VICI DBS NM Plus 100 FID Tower User manual

1
NM & PG PLUS FID TOWERS
USER MANUAL
Version 1.03.0000
www.vicidbs.com
TECH SUPPORT
Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia & New Zealand:
[e-mail]
USA, Canada, Central & South America:
[e-mail]
Italy
[e-mail]
VICI AG INTERNATIONAL
Parkstrasse 2
CH-6214 Schenkon
Switzerland
tel: [phone]
fax: [phone]
web: www.vicidbs.com
APPLICABLE MODELS
This manual is applicable to the following models:
• NM Plus 100 FID Tower
• NM Plus 160 FID Tower
• NM Plus 250 FID Tower
• NM Plus 300 FID Tower
• NM Plus 500 FID Tower
• NM Plus 600 FID Tower
• NM Plus 1000 FID Tower
• NM Plus 1350 FID Tower
• PG Plus 100 FID Tower
• PG Plus 160 FID Tower
• PG Plus 250 FID Tower
• PG Plus 300 FID Tower
• PG Plus 500 FID Tower
• PG Plus 600 FID Tower
Version 1.03.0000

1
NM & PG PLUS FID TOWERS
USER MANUAL
Version 1.03.0000
www.vicidbs.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. VERSION HISTORY................................................................................................................................ 2
2. INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................................... 3
2.1. Symbol Denitions...............................................................................................................................3
3. SAFETY.................................................................................................................................................. 4
3.1. Personal Safety Instructions.................................................................................................................4
3.2. Instrument Safety Instructions ............................................................................................................4
4. SPECIFICATIONS................................................................................................................................... 5
4.1. Common Options................................................................................................................................6
4.1.1. Remote Connections...................................................................................................................6
4.1.2. Cascading ...................................................................................................................................6
5. PRESENTATION OF THE DEVICE.......................................................................................................... 8
5.1. Front View............................................................................................................................................8
5.2. Back View ............................................................................................................................................9
5.3. Dimensions........................................................................................................................................ 10
5.4. Weight............................................................................................................................................... 10
5.5. Transport and Storage ...................................................................................................................... 11
5.6. Fuses and Voltage Settings............................................................................................................... 12
5.7. Schematics......................................................................................................................................... 13
5.7.1. Fluids ......................................................................................................................................... 13
5.7.2. Electronics ................................................................................................................................ 16
6. INSTALLATION AND INITIAL START-UP ............................................................................................. 19
6.1. Receiving the Generator.................................................................................................................... 19
6.2. Included in Shipment/Packing List.................................................................................................... 19
6.3. Installing the Generator ....................................................................................................................20
6.4. Gas Connections...............................................................................................................................20
6.5. Electrical Connections ...................................................................................................................... 21
6.6. Filling the Water Tank........................................................................................................................22
6.7. Installing the Deionizer Bag............................................................................................................... 23
6.8. Starting the Hydrogen Generator..................................................................................................... 24
6.9. Turning Off the Generator.................................................................................................................24
6.10. Starting the Zero Air Generator ......................................................................................................25
7. OPERATION - HYDROGEN PART ........................................................................................................ 26
7.1. LCD Display.......................................................................................................................................26
7.1.1. Layout of the Display................................................................................................................26
7.1.2. First Row - Status Information ..................................................................................................26
7.1.3. Second Row - Pressure Information .........................................................................................26
7.1.4. Third Row - Hydrogen Flow .....................................................................................................27
7.1.5. Fourth Row - Water Quality......................................................................................................27
7.1.6. Start/Stop - Reset Button ......................................................................................................... 27
7.1.7. Exit - Menu Button ...................................................................................................................27

