NTC Pneuchange Mk.3 Series User manual

TD-8-035-IM1 Iss. D
Pneuchange Mk.3 Series
Automatic Gas Cylinder Change-Over Unit
PNEUCHANGE has been designed for CO2
and other inert gases.
Installation and operating instructions
PC15, PC30, PC60, PC100
Northern Technical and Chemical Ltd
29 Aston Road, Waterlooville, Hampshire, PO7 7XJ, UK
T: [phone] F: [phone] E: [email protected] W: www.westgroup.co.uk
TD-8-035-IM1 Iss. D

TD-8-035-IM1 Iss. D
Contents PAGE
Installation PAGE 3
Connecting Gas Supplies PAGE 3 - 4
Operation PAGE 4
Alarm Facility PAGE 4
Warranty & Servicing PAGE 5
Port Adaptors PAGE 5
Filter Assembly PAGE 5
Frequently Asked Questions PAGE 6 - 7
Model Options For Outlet Pressure (Up To)
PC15 15psi
PC30 30psi
PC60 60psi
PC100 100psi
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2

TD-8-035-IM1 Iss. D
INSTALLATION
CONNECTING GAS SUPPLIES
3
Fig.1
Fig.2
PNEUCHANGE can be installed at any point in the gas supply lines between the gas bottle regulators
and the equipment being served, most conveniently situated where the operator can monitor it's
operation. PNEUCHANGE can be free-standing on a horizontal surface or wall mounted.
This unit will release small amounts of gas into the working area when the automatic change-over
takes place and when the outlet regulator is adjusted. Suitable ventilation must be present at all times
when the unit is in use.
PNEUCHANGE can be wall mounted on suitable screws (not supplied) secured in keyholes as detailed in
Fig.1.
N.B. OPENING THE UNIT WILL INVALIDATE THE WARRANTY.

TD-8-035-IM1 Iss. D
Gas cylinders feeding PNEUCHANGE units must be tted with suitable regulators to reduce the supply
pressure to less than 6.9bar [100psi]. The range of NTC regulators are recommended.
PNEUCHANGE is tted with 3/8" BSPP male hose coupler ports to which standard UK regulator
hosetails can be tted. Hosetails for 6.4mm [1/4"] ID, hose are supplied. Other sizes can be purchased
separately. For best results CFILT lters should be tted to the inlet ports to prevent gas borne
particles fouling internal valves. See page 5.
Hoses should be secured with "Jubilee"™ or other suitable clips. Adaptors to connect PNEUCHANGE to
alternative pipework are listed on page 5.
The 3/8" BSPP port connectors are designed to seal between the faces of the convex hose coupler and
the concave port without sealant. The use of sealant paste or PTFE tape is NOT necessary. Connect
supply pipework to inlet ports.
Clamp hose to hosetail using suitable hose clip.
DO NOT USE SEALING PASTE OR PTFE TAPE
Locate tting into port.
Tighten nut until gas tight-DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN
TO PREVENT INTERNAL DAMAGE DO NOT ALLOW
PORT TO ROTATE WHEN TIGHTENING HOSE COUPLER
4
Fig.3
OPERATION
Starting with two full cylinders regulated down to between 3.1 to 6.9bar [45 to 100psi], ensure
PNEUCHANGE inlet gauges indicate cylinder regulator outlet pressures. Set the PNEUCHANGE outlet
pressure to that required by the equipment (Incubator etc.) being served. This will be found in the
manufacturer's instructions. The unit will feed from the rst connected cylinder until this exhausts then
the unit will automatically feed from the other cylinder.
On replacing the empty cylinder the unit will continue to feed from the currently active cylinder until
this is exhausted and the sequence will then repeat. No manual resetting is required.
ALARM FACILITY
PNEUCHANGE is tted with an audible changeover alarm operated from a 9 volt PP3 type battery or
equivalent. It is accessed via the battery drawer on the right hand side of the unit.
The alarm switch has two reset positions, one of which is constantly active.
• To use the alarm facility set the alarm switch to the inactive reset position.
• When cylinder changeover occurs, the alarm will sound.
• Switching to the opposite reset position will silence the alarm and set the unit for the next
changeover alarm signal.
• Replace the empty cylinder as detailed under operation as shown above.
N.B. Alarm may sound prior to changeover
Setting the alarm to the ‘off’ position will remove the audible alarm facility, but PNEUCHANGE will
continue to change cylinders as required.
The PNEUCHANGE alarm system detects differential pressure when Inlet B is active. The pressure
switch requires minimum 1.4bar [20psi] rising pressure on side B to switch state before detecting
1.4bar [20psi] falling pressure as cylinder empties. THE ALARM WILL NOT FUNCTION IF THE UNIT
INLET PRESSURE IS BELOW 1.7bar [25psi]. When side B is active and supplied above 1.7bar
[25psi] with the alarm switch in the upper reset position, the alarm will remain silent until the supply
pressure to port B falls to below 1.7bar [25psi] at which point the audible alarm will sound.

