•Enclosure type: NEMA 4-12
•Storage conditions: -40ºC (-40ºF) to 60ºC (140ºF), 80% relative humidity @ 60ºC (140ºF).
Electrical Requirements
•Operating voltage: 190-250 VAC, single phase. 50Hz –60Hz, 2815 W nominal (2200 –2960 W).
•Ground / Earth connection REQUIRED.
•AC cable: 2 mm2(14 AWG), 3-wires, 105 ˚C copper, 300 V, CE UL/CSA compliant cable, Cable
OD: 6.0-12 mm (0.23-0.47 in)
•Data cable: 0.75mm2(22 AWG), CE UL/CSA compliant cable.
Tubing Requirements
•FLUID INPUT: ¼” NPT connector, 9.5 mm diameter tubing (3/8 inch) recommended
•GAS INPUT: ¼” NPT connector, 6.3 mm (1/4 inch) tubing recommended

De2 or De4 Fog Generator
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Unpacking
The system is carefully packed at the factory for shipment. Each enclosure is custom fitted into a heavy-duty
wooden frame cardboard box. Upon arrival, carefully inspect the containers for any shipping damage.
CAUTION
If ANY damage is found, immediately report it to the freight service and to MDG Fog
within 24 hours.
When opening the container, ensure that you do not damage the exterior finish of the enclosure. Save all
packing material for eventual equipment factory return.
A User Guide (this User Guide) is provided with the De2 or De4™ Fog Generator.

De2 or De4 Fog Generator
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Installing the De2 or De4
Careful planning must be used when selecting the location to mount the equipment:
•The De2 or De4™ can be installed indoor or outdoor, away from heavy dust or any harsh
environment situations.
•Ensure there is enough space for all conduit and tubing runs. Where possible, mount the De2 or
De4™ as close as possible to external reservoir.
•The MDG De2 or De4 requires 2 m (6.56 ft) of clearance to the front.
CAUTION
To avoid fire hazard and explosion risk, only use MDG Neutral Fog Fluid™. Not doing so
WILL damage the equipment’s components and void the warranty.
Typical installation
If the fog generators are at the same elevation than the pressurized reservoir PFR or if the distance is below
100 meters, the fog generators can be connected directly to the PFR.

De2 or De4 Fog Generator
User Guide, Rev: A/b, April 2019 11 / 38
If the fog generators are positioned at a higher elevation than the PFR(more than 3 meters) or if the
distance is over 100 meters, you may be obliged to separate the gas line for the fog generators, and increase
the pressure of the PFR to compensate the pressure of the fluid column (elevation) or the pressure drop
due to friction (see also the PFR User Guide).
The figure below shows typical configuration of data circuit for the same configuration. In this case, the
control signal (Modbus RTU gateway) is mounted in a classical daisy chain topology.

De2 or De4 Fog Generator
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Installation
STEP 1: Mounting Hardware
Using 1 5/8” Unistruct (or equivalent – not provided), affix the hardware to the wall / structure upon which
the cabinet will mount (see position of mountings hole in Dimensions section).
Ensure it is leveled and balanced. Avoid installing above people.
Mount the De2 or De4™ fog generator to the hardware.
STEP 2: Mounting Fittings
On the bottom side of the De2 or De4:
•Install a 1/4” NPT male connector (Elbow or Straight) on
the Gas input
•Install the 1/4” NPT male connector (Elbow or Straight)
on the Fluid input
STEP 3: AC Power cable
On the bottom side of the De2 or De4 Fog generator, insert the AC cable,
and then connect it to the internal terminal.
Do not forget to connect the ground to
the chassis.
STEP 4: Connect the Digital PLC (if required)
Connect the data wiring to the terminal. The voltage range is between
5 to 30 VDC, with an automatic detection of the common (negative
or positive).
Digital PLC: Pin 1: Common
Pin 2: Unit ON signal
Pin 3: Fog ON signal
Pin 4: Heating status
Pin 5: Ready status
Pin 6: Fail status
Fluid input
Gas input
Ground chassis
Neutral line N / L2 (blue)
Live line L1 (brown)

De2 or De4 Fog Generator
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STEP 5: Connect the Modbus cable (if required)
MDG Products are using Modbus RTU protocol over RS-485 in 2 wire transmission mode (half-duplex). In
this mode, TXD+ and RXD+, on the Master device, are wired together to TXD+ and RXD+ on the Slave
device(s). TXD- and RXD- on the Master device are wired together to TXD- and RXD- on the Slave device(s).
Only one pair of cable connects the Master device to the Slave device(s).
Connect the data wiring to the terminal.
Modbus: Pin 1 (In/Out): Shield
Pin 2 (In/Out): Signal (-)
Pin 3 (In/Out): Signal (+)
STEP 6: Connect the Fluid Line
Connect the fluid line to the fluid input.
Fill the external reservoir and connect the reservoir as described in its User Guide.
STEP 7: Connect the Gas Line
Connect the gas line to the gas input.
Open the gas bottle and set the pressure to 50 psi (3.5 bar, or 350 kPa).
STEP 8: Connect Power
WARNING
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
Ensure that the power is disconnected before working on A/C
Make sure that the circuit is connected to a breaker of proper capacity.
Connect the power cord 190-250 VAC, 50-60 Hz, 2815 W nominal (2200 –2960 W).