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NM & PG PLUS FID TOWERS
USER MANUAL
Version 1.03.0000
www.vicidbs.com
1. VERSION HISTORY
VERSION DATE COMMENT/CHANGE
1.00.0100 01/18/2017 Layout and initial release, VICI DBS
1.01.0000 10/24/2017 New photo of the product
1.02.0000 01/09/2020 New layout, images and graphics, VICI Gig Harbor Group
1.03.0000 01/26/2021 Added uidic and electrical schema, PRB
7.2. Menu Structure..................................................................................................................................28
7.3. Congure Parameters .......................................................................................................................29
7.4. Diagnostic Display ............................................................................................................................30
7.5. Special Functions ..............................................................................................................................31
8. OPERATION - ZERO AIR PART ............................................................................................................ 31
8.1. Connect Power and Start Unit........................................................................................................... 31
8.2. Warming Up ...................................................................................................................................... 31
8.3. Shutdown Procedure.........................................................................................................................32
9. ERROR LIST - TROUBLESHOOTING .................................................................................................... 32
9.1. Hydrogen Part...................................................................................................................................32
9.2. Zero Air Part ......................................................................................................................................33
9.2.1. Front Panel LED .......................................................................................................................33
9.2.2. Error Codes on Mainboard.......................................................................................................34
10. MAINTENANCE................................................................................................................................. 35
10.1. Routine Maintenance Hydrogen Part ..............................................................................................35
10.2. Routine Maintenance Zero Air.........................................................................................................35
10.2.1. Maintenance Kits....................................................................................................................36
10.2.2. Annual Maintenance Kit .........................................................................................................36
10.2.3. Three Year Catalyst Replacement Kit .....................................................................................36
10.3. Annual Pre-Filter Element Replacement .........................................................................................36
10.4. Three Year Catalyst Chamber Replacement ................................................................................... 37
11. RETURNING THE UNIT...................................................................................................................... 38
12. SPARE PARTS LIST............................................................................................................................. 39
12.1. Hydrogen Part.................................................................................................................................. 39
12.2. Zero Air Part .................................................................................................................................... 42

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NM & PG PLUS FID TOWERS
USER MANUAL
Version 1.03.0000
www.vicidbs.com
2. INTRODUCTION
The NM & PG Plus FID Towers are 2 in 1 generators of hydrogen and zero air. The ows are optimized to
guarantee a correct functioning of the FID in your GC-MS system. The NM & PG Plus FID Towers need only
a small amount of space on your lab bench due to its space-saving design.
2.1 SYMBOL DEFINITIONS
SYMBOL DESCRIPTION
General warning. Caution is necessary when operating the device or control
close to where the symbol is placed, or to indicate that the current situation
needs operator awareness or operator action in order to avoid undesirable
consequences.
The manual must be consulted in all cases where this symbol is marked on
the device.
Risk of asphyxia. Caution is necessary when operating the device in a not
sufciently ventilated area.
Oxidant material. Caution is necessary due to the presence of oxidant material.
WEEE symbol. When discard this product, it must be sent to separate collection
facilities for recovery and recycling.
Fuse. Notify replaceable fuse place.
OR
OR
OR

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NM & PG PLUS FID TOWERS
USER MANUAL
Version 1.03.0000
www.vicidbs.com
3. SAFETY
3.1 PERSONAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Read all instructions and warnings. Failure to do so could induce electrical shock, re and/or serious injury to
the user.
• For indoor use only.
• Never operate the unit in below-zero temperatures. This will cause irreversible damage
to the electrolysis cell.
• Only use pure (deionized) water (see Filling the Water Tank)
• Only operate the unit in a room with sufcient ventilation (see Installing the Generator).
• Only the parts described in the “Spare parts list” can be replaced by the user.
• Do not use the unit if a fault is known.
3.2 INSTRUMENT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
The NM and PG Plus FID Towers are designed to produce hydrogen for laboratory and industrial applications.
The unit must only be operated for this purpose, according to the specications and instructions provided in
this manual. The following warnings must be observed at all times. Critical damage to the device could occur
if following warnings are neglected.
• Usual precautions for any hydrogen supply should be taken when using this generator.
• DO NOT use in sealed or unventilated rooms.
• DO NOT use in close proximity to open ames or other sources of ignition.
• Keep the main power supply cable away from hot sources or oil. Damaged or entangled
power supply cables could increase the risk of electrical shock.
• In normal usage, unplug the main power supply cable only when the unit is turned off.
• The main power supply connector is the disconnect device in case of emergency. It must
be easily accessible at all times.
• DO NOT open and attempt to repair the unit by un-trained individuals.
• DO NOT replace parts with ones not approved by VICI DBS.
• Always unplug the unit from the main power supply before accessing the internal
components for replacement.
• If the unit is used in a way not specied by VICI DBS, the equipment warranty could be
canceled.

