Ulvac GN-15i User manual

D/N. MJOM025E, 2018.08ULVAC CRYOGENICS INCORPORATED
Nitrogen Generator
Instruction Manual
GN-15i
Export Control Policy
When applying a refrigerator to a cryocooler for optical sensors, the
cryocooler falls under row 6.A.2.d.2 of the control list established by
The Wassenaar Arrangement, which is equal to row 10(2) of
appended table 1 of Japan’s Export Trade Control Order.
Customers must follow all related rules and regulations such as
Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act and take appropriate
procedures when exporting or re-exporting our refrigerators.

ULVAC CRYOGENICS INCORPORATED I
Introduction
Thank you for choosing our product. This instruction manual provides information and
precautions on handling, installation, operation, and maintenance of the product.
To ensure proper use of this product, read this instruction manual carefully and keep this
manual close at hand so that you can use for reference during operation.
If you purchased our other products and/or optional devices with this product, read relevant
instruction manuals carefully as well.

II ULVAC CRYOGENICS INCORPORATED
Safety Conventions
Our products have been designed to provide extremely safe and reliable operation when properly
used. Following safety precautions must be observed during normal operation and when servicing
them.
Low-temperature area present.
There is a risk of ｆrostbite. Do not touch.
CAUTION
WARNING
A warning describes safety hazards or unsafe practices
which could result in severe injury or loss of life.
A caution describes safety hazards or unsafe practices
which could result in personal injury or equipment damage.
Toxic gas or chemicals used.
There is a risk of severe injury upon contact.
Corrosive chemicals used.
There is a risk of severe injury upon contact.
Flammable gas used.
There is a danger of fire or burn injury.
Explosive gas used.
There is a risk of fire or explosion.
Hazardous voltage .
Electric shock may cause severe injury or loss of life.
Hot heating part present.
There is a risk of burn injury.

ULVAC CRYOGENICS INCORPORATED III
Table of Contents
Safety Instructions··························································································1
1. General··································································································5
2. Features ································································································5
3. Component Descriptions············································································6
3.1 External Dimensions and Component Description·········································6
3.2 Component Details·················································································7
4. Flow Diagram··························································································9
5. Specifications ························································································10
5.1 Nitrogen generator specifications····························································· 10
6. Electric Wiring ·······················································································11
7. Unpacking and Installation········································································12
7.1 Unpacking and Checking Contents·························································· 12
7.2 Installation··························································································· 12
7.3 Electric Wiring······················································································ 13
8. Operation·····························································································14
8.1 Preparation before Operation·································································· 14
8.2 Start-up and Stop (Tank pressure operation)*optional··································· 14
9. Maintenance ·························································································16
9.1 Daily Inspections and Maintenance·························································· 16
9.2 Overall Inspections··············································································· 16
10. Cautions before Use ···············································································17
11. Troubleshooting·····················································································18
12. Warranty ······························································································20

IV ULVAC CRYOGENICS INCORPORATED
This page intentionally left blank.

ULVAC CRYOGENICS INCORPORATED 1
Safety Instructions
Following precautions contain information regarding the safety of handling this system.
Read them carefully to learn the ways of safe use.
It may result in explosion or fire if there is explosive, flammable gas organic solvent
close to the equipment. Place the equipment in a place free from flammable objects.
This equipment is not waterproof. If water invades into the electrical system, it may
result in electric shock or fire. This system must be installed indoors.
Make sure that the main power supply is turned off before starting inspections or
wiring. Failure to follow this procedure could cause electric shock or severe
injury.
Only qualified personnel can conduct electric wiring. If this caution is not
observed, it may result in electric shock or fire.
Make sure to ground the equipment. Failure to follow this procedure could cause
electric shock or fire.
Never attempt to compress gases other than the air. Otherwise, it may result in
explosion, fire or damage to the equipment.
2. Do not place outdoors.
1. Install the nitrogen generator in a safe place.
3. Disconnect power supply before conducting
inspections or servicing.
4. Electric wiring must be done by qualified
personnel.
5. Connect the ground wire.
6. Do not attempt to compress gas other than
the air.