De2 or De4 Fog Generator
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Working with the Fog Generator
The MDG De2 or De4 Fog Generator is quite easy to operate and requires no preventive maintenance.
Switch On the power.
The MDG Fog generator will display, on the LCD, during four (4) seconds, the following message:
MDG Fog Generators
BooLoader
Testing ….
These four seconds allow you to connect the generator to your PC, via a USB cable, to update the firmware
of the control board (see BootLoader for further details).
Then, the MDG Fog Generator will display during one (1) second, the following message:
De2 (or De4)
by
MDG Fog Generators
(V: x.xx –F: y.yyy)
where ‘x.xx’ is the version of your generator, and ‘y.yyy’ is the firmware of the program.
The program will load the configuration parameters saved in the EEPROM memory.
Finally, the screen will display the menu.

De2 or De4 Fog Generator
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The Keyboard
The user can scroll in the menu by using the buttons of the keyboard:
‘Down’ moves the selection to the next menu, or decrease a data value.
•When at the end of a list, the program moves back to the first item of this list.
•If the selected menu is a data input menu, keeping this key pressed will decrease the value
more rapidly.
•In a data input menu, when the value reaches its minimum value, the program continues
with the maximum value.
‘Up’ moves the selection to the previous menu, or increases a data value.
•If the item is the first of a menu, the program moves the selection to the last item of that
menu.
•If the selected menu is a data input menu, keeping this key pressed will increase the value
more rapidly.
•In a data input menu, when the value reaches its maximum value, the program continues
with the minimum value.
‘Mode’ moves the last selection to the upper level
•This key has no effect in the first level.
•In a data input menu, pressing this key allows to exit the menu without changing any value
(escape).
‘Enter’ confirms a selection or data value.
•This key selects an item and allows the user to modify it.
•In a toggle menu, this key confirms the selection and moves the cursor back to the upper
level menu.
•In a data input menu, this key confirms the value of the data and moves the cursor back
to the upper level menu.
LCD Saver
The program can automatically switch off the LCD screen (menu display and backlight) if there is no
keyboard activity. The user can choose between a 30 second and a 2 minute delay in the Settings Menu
(« SETTINGSLCD SAVER »).
When the LCD Saver is activated, just press any key of the keyboard to re-activate the LCD screen functions.
The user can also deactivate the LCD saver by selecting the OFF option.

De2 or De4 Fog Generator
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Menu Tree
The menu is divided in four (4) main menus:
•Status Menu summarizes all the state of the fog generator. None of its sub menus can be modified.
•Control Menu allows the user to control locally the MDG De2 or De4. All its sub menus can be set, as
long as the generator is not in Modbus or PLC mode.
•Interface Menu allows the user to define or verify the communication via Modbus RTU.
•Settings Menu summarizes general configuration of the generator.
The menu is refreshed every second.
-Items preceded by the « -» character are state messages or parameters, updated by the program. The
user cannot modify them.
-Items preceded by the « » character are control parameters.
-The user, within specific ranges or choices, can MODIFY them. In user input mode, the value or the
choice is preceded with the « ?» character.
This menu can be
modified by user
This menu cannot be
modified by user
The value is presently
modified by user

De2 or De4 Fog Generator
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The tree menu architecture is explained below. Items highlighted in blue are state menu ( - ), and those
highlighted in yellow are control menu ( ).
STATUS Status menu
STATE ---- Status State
UNIT OFF - the generator is off
xx% HEAT - the generator is heating, but not ready
PURGE - the generator is purging the heating module
READY - the generator is generator is ready to produce fog
FOG ON - the generator is producing Fog
FAIL - the generator is off, due to a failure (see diagnostic)
ERROR ---- Error message when State = FAIL (see diagnostic)
TEMP. ---- Temperature status (heating module)
TOO LOW - temperature too low
OK - temperature within specifications (ready)
TOO HIGH - temperature too high
PRESSURE xx.x Current pressure
PCB TEMP ---- Temperature of the board (see Units)
RUN TIME xx.x Total Run Time in decimal hours
FOG TIME xx.x Total Fog Time in decimal hours
LAST ERR yyyyy Code for the Last five (5) errors
See Fail State paragraph
CONTROL Control menu
UNIT ---- Unit toggle
OFF - the generator is off
ON - the generator is on
FOG ---- Fog toggle
OFF - the fog is off
ON - the fog is on