TD-8-035-IM1 Iss. D5
WARRANTY AND SERVICING
The NTC range of equipment supplied by The West Group Ltd carries a 12 month warranty. No special
maintenance is required. Should repair or service be required after the warranty period the unit should
be returned to The West Group Ltd for evaluation. Any attempted repair by unauthorised parties will
invalidate the warranty. In line with BCGA codes of practice, we recommend that changeover units,
regulators and hoses are replaced after 5 years.
The equipment supplied may contain a battery, if so please dispose of the battery according to the
approved WEEE regulations, or return to the supplier.
PORT ADAPTORS
FILTER ASSEMBLY (recommended option)
Inlet lters tted to regulator outlet ports prevent foreign particles in the gas supply becoming trapped
in the valve or regulator seals, causing malfunction. Filters will prolong the life of your PNEUCHANGE
unit and can be purchased in pairs.
Filter Assy
(Part No.
CFILT38FR6RHLR)
N.B. Before removing the lter bowl for
cleaning or renewal of lter element, ensure
that the inlet line pressure is vented.
The following hosetails and adaptors can be purchased separately.
Fig.4
Fig.5
Hosetail Connectors
4.8mm [3/6"] hosetail
6.4mm [1/4”] hosetail
8mm [5/16”] hosetail
9.5mm [3/8”] hosetail
Swagelok Connectors
3.2mm [1/8"] OD pipe or tubing
4.8mm [3/16"] OD pipe or tubing
6.4mm [1/4"] OD pipe or tubing
Plastic Connectors
6mm OD 4mm ID tubing
HT316RH
HT14RH
HT516RH
HT38RH
CLS18RH
CLS16RH
CLS14RH
CLSP6RH

TD-8-035-IM1 Iss. D6
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. Does the Pneuchange unit require electrical power to work?
A. The Pneuchange unit does not require mains electrical power to operate. For the PC15,
PC30, PC60 and PC100 Pneuchange units, an on board 9V PP3 battery (supplied) powers the
integral alarm.
Q. What does the ‘–VFC’ part number sufx mean?
A. Pneuchange units with a VFC sufx are tted with Volt Free Contacts for use with remote
alarms. A battery is not required and the integral buzzer is not present. The Pneuchange unit is
supplied with a quick release socket connector.
Q. Do you have a remote alarm for use with Pneuchange units PC15-VFC, PC30-VFC,
PC60-VFC and PC100-VFC?
A. We do not currently have our own remote alarm but we are looking to develop a battery
powered one in the future. Please contact us if this is of interest.
Q. What is the maximum input pressure to a Pneuchange unit?
A. 6.9bar [100psi].
Q. Do I need to use a pressure regulator on the gas cylinder?
A. Yes. As the maximum input pressure for a Pneuchange unit is 100 psi, a regulator needs to be
tted to the gas cylinder. CO2gas cylinders are typically 50 to 60bar [725 to 870psi] and
nitrogen is typically 250bar [3625psi].
Q. What are the input and output port connections?
A. The input and output port connections are 3/8” BSPP with a 60 degree cone. However,
Pneuchange units are supplied with brass hosetails to suit 6.4mm [1/4”] ID hose.
Other size hosetails and adaptors are available to purchase separately.
Q. What gases can I use the Pneuchange unit with?
A. Pneuchange is designed for use with inert gases.
Q. Can I use the Pneuchange unit with Oxygen?
A. No. The Pneuchange unit is not suitable for use with oxygen. However, our new high pressure
change-over unit is suitable for oxygen. Please contact us for details.
Q. Can I use the Pneuchange unit for Hydrogen?
A. No. Hydrogen is a ammable gas and the Pneuchange unit is no suitable for ammable gases.
However, our new high pressure change-over unit is suitable for ammable gases.
Q. Can the Pneuchange unit be used with CO2?
A. Yes. The Pneuchange unit was specically designed to be used with inert gases including CO2.
Q. What is the most common application for the Pneuchange units?
A. Pneuchange units are most commonly used to provide a continuous supply of CO2to CO2
incubators in laboratories.
Q. When should I replace my Pneuchange units?
A. In line with BCGA recommendations, we recommend that all Pneuchange units and associated
gas control equipment is replaced every 5 years.

TD-8-035-IM1 Iss. D7
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS CONTINUED
Q. Can you service/repair my broken Pneuchange unit?
A. As the Pneuchange units contain so many components, it is not cost effective for us to service
Pneuchange units.
Q. Why are the needles in the pressure gauges bent?
A. If a pressure supply of over 6.9bar [100psi] has been applied to the Pneuchange unit,
this will over pressurise the components including the gauges. The Pneuchange unit must not
be used and should be replaced.
Q. How is the alarm powered?
A. On the PC15, PC30, PC60 and PC100 Pneuchange units, the integral alarm is powered by a 9V
PP3 battery (supplied).
Q. Why will the integral alarm not sound?
A. Ensure that a fully charged battery is correctly tted into the battery compartment.
Also ensure that the alarm switch is in the correct position. (Centre position turns alarm off).
Consult manual for full details.
Q. How do I dispose of the battery once it has run out?
A. Batteries should be disposed of in accordance with WEEE directives if inside the EU. For advice,
contact your waste disposal supplier.
Q. Can the Pneuchange unit be used for medical applications?
A. The Pneuchange unit is not designed for contact with patients.
Q. Does it matter which inlet port is utilised rst?
A. No, The Pneuchange will automatically feed from the rst connected cylinder.
Northern Technical and Chemical Ltd
29 Aston Road, Waterlooville, Hampshire, PO7 7XJ, UK
T: [phone] F: [phone]
E: [email protected] W: www.westgroup.co.uk