Starting the unit for the first time
Here is a quick checklist and suggested start-up procedure.
1) Follow the installation instructions on page 4 of this manual. Once
installed go to step #2.
2) Look inside the unit and verify there is no loose packing material or
other foreign objects. Look at the gas connections and verify nothing
appears damaged or out of place.
3) Make sure the power switch is turned OFF.
4) Pressurize the gas lines by opening any shut-off valves on the gas
supply. Double check for leaks if this is the first time the unit will be
used. Gas leaks can be extremely dangerous.
5) Once the gas supply has been pressurized and tested for leaks, verify
there is no objects within 18” of the surface of the unit.
6) Turn both burner selection control knobs to the OFF position.
Initially, we will test just two burners. After the lowest setting is
tested, the two control valves can be opened.
7) Plug in the 24 volt DC power supply to a 120 volt power source.
Connect the small cable to the power inlet jack of the unit.
8) Turn the power switch ON, the Green indicator light should turn
ON. After a short pause, the ignition module will attempt to ignite the
burners for 5 seconds. If the unit fires, go to step #9. If this is the
first time the unit was used or if the LP tank was recently replaced, it
may not successfully start after the first attempt. After a 20-second
delay, the unit will attempt to re-fire for 5 seconds. If after five (5)
attempt to fire the burners is unsuccessful, the module will lock itself
until power to the unit is recycled OFF & ON. (See troubleshooting)
9) Once the burners fire, look from under the unit and verify the flame is
blue and consistent.
10) Once the first two burners are tested, open the two burner selection
valves one at a time and visually verify the burners also look OK.
11) Open both burner control valves and test all of the burners operating
together. If the unit will be operated in the maximum configuration,
ensure no materials around the unit are getting hot. The VCG-27
produces up to 27,000 BTUs of heat at full capacity so be sure the
heat will not become too great for the area or the surroundings.
12) Once tested at full capacity, set the control valves at the desired
setting and connect the unit to your controller or timer.
NOTE: If the flame appears yellow or excessively large, shut the unit
off and refer to the troubleshooting section of the manual. The flames
should appear blue and resemble a small 6-pointed star.
Optional Air-cooling module VCG-COOL
Like any other CO2 generator, the VCG-27 can produce a lot of
unwanted heat… up to 27,000 BTU. There is no way to effectively
remove ALL of the heat, while keeping the CO2 in the growing area.
BUT, there is a way to remove up to 6,600 BTU of heat, by using the
optional VCG-COOL Air-Cooling module. Unlike other less effective
attempts to remove heat from CO2 generators, the VCG-COOL module
has been designed to absorb as much heat as possible while leaving the
cooled CO2 in the growing area.
Up to an 8” centrifugal fan is connected to one end of the cooling
module using fireproof flexible aluminum or steel ducting. The fan forces
cool air from outside the growing area into the cooling chamber. Since
the cooling chamber is sealed, no outside air is allowed to enter the
growing area and no inside CO2 is allowed to pass through the unit to the
outside. The outlet from the cooling module is connected to another
length of flexible aluminum duct and the hot air is exhausted outside of
the area. (Recommend using an 6-8” fan with 300-700 CFM)
The total amount of heat that can be removed varies with the total
amount of heat the generator is producing. See the chart below.
Removing heat from the area will reduce the stress on the plants and also
reduce the amount of cooling required. See the connection example and
installation procedure for the Air– Cooling module on the next page.
# of
burners
BTUs of Heat
Produced
Amount of heat
removed (BTU)
Amount of heat
remaining (BTU)
2 LP 4,523
NG 5,534
Up to 3000 LP 1,523
NG 2,534
5 LP 11,315
NG 13,835
Up to 4200 LP 7,115
NG 9,635
7 LP 15,841
NG 19,369
Up to 5400
LP 10,441
NG 13,969
10 LP 22,630
NG 27,670
Up to 6600 LP 16,030
NG 21,070
NOTE: Because of high temperatures… DO NOT use mylar,
polyester or other flammable flexible ducting with the Air-Cooling
module. Use only flexible aluminum or sheet metal ducting.