De2 or De4 Fog Generator
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INTERFACE Modbus Menu
COMM. ---- Communication toggle
LOCAL - the generator is controlled by the keyboard ONLY
MODBUS - the generator is controlled by MODBUS ONLY
PLC - the generator is controlled by PLC (In/Out) ONLY
BROADCAST ---- Broadcast toggle
YES - the generator accepts Broadcast commands
NO - the generator rejects Broadcast commands
SLAVE ADD yyy Slave Address (1 to 247)
BAUD RATE ---- Baud rate toggle,from 1,200 to 230,400 baud
PARITY ---- Parity toggle
NONE - None parity, 2 Stop Bits
ODD - Odd parity, 1 Stop Bit
EVEN - Even parity, 1 Stop Bit
SERIAL NO yyyyyy MDG Serial Number
SETTINGS Settings menu
UNITS ---- Units toggle
PSI/°C - pressure in psi, temperature in Celsius
kPA/°C - pressure in kPa, temperature in Celsius
BAR/°C - pressure in bar, temperature in Celsius
PSI/°F - pressure in psi, temperature in Fahrenheit
LCD SAVER ---- LCD Saver Mode
30 s - LCD saver is activated after 30 s
2 mn - LCD saver is activated after 2 min
OFF - LCD Saver is Off
VERSION x.xx Model Version
FIRMWARE x.xx Program Firmware

De2 or De4 Fog Generator
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Operating instructions
The MDG De2 or De4 Fog Generator can be controlled either locally, with the keyboard, via Modbus (see
Modbus Control paragraph) or via Digital PLC (see Digital PLC Control paragraph).
This paragraph focuses on LOCAL control.
Starting Procedures
When powering up the generator, the control program configures the Input/Output, and loads the
configuration parameters saved in the EEPROM memory.
At this point, the MDG De2 or De4 switches to stand-by mode, and most of the electronic controls are off.
When the generator is manually switched to «UNIT ON» mode («CONTROLUNITON»), the program
starts the heating cycle («STATUSSTATE = % HEAT»), which will last approximately 7 to 8 minutes.
When the temperature reaches READY level («STATUSSTATE = READY»), the Automatic Purging
System™ (APS™) will be initiated («STATUSSTATE = PURGING»).
After the first purging cycle is completed (approx. time 30 sec.) the generator is ready to produce fog.
Fog Production
When the generator is manually switched to «FOG ON» mode («CONTROLFOGON»), the De2 or De4
will start producing fog.
The MDG De2 or De4 will produce fog as long as the control parameters are within specifications, and the
fog fluid reservoir filled.
If a critical problem occurs, the program shuts down automatically the fog generator, and displays an error
message in the State Menu (see Fail State) and the LCD will flash.
When the generator is manually switched to «FOG OFF» mode («CONTROLFOGOFF»), the De2 or
De4 will stop producing fog and initiate the automatic purging cycle.
WARNING
Never power off a generator while it is producing fog –See the shut down procedure.

De2 or De4 Fog Generator
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Shut down procedure
Never shut down the MDG De2 or De4 while making Fog.
Power off the generator observing the following sequence:
•Turn off the fog emission,
•Wait 30 seconds for the APSTM cycle to complete,
•Switch the generator «UNIT OFF» mode («CONTROLUNITOFF»),
•Power off the MDG De2 or De4, by switching off the “MAIN POWER SWITCH”.
Switching directly the generator in «UNIT OFF» mode via Modbus Protocol or via PLC will yield the same
result as above. Wait for all the cycles to complete before powering off the generator.
FAIL State
FAIL state mode is initiated if any critical error occurs.
In this state, the MDG De2 or De4 is off, awaiting an action from the user.
A critical error is always displayed in the Status Menu («STATUSERROR»), as well as the five (5) last
critical errors («STATUSLAST ERR»),
•ERROR = HEATER LAST ERR CODE = 6
This error will occur if the temperature of the heating module is not increasing with the proper thermal
ramp.
This is generally due to a heater cartridge(s) problem. Shut down the generator and restart it. Check the
heating process with the value of the Status («STATUSSTATExx% HEAT»). If the percent is not
increasing, the heater cartridges have failed.
•ERROR = P. LOW LAST ERR CODE = 7
This error will occur if the generator is unable to reach the operating pressure within a fixed time interval.
This may be due to a leaking gas line (between the gas bottle and the generator), a closed or empty gas
bottle, the set pressure of the regulator below 50 psi (3.5 bar, or 350), a ball valve closed on the gas line
or a problem with the pressure transducer.
With CO2bottle, check your regulator is not frozen.
•ERROR = P. HIGH LAST ERR CODE = 8
This error will occur if the pressure is too high.
This may be due to a solenoid valve malfunction (electronic or physical blockage), a regulator problem,
a problem with the pressure transducer, the heating module partially clogged or the use of cryogenic
(liquid) gas.