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NM & PG PLUS FID TOWERS
USER MANUAL
Version 1.03.0000
www.vicidbs.com
4. SPECIFICATIONS
GENERAL
Operating temperature ºC (ºF) 15 to 35 (59 to 95)
Operating relative humidity 0 to 80%, non-condensing
Dimension mm (in) 140W x 490H x 580D (5.5W x 19H x 22.8D)
Input voltage 110-120V 60Hz / 220-240V 50Hz
Electrical protection Transient over-voltage until over-voltage category II (Accept transient
over-voltage occurring on the network)
General earth connection is done by the main power supply cable.
Fuse F2 : 5x20mm, 4.0 or 6.3 A T (see Fuses and Voltage Setting)
Microprocessor controlled Graphic display - Touch Screen, 128 x 64 pixels
Pollution degree 2
IP protection degree IP20
Atmospheric pressure From 850 to 1150 hPa
External vibrations Inferior to 0.05g / 25Hz
Working instruments position Vertical ONLY
HYDROGEN COMPONENT
TYPE & PURITY FLOW RATE AT STP CC/MIN POWER CONSUMPTION
Hydrogen ow rate - PG models
Purity +99.9996%
HC free
100, 160, 250, 300, 500 ,600 65 to 280 W
Hydrogen ow rate - NM models
Purity 99.9999%
HC free
100, 160, 250, 300, 500 ,600,
1000, 1350
90 to 500 W
Max outlet pressure barg (psig) 11 (160)
AIR COMPONENT
TYPE & PURITY FLOW RATE AT STP CC/MIN POWER CONSUMPTION
Zero air purity ow
HC free
1800, 5000 200 to 500 W
Max outlet pressure barg (psig) 5 (72.5)
STP: Standard temperature and pressure (20°C, 1 barg)
Any changes or modications to this equipment not expressly approved by the manufacturer may void
the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

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NM & PG PLUS FID TOWERS
USER MANUAL
Version 1.03.0000
www.vicidbs.com
4.1 COMMON OPTIONS
4.1.1 Remote Connections
Requires the I/O board option (PN DB-10156).
The hydrogen generators are tted with an optional remote control feature, which allows the user to check
the status of the machine from a remote position, and to start/stop the production of hydrogen. The contacts
used in the remote control are potentially free relay contacts. The contacts can be congured via software as
normally-open or normally-closed (see the Conguration section). The maximum voltage and current ratings
for the contacts are 1A / 48V. The pin conguration of the remote connector is shown in the table below.
Remote connector pin conguration:
PIN DESCRIPTION
1+2 Start (12-30 VDC polarity not important)
3+4 Standby
5+6 Reaching external pressure
09+10 Low water level
11+12 Bad water
13+14 Change water
4.1.2 Cascading
Requires the I/O board option.
The RS-485 interface allows up to 10 generators to be operated in parallel mode. There are two modes
available. The generators are connected with an external non-return valve to a gas line. The pressure must be
controlled with an external pressure regulator. The outlet pressure is xed to 10.3 bars. This mode allows up
to 10 generators in a cascading group.
How does cascading work:
The communication of the generators is done via the RS-485 Interface. For a correct communication each
generator needs a unique ID number. Each generator must know how many generators are connected in the
cascading group.
As soon as the generators are powered up, one generator becomes the master, and controls the others
(slaves). If there is a problem with the master, one of the slave generators will become the master. Every
generator can be forced to be the master, by entering into the menu you will see the function “force to
master”, just select this function and acknowledge. When a generator is the master, you can see the letter
“M” in the menu button, while the slaves show the letter “S”.

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NM & PG PLUS FID TOWERS
USER MANUAL
Version 1.03.0000
www.vicidbs.com
GAS LINE
PRESSURE CONTROLLER
NON RETURN VALVE NON RETURN VALVES
H2 OUT
GENERATOR 1
H2 OUT
GENERATOR 2
H2 OUT
GENERATOR 3
CONFIGURATION
Cascading Mode: YES
N. Gen H2 in Cascading: 3
ID Number: 1
RS-485 Port 1 RS-485 Port 2
CONFIGURATION
Cascading Mode: YES
N. Gen H2 in Cascading: 3
ID Number: 2
RS-485 Port 1 RS-485 Port 2
CONFIGURATION
Cascading Mode: YES
N. Gen H2 in Cascading: 3
ID Number: 3
RS-485 Port 1 RS-485 Port 2
The cascading function will only work properly if the gas outlets on all the generators are
connected to the same gas line.