2 ULVAC CRYOGENICS INCORPORATED
Inhaling nitrogen gas may bring serious damage to human bodies.
Do not use the nitrogen generator in a place where closed or without insufficient
ventilation as it may severely damage human bodies. Use the equipment in a
place where sufficient air flow is available.
Do not touch the compressor while it is supplied power. It may result in burn injury.
Follow the maintenance standard for inspections and maintenance. Make sure to
release tank pressure and confirm that there is no pressure before starting such
works. If pressure remains, it may blow off parts, resulting in body injury.
Operate the nitrogen generator in a place where the temperature is from 5 to 40°C.
The drain freezes when the ambient temperature is below 5°C, resulting in
equipment failure. When it is above 40°C, it could cause equipment failure or
shorten the life.
Installation site should be free from dirt or dust as they may cause equipment
failure.
8. Do not use the nitrogen generator in a closed
room.
11.Use the device at the specified temperature range.
12.Install the nitrogen generator in a clean place
10.Release the tank pressure before inspection or
maintenance.
7. Do not inhale nitrogen gas.
9. Do not touch the compressor while running.

ULVAC CRYOGENICS INCORPORATED 3
It may result in failure or deterioration of life if the repair work is done by personnel
who do not have adequate knowledge on the structure or risk.
When replacing parts for maintenance, our genuine parts should be used. Parts
that are not genuine could cause equipment failure or shorten the life.
Never attempt to remodel the equipment as it may result in breakage or decrease
of life.
Operation of this equipment must be done in a place where sufficient air flow is
available. It will have harmful effects to the performance of the device or human
bodies if it is operated in a place with poor ventilation.
14.Use our genuine parts.
15.Do not remodel.
13.Repair work should be done by appropriate
service providers.
16.Do not use in a place without sufficient
ventilation.

4 ULVAC CRYOGENICS INCORPORATED
Disposal Considerations
Disposal of industrial waste is regulated by national or local governments. Follow all
applicable local or national laws, regulations or guidelines when disposing of our products.
We provide Safety Data Sheet (SDS) of our products upon your request. Please contact
us when necessary.
WARNING
When the refrigerator unit may have pumped toxic or dangerous gases, you must
contact your safety supervisor at the time of disposal, and follow the instructions to
remove hazardous substances before disposing.

ULVAC CRYOGENICS INCORPORATED 5
1. General
The GN-15i generates high density nitrogen gas with PSA(*) technology. The system
consists of a compressor, adsorption tank, buffer tank, pressure regulator, flow rate
meter, flow rate control valve, solenoid valve, piping or control equipments.
(*)P.S.A.（Pressure Swing Adsorption）
The air goes into the compressor to be pressurized, and passes through the adsorber
tank to have impurities such as oxygen removed, and only high density nitrogen gas is
sent to the buffer tank to make a product gas.
Moisture or oxygen gas that have been adsorbed in the pressurized state,
P.S.A. is the technology to generate high density nitrogen by pressurizing or
depressurizing (expose to the atmosphere from pressurized state) compressed air using
the properties of adsorber (carbon molecular sieve) to adsorb and desorb oxygen.
2. Features
・Easy to perform maintenance work as the panels on top, both sides or back can be
removed.
・Automatically switched between 50Hz and 60Hz.
・The state of operation can be monitored by the indicator lights on the operation panel.
Operation starts simply by pressing Run/Stop button. Once started up, the
equipment generates nitrogen gas automatically.
・To stop operation, simply press Run/Stop button.
・Tank pressure operation is possible with the switch.
・The compressor is long-life and low-noise type.
・Safety circuit is built inside to detect the compressor trouble. The generator stops
automatically when a trouble occurs in the compressor.
・Drained water is evaporated by electric heater and PSA exhaust desorbed gas.
There is no need of piping for drained water.

6 ULVAC CRYOGENICS INCORPORATED
3. Component Descriptions
3.1 External Dimensions and Component Description
①Air inlet ⑨Compressor alarm light
②Maintenance port ⑩Alarm light / Reset button
③Ventilation fan ⑪Run/Stop button
④Cable entrance ⑫Circuit breaker (inside)
⑤Nitrogen gas discharge port ⑬Pressure sensor (inside)
⑥Spare entrance port ⑭Pressure regulator (inside)
⑦Pressure alarm light ⑮Nitrogen gas outlet meter (inside)
⑧Nitrogen gas flow meter ⑯Caster
Clear the spaces below for maintenance works.
Front: 600mm or more
Sides: 600mm or more
Back: 200mm or more
Unit: mm
Operation Panel
564
527
12
32
600
85
600
620
950
65
480
480 20
155 55
メンテナンススペースについて
下記スペースを確保してください
正面：600mm 以上
左右：600mm 以上
背面：200mm 以上
操作部
11
10
２
７
９
８
３
５
６
４
16
１
操作部
14
15
13
12

ULVAC CRYOGENICS INCORPORATED 7
3.2 Component Details
①Air inlet
Port to intake the atmosphere.
②Maintenance port
An opening to perform maintenance. Make sure to turn off the power supply before
opening this port.
③Ventilation fan
Do not block the air exit by placing the fan too close to walls or in other ways.
Take space of more than 200mm from walls.
④Cable entrance
Entrance for power cables
⑤Nitrogen gas discharge port (φ6 easy connecting)
⑥Spare entrance port (Rc1/4)
⑦Pressure alarm light
Illuminates when the pressure of nitrogen tank is below the set value.
⑧Nitrogen gas flow meter
Displays the flow rate of nitrogen gas
⑨Compressor alarm light
[Conditions that alarm light turns on]
(1) When an overcurrent by reasons such as overloading of the compressor unit is
detected
(2) When the compressor wiring has any disconnection.
⑩Alarm light / Reset button
When the compressor has some trouble, light turns on and the system stops
operation. The condition is reset by pressing the button again.
⑪Start / Stop button, light
Press this button to start or stop the equipment.. The light is turned on during

8 ULVAC CRYOGENICS INCORPORATED
operation
12 Circuit breaker
The breaker for entire equipment. (Inside)
13 Pressure censor (Inside)
Displays the pressure of the nitrogen tank. The system will be shutdown for
emergency if the pressure is lower than set value while dispensing nitrogen gas.
14 Pressure regulator (Inside)
Controls the discharge pressure of produced nitrogen gas. Refer to nitrogen gas
supply pressure meter ⑮to adjust at the desired pressure (within specification
range)
15 Nitrogen gas supply pressure meter (Inside)
Displays the nitrogen gas supply pressure (set value).

ULVAC CRYOGENICS INCORPORATED 9
4. Flow Diagram
OUT
IN
IN OUT
P1
Ｐ
P2
Ｐ
窒素ガス出口
FM1 MC1
PG
PR1
V1
PS1
SV5' CV2
CV1 SV5
AT2
OR1
BT1
RV1 SV2
SV4
SV1
SV3
AT1
SV6SV7
AF1
VA1
DT1CC1
AF2
PG
PS1
名称
記 号
AF1,2
AT1,2
BT1 CC1
DT1 OR1
P1,2
PR1 FM1
SV3,4 SV1,2
MC1
RV1 CV1,2
SV7
V1 SV6
VA1 SV5,5'
圧力計
圧力センサー
電磁弁 電磁弁
圧力調節器(圧力計付）
逆止弁 冷却管
消音機能付蒸発器
電磁弁 電磁弁 電磁弁 電磁弁 リリーフ弁 コンプレッサ オリフィス ミニチュアバルブ 窒素ガス流量計 バッファタンク 吸着タンク ドレントラップ 吸気フィルタ
φ6ワンタッチ継手
Symbol Name
AF1,2 Air-intake filter DT1 Drain tray AT1,2 Adsorption tank BT1 Buffer CC1 Cooling tube CV1,2 Control valve FM1 Nitrogen gas Flowmeter MC1 Miniature valve OR1 Orifice P1, 2 Compreesos PS1 Pressure sensor PR1
Pressure regulator
PG Pressure gauge RV1 Relief valve SV1,2 Solenoid valve SV3,4 Solenoid valve SV5,5' Solenoid valve SV6 Solenoid valve SV7 Solenoid valve V1 Vaporizer VA1 Vaporizer with silencer
N2 Supply Quick
-Connect
Coupling