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NM & PG PLUS FID TOWERS
USER MANUAL
Version 1.03.0000
www.vicidbs.com
5. PRESENTATION OF THE DEVICE
5.1 FRONT VIEW
Touch display to
control and manage
the generator
Zero Air manometer
Water tting for
relling the system
Power on/off for H2
Status LED for Zero
Air generator
Zero air pressure
regulator
USB port
Power on/off for
Zero Air

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NM & PG PLUS FID TOWERS
USER MANUAL
Version 1.03.0000
www.vicidbs.com
5.2 BACK VIEW
Outlet H2 Relief
Valve G 1/8”
110/230 V Inlet
CEI C14
Fuse Holder 3
I/O Board Option
Hydrogen Outlet G
1/8” swagelok
Outlet Vent O2
G 1/8” Female
Volt Selector with
F2 Fuse Holder
Zero Air Outlet
Inlet for Oil-Free
Compressed Air
Water Drain Fitting
Set the Correct Fuses
Remove Plug
Before Use
Remove Plug
Before Use

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NM & PG PLUS FID TOWERS
USER MANUAL
Version 1.03.0000
www.vicidbs.com
5.3 DIMENSIONS
490 mm (19 in)
580 mm (22.8 in)
140 mm (5.5 in)
176 mm (6.9 in)
5.4 WEIGHT
H2 FLOW RATE CONFIGURATION AIR FLOW RATE NM PLUS FID TOWER
100 to 160 mL/min 1800/5000 23 kg (50 lbs)
250 to 300 mL/min 1800/5000 24 kg (53 lbs)
500 to 600 mL/min 1800/5000 25 kg (55 lbs)
1000 to 1350 mL/min 1800/5000 26 kg (57 lbs)
H2 FLOW RATE CONFIGURATION AIR FLOW RATE PG PLUS FID TOWER
100 to 250 mL/min 1800/5000 22 kg (48.5 lbs)
300 mL/min 1800/5000 23 kg (50 lbs)
500 to 600 mL/min 1800/5000 24 kg (53 lbs)

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NM & PG PLUS FID TOWERS
USER MANUAL
Version 1.03.0000
www.vicidbs.com
5.5 TRANSPORT AND STORAGE
Temperature Minimum 15ºC (59ºF), Maximum 45ºC (113ºF)
Humidity Less than 90% RH, non-condensing
Chocks and Vibrations during transport Chocks <1g; Vibrations <0.2g/5Hz
Instrument position Vertical
The above mentioned values are considered for packing.
Recommendations for Transport:
If the instrument needs to be shipped back to the factory for repair, the gas generator should be packed in its
original packaging with the inlets and outlets protected against any accidental
exposure to dust or particles.
Purge water before moving the instrument. Do not move when it is full of water.

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NM & PG PLUS FID TOWERS
USER MANUAL
Version 1.03.0000
www.vicidbs.com
5.6 FUSES AND VOLTAGE SETTINGS
Fuse values depend on voltage and device settings. Use only 5x20mm fuse slow blow.
INSTRUMENT SETTINGS INPUT VOLTAGE
SETTING (V AC)
FUSES (A T)
PARTS FUSE MARK
Hydrogen Part F3 110 6.3
220 4
Zero Air Part 1500 F2 110 2
220 2
Zero Air Part >1500 F2 110 6.3
220 6.3
Check the setting of the voltage selector on the rear of the unit. The set voltage is indicated in the white
square.
• Use only 240 V AC or 120 V AC settings and change fuses if needed.
• Turn off the instrument before changing the voltage or fuse.
To change the voltage or fuse, proceed as follows:
Use a small at screwdriver to push the snap clip of voltage selector insert to
remove it.
B. To change the fuse value, just replace it. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the
cap from fuse holder F3. Replace the fuse using a 5x20mm fuse, and screw the
cap into its original position.
A. To change the voltage, spin the white
holder. Re-insert the voltage selector and
check to assure the white window shows the
desired voltage.