10 ULVAC CRYOGENICS INCORPORATED
5. Specifications
5.1 Nitrogen generator specifications
Items Specifications
Model GN-15i
N2 production rate (*1) 15 NL/min
Discharge pressure 0.2 MPa
Purity 99 vol% (N2 + Ar)
Dew point Below -60°C
Flow meter (*2) 25.0 NL/min
Ambient
temperature(*3) 5 - 40°C
Ambient humidity(*3) Relative humidity 10 - 80%
Electrical rating
Voltage and frequency Main power source 100VAC single-phase, 50/60Hz
Power consumption 800W
Operating method Input operation signals
Input and output
electrical signals
Input
Remote signal: CLOSE while in operation
Contact capacity:DC30V 20mA required
Output
Running signal: In operation (ON)
N2 supply signal: While supplying (ON)
Alarm signal: While in alarm state (ON)
Relay contact output: Continuous load current 100VAC
below 1A
Drained water
processing Evaporation inside the equipment
Nitrogen gas exit φ6 quick-connect coupling
Dimensions 480(W) x 620(D) x 950(H) (excluding casters)
Weight Approx. 90Kg
Color DIC 546 1/2
Compressor 2688CS32-273 (made by Thomas) x 2
Noise level 56dB(A)
When measured from front 1m and height 1m
*1 This is the volume measured at the ambient conditions of temperature 20°C and
humidity 60% RH and converted to 0°C and atmospheric pressure. The production
volume above is the maximum under the conditions with temperature of 20°C, humidity
of 60% RH and filters are cleared. The production rate may go down depending on the
conditions such as temperature or humidity.
*2 Flow meter is made to fit the above discharge pressure. If it is used at the pressure
other than the above, conversion is needed.
*3 This is not to guarantee the performance under these conditions.

ULVAC CRYOGENICS INCORPORATED 11
6. Electric Wiring
ＣＰ１－２ ＣＰ１－１
ＣＰ２－２
ＣＰ２－１
＋ －
＋
－ ＋
－ ＋
－
＋ －
＋
－ ＋
－
２A
F U 1
J P
AC100V
AC100V
HTR
ELB
11
6 4 3 5 7 8 9
10
1
13 12 14
3 2 4
1
11
6 4 2 3 5 7 8
10
9 1
12 13
14
3 2 4
5
3 2 1 4
3 2 1 4 6 7 8
3 1 2 4 3 1 2 4
3 2 1 4
3 1 2 4
5 5
CN21CN23
CN19
CN18
CN16
CN22
CN24
RMT 1
RMT 2
GND
N
L
TB1
AC100V
PSW1
-
+
-
+
AC
AC100V
AC
-
+
-
+
AC
AC100V
AC
PSW2
24 3 1 2 2
2 1
4 3 4 3
1
1 2 1
JP1
JP4
J31
JP5
CS1
CS2
1
TB2
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 0
FAN FAN
RUN1
RUN2
AL1
AL2
RMT1
RMT2
RUN3
RUN4
F1
V1
F2 *2
AC100V
AC100V
AC100V
AC100V
AC100V
AC100V
4
2
1
1
2
CN2
1
1
2
2
3
4
CN3
CN4 6
5
7
8
9
10
2
1
3
4
5
6
CN20
V0
V1
1
2
3
5
6
CN7
(CT3)
1
2
1
2
CN9
(CT4)
CN5
JP2
5
6 7 8
CN1
(CT1)
CN6
(CT2)
5 4 23 1
CN12
DC100V DC100V
DC100V
DC100V
DC100V
DC100V
DC100V
DC100V
DC100V
DC100V
DC100V
DC100V
DC100V
DC100V
V2
(SV7) 2
2
CN17
CN15
(SV6) 2
1
1
CN14
(SV5) (SV4)
CN13
2 1 1
CN11
(SV3)
CN10
(SV2)
1 2 1 2
(SV1) 2
1
CN8
P S
1 2
J P
DC12V+
+12V
+ 5 V
RMTCHG 1
RMTCHG 2
DC12V＋
ＣＰ１－1
ＣＰ１－2
ＣＰ2－1
ＣＰ2－2
RMT 2
RMT 1
RMTCHG 1
RMTCHG 2
SSR1 SSR2
SW1
L1
3Pｺﾝｾﾝﾄｹｰﾌﾞﾙ 2m
APC-09C
SV7 SV6 SV5 SV4 SV3 SV2 SV1
SV5
P2P1
3 5 4 2 1
1 3
21 3
21 3
1 2
21 3
2
Black
R e d
Black
R e d
B l a c k
R e d
B l a c k
Red
B l a c k
Red
B l a c k
R e d
B l a c k
R e d
Remote Operating Alarm State N2 Supply
Signal Output
Signal Input
ＯＮ Remote/
ＯＦＦ Local
Operating Light
Operation SW
L2 Compressor Alarm Light
SW2 Alarm Clear SW
SW3 Maintenance SW
L3 Pressure Alarm Light
5V Power
12V Power
JP No. Comp1,2 Mount
2,3 Jumper
2,3 Jumper
1,2 Jumper
1,2 Jumper
Without Jumper
Black
Blue
Symbol Name
APC-09C Control board
TB1,2 Terminal board
SV1,2,3,4,5,
6,7
Solenoid valve
V1 Solenoid valve
HT Heater
P1,2 Air compressor
L1 Run/Stop indicator
L2 Compressor alarm light
L3 Pressure alarm light
F1 Cooling fan
F2 Ventilating fan
PSW1 12VDC Power supply
PSW2 5VDC Power supply
SW1 Local Run/Stop switch
SW2 Alarm cancel switch
SW3 Maintenance switch
ELB Electric leakage
breaker
CS1,2 Current sensor
SSR1,2 Solid state relay
LCD LCD module
PS Pressure sensor
FU1 Fuse (2A)