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NM & PG PLUS FID TOWERS
USER MANUAL
Version 1.03.0000
www.vicidbs.com
5.7 SCHEMATICS
5.7.1 Fluids
The hydrogen generator produces pure hydrogen (and oxygen as a by-product) through the electrolysis of
water. The key element of the generator is an electrochemical cell assembly which contains a solid polymer
electrolyte. No free acids or alkaline are used. Deionized or pure distilled water is the only liquid which will be
in contact with the cell. As this is consumed it must be relled from time to time as required. The generated
hydrogen gas is accumulated in the hydrogen/water separator and the desiccant housing. The internal
pressure is controlled by a pressure transducer. The outlet pressure is controlled by a proportional valve. The
hydrogen is dried by passing through the automatic dryer. The hydrogen then passes through the outlet port
at the rear.
Air from the external compressed air source goes rst trough an external dust lter. Then it will pass through a
catalytic oven that will remove the CO and CH4. After cooling, the air is ready.
NM Plus FID Tower - Zero Air Part
System:
Schematic no:
Date:
Created:
Checked:
Released:
THIS DOCUMENT AND THE INFORMATION WHICH
IT CONTAINS SHALL NOT BE USED, EXPLOITED
OR SOLD, AND SHALL NOT BE REVEALED OR
DISCLOSED TO OTHERS WITHOUT THE EXPRESS
WRITTEN PERMISSION OF VICI. THIS DOCUMENT
SHALL REMAIN THE PROPERTY OF VICI AND
SHALL BE RETURNED UPON DEMAND.
R
Rev.:
Sheet:
By:
Description:
ECN no:
NM Plus FID-Tower with PRB
water and hydrogen flow diagram 13.10.2020
06.10.2020
SBU
SB
1
1/1
NM Plus FID Tower - Hydrogen Part

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NM & PG PLUS FID TOWERS
USER MANUAL
Version 1.03.0000
www.vicidbs.com
PG Plus FID Tower - Zero Air Part
System:
Schematic no:
Date:
Created:
Checked:
Released:
THIS DOCUMENT AND THE INFORMATION WHICH
IT CONTAINS SHALL NOT BE USED, EXPLOITED
OR SOLD, AND SHALL NOT BE REVEALED OR
DISCLOSED TO OTHERS WITHOUT THE EXPRESS
WRITTEN PERMISSION OF VICI. THIS DOCUMENT
SHALL REMAIN THE PROPERTY OF VICI AND
SHALL BE RETURNED UPON DEMAND.
R
Rev.:
Sheet:
By:
Description:
ECN no:
PG Plus FID-Tower
water and hydrogen flow diagram 06.10.2020
06.10.2020
SBU
SB
1
1/1
NM FID STATION
P/N
100 160 250 300 500 600 1000 1350
CELL DB-
CELL-
MI
DB-
CELL-
MI
DB-
CELL-
MU1
DB-
CELL-
MU1
DB-
CELL-
MU2
DB-
CELL-
MU2
DB-CELL-MU3 DB-
CELL-
MU4
GAS LIQUID
SEPARATOR (GLS)
DB-RH200-010
OVER PRESSURE
RELIEF VALVE
DB-H200-035
PERMA PURE
TUBES
DB-H200-034
PRESSURE
RELEASE BLOCK
(PRB)
DB-10638
DRYER DB-NMP200-000 DB-
NMP200-001
DB-
10341
PG Plus FID Tower - Hydrogen Part

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NM & PG PLUS FID TOWERS
USER MANUAL
Version 1.03.0000
www.vicidbs.com
PG FID STATION P/N 100 160 250 300 500 600
CELL DB-CELL-
MI
DB-CELL-
MI
DB-CELL-
MU1
DB-CELL-
MU1
DB-CELL-
MU2
DB-CELL-
MU2
GAS LIQUID
SEPARATOR (GLS)
DB-RH200-010
OVER PRESSURE
RELIEF VALVE
DB-H200-035
PERMA PURE TUBES DB-H200-034
PRESSURE
RELEASE BLOCK (PRB)
DB-10638
ZERO AIR PART 1800 5000
INLET FILTER DB-10567
PRESSURE REGULATOR DB-RH200-015
FLOW RESTRICTOR DB-5000-0051 DB-5000-0052
CATALYST OVEN DB-10494 DB-10495
COOLING COIL DB-RH200-026 DB-RH200-027
CHECK VALVE DB-10640
OUTLET FILTER DB-10641