12 ULVAC CRYOGENICS INCORPORATED
Environmental Requirements for Installing a Nitrogen Generator
(1) Install in a clean place where free from dust.
(2) The GN-15i is air-cooled. It may not operate properly in extremely small
space. In such a case, improve the air-permeability around the equipment, or
ventilate or use an air conditioner for the entire room.
(3) Never use organic solvents (acetone, thinner, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform,
ethyl acetate, nitric acid, aniline, kerosene, or gasoline) around the equipment.
It may significantly deteriorates the life of the components such as filters or
adsorbents.
7. Unpacking and Installation
7.1 Unpacking and Checking Contents
Unpack the Carton and confirm that it contains the following items.
1) GN-15i
2) Instruction Manual (This book)
7.2 Installation
1) Install the system indoors away from direct sunlight and well ventilated.
.
2) Place the equipment on a stable and level floor.
3) Power outlet should be located within 1 meter distance from the equipment.
4) Clear the space in front of the air inlet or exhaust port.
NOTE: Clear the space of larger than 200mm in the back of the equipment for
ventilation.
Ventilate well to prevent decline of oxygen level.
Although nitrogen gas itself is not toxic to human bodies, it reduces the oxygen level in
the air and may lead to suffocation. (It is defined that oxygen level of below 18% is
the state of oxygen deficiency.) Install a ventilating fan that has airflow volume of
1000m3/hr to circulate fresh air. It is recommended to use an oxygen meter.
Warning

ULVAC CRYOGENICS INCORPORATED 13
7.3 Electric Wiring
<Input>
Power source
Supply 100VAC outlet with earth lead exclusive to the equipment.
NOTE: Do not use cable reel or extension cable.
<Output>
Operation signal output 5,6 [RUN1, RUN2]
This signal is sent out when the equipment starts running .
Equipment alarm signal output 7,8 [AL1, AL2]
This alram is activated when the computer is overloaded or motor disconection.
It is also output when the pressure of produced nitrogen tank is lower than the set
value.
(The GN-15i makes an emergency stop. Default setting is 0.3MPa.)
Nitrogen supply signal output 9,10 [RUN3, RUN4]
Nitrogen is supplied in 6 minutes after the equipment starts up. Nitrogen supply
signal is activated according to the timing.
Danger of electrical shocks exists. Do not touch the live parts.
Voltage that can lead to electrocution or serious damage is added to the power supply
of the equipment. It is extremely dangerous to touch the live part inside. Ensure to
disconnect the power source before performing installation, maintenance or repairs
.
Connect to D type earth grounding as well.
WARNING

14 ULVAC CRYOGENICS INCORPORATED
8. Operation
8.1 Preparation before Operation
1) Take the right side plate off, and remove the red screws (two per compressor unit)
that fix the compressor units for transportation.
2) Connect the piping to the nitrogen gas supply port (φ6 quick-connect coupling) on
the back of the equipment.
3) Wire the power cable, open the front door and turn the circuit breaker on.
4) Turn the toggle switch to LOCALoperation side, and press Run/Stop button.
5) Open the door to check that the pressure meter of the pressure regulator (located
behind the operation panel) is set at appropriate value, and check nitrogen gas flow
meter on the operation panel to confirm that the flow rate is appropriate.
8.2 Start-up and Stop (Tank pressure operation)*optional
To use this function to turn ON and OFF by the internal pressure sensor, open the
front panel and turn the toggle switch to “Tank Pressure Operation”, and press
Run/Stop button.
The equipment suspends operation when the back pressure of Nitrogen supply port
reaches to the set upper limit of the pressure sensor, and resumes operation when
the lower limit is reached. Refer to [How to change the set value of Digital
Pressure Sensor (DP-100)] for the information on how to set the upper and lower
limit.
Tank Pressure Operation settings [factory default settings]
Upper limit (OFF) 0.35MPa
Lower limit (ON) 0.20MPa