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NM & PG PLUS FID TOWERS
USER MANUAL
Version 1.03.0000
www.vicidbs.com
5.7.2 Electronics
NM Plus FID Tower
System:
Schematic no:
Date:
Created:
Checked:
Released:
THIS DOCUMENT AND THE INFORMATION WHICH
IT CONTAINS SHALL NOT BE USED, EXPLOITED
OR SOLD, AND SHALL NOT BE REVEALED OR
DISCLOSED TO OTHERS WITHOUT THE EXPRESS
WRITTEN PERMISSION OF VICI. THIS DOCUMENT
SHALL REMAIN THE PROPERTY OF VICI AND
SHALL BE RETURNED UPON DEMAND.
R
Rev.:
Sheet:
By:
Description:
ECN no:
NM Plus FID-Tower with PRB
electrical diagram 20.04.20
08.06.20
SBU
SB
1
1/2

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NM & PG PLUS FID TOWERS
USER MANUAL
Version 1.03.0000
www.vicidbs.com
PG Plus FID Tower
System:
Schematic no:
Date:
Created:
Checked:
Released:
THIS DOCUMENT AND THE INFORMATION WHICH
IT CONTAINS SHALL NOT BE USED, EXPLOITED
OR SOLD, AND SHALL NOT BE REVEALED OR
DISCLOSED TO OTHERS WITHOUT THE EXPRESS
WRITTEN PERMISSION OF VICI. THIS DOCUMENT
SHALL REMAIN THE PROPERTY OF VICI AND
SHALL BE RETURNED UPON DEMAND.
R
Rev.:
Sheet:
By:
Description:
ECN no:
PG Plus FID-Tower
electrical diagram 20.04.20
08.06.20
SBU
SB
1
1/2
NM FID STATION
P/N
100 160 250 300 500 600 1000 1350
POWER INLET DB-H200-045
POWER SUPPLY DB-PH200-003 DB-PH200-004
IO BOARD DB-10156
DISPLAY BOARD DB-10648
DISPLAY
MEMBRANE
DB-H200-042
MAIN BOARD DB-
RH201-
001
DB-
RH202-
001
DB-
RH203-
001
DB-
RH204-
001
DB-
RH205-
001
DB-
RH206-
001
DB-
RH207-
001
DB-
10528
INLET FAN DB-H200-040
OUTLET FAN DB-H200-040

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NM & PG PLUS FID TOWERS
USER MANUAL
Version 1.03.0000
www.vicidbs.com
PG FID STATION
P/N
100 160 250 300 500 600
POWER INLET DB-H200-045
POWER SUPPLY DB-PH200-003 DB-PH200-004
IO BOARD DB-10156
DISPLAY BOARD DB-10648
DISPLAY MEMBRANE DB-H200-042
MAIN BOARD DB-
RH201-008
DB-
RH202-008
DB-
RH203-008
DB-
RH204-008
DB-
RH205-008
DB-
RH206-008
INLET FAN DB-H200-040
OUTLET FAN DB-H200-040

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NM & PG PLUS FID TOWERS
USER MANUAL
Version 1.03.0000
www.vicidbs.com
6. INSTALLATION AND INITIAL START-UP
6.1 RECEIVING THE GENERATOR
All units have been carefully inspected before transport. Visual checks for damage and functional tests
should be performed upon receipt. Any damage must be immediately noted and reported. The generator
must only be returned according to the shipping instructions provided.
Keep all of the ORIGINAL packaging is case of return.
6.2 INCLUDED IN SHIPMENT/PACKING LIST
x1 x1 x1
x1
Plus FID Tower
External Tank
Filter for Inlet Air
(option)
USB Pen
Users Manual
Deionizer
Bag
Flexible
Water Drain
Tubing Power Cable
OR
x1 x1
x1
x1