Vapac VS D Series - User Manual

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This manual contains operating information and should be left with the unit.
Model VS--D
Steam Room Unit
Installation & Operating Manual
Edition 1.3.1
Installation in countries covered by EC Directives:
This product meets the requirements of the RoHS Directive 2002/95/EEC
This product will meet the requirements of the Low Voltage Safety Directive 2006/95/EEC
and the EMC Directive 2004/108/EEC when installed in accordance with the instructions
contained in this manual.
Failure to comply with these instructions may invalidate the manufacturer's warranty or any
certificate/declaration of conformance requested to be supplied with the unit.

Summary

Important Installation Points

Important Electrical Connection Items

Important Maintenance Items

1.0 Installation

1.1 Vapac LE unit dimensions

Detailed dimensions and views for Cabinet Sz 1 (5-18 kg/h) and Cabinet Sz 2 (30-55 kg/h) models.

1.2 LExx-SR weights

Table of dry and wet weights for Vapac LE18-SR, LE30-SR, and LE45-SR/LE55-SR models.

1.3 Positioning the steam pipes

Guidelines for optimal steam pipe placement, including vertical rise and avoiding sags.

2.0 Plumbing Considerations

2.1 Cold water supply

Specifications for mains water supply, including hardness, conductivity, and pressure limits.

2.2 Drain connection

Requirements for electrical grounding of drain pipes and suitable materials for drainage.

3.0 Electrical Connections

3.1 Power Supply Connection

Instructions for single and three-phase power supply connections, including safety precautions.

3.2 Control Connections

Guidance on making control connections, including temperature sensor placement.

4.0 Controls

5.0 Status Indications

User LEDs

Explanation of User LED states (RED Flashing) and their meanings during unit initialisation.

5.1 Normal Run; Standby; Start-up

Interpretation of User LED states (OFF, Green Amber Flashing, RED Flashing) for unit operation.

5.2 Fault; Service Indications

Troubleshooting guide for User LED states indicating faults (AMBER, AMBER Flashing) and required actions.

5.3 Resetting the fault condition

Procedure to restart the unit after a fault has been rectified, involving power cycling.

6.0 Cylinder Exchange

6.1 Procedure for Cylinder Exchange

Step-by-step guide for safely removing and replacing steam cylinders, including cleanable versions.

6.2 Service and Maintenance

General maintenance schedule and specific procedures for feed valve strainer and drain pump.

7.0 Electrical Data

8.0 Circuit Diagram

9.0 Trouble-shooting Check List

Preliminary Troubleshooting

Initial checks for power and fuses when the unit is off or the symbol LED is off.

Automatic STOP - Feed Fault

Troubleshooting steps for 'Feed Fault' indicated by automatic stop, checking water supply and connections.

Automatic Stop - Drain Fault

Troubleshooting steps for 'Drain Fault' indicated by automatic stop, focusing on the drain pump.

No Steam Production

Diagnosing issues causing inadequate or no steam production, such as contactor or scaled cylinder.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

The Vapac Model VS-D is a steam room unit designed for generating steam in various applications, primarily steam rooms. This device operates as an electrode boiler, utilizing the electrical conductivity of water to produce steam. The unit is designed for automatic operation, requiring minimal user intervention once installed and configured.

Function Description

The core function of the Vapac VS-D is to produce steam by heating water through electrodes. When power is applied, the electrodes immerse in water, and the electrical current passing through the water causes it to heat up and turn into steam. The unit is equipped with a temperature controller (AKO-D14112) that senses the temperature within the steam room, allowing the device to regulate steam output to maintain desired conditions.

Water is supplied to the unit via a cold water connection, and a feed valve with a strainer controls the water intake. As steam is generated, the water level in the cylinder decreases, and the unit automatically replenishes it. Over time, minerals in the water can accumulate as scale on the electrodes and within the cylinder. To manage this, the unit incorporates a drain pump that periodically flushes out concentrated mineral-rich water, replacing it with fresh water to maintain optimal performance and extend cylinder life.

The steam generated is then directed through steam pipes to the steam distribution system in the room. The design emphasizes efficient steam delivery, recommending short, well-insulated steam hoses with a vertical rise immediately above the unit to prevent condensate build-up and ensure effective steam flow. An essence injection point is also provided, allowing for the introduction of aromatic essences into the steam line, enhancing the steam room experience.

The unit is designed for both single and three-phase electrical connections, offering flexibility in installation depending on the power supply available. Safety features are integrated, including over-current protection and indications for various operational states and fault conditions.

Usage Features

The Vapac VS-D is designed for largely automatic operation, making it user-friendly once installed.

• Automatic Steam Generation: The unit automatically generates steam based on the temperature sensed in the steam room, maintaining the desired humidity level without constant manual adjustment.
• Status Indications: User LEDs provide clear indications of the unit's operational status. These include:
  • RED Flashing (2-second period): Unit initializing. If this state persists, it indicates a potential issue with the UCP1 fitting.
  • OFF (Unit in shutdown or standby): Indicates the unit is either completely off or in a low-power standby mode, awaiting a demand for steam.
  • Green Amber Flashing Variable: Unit in startup, actively working to reach operational parameters.
  • RED Flashing Variable Period or ON: Unit is online and actively producing steam.
• Fault/Service Indications: The LEDs also communicate fault conditions, requiring operator intervention:
  • AMBER: Drain Fault, indicating an issue with the draining system.
  • AMBER Flashing (1-second period): Feed Fault, suggesting a problem with the water supply or feed mechanism.
  • AMBER Flashing (2-second period): Over-current Fault, indicating excessive electrical current draw.
  • AMBER/OFF/AMBER/OFF/GREEN/OFF: No Voltage Input, signaling a lack of power to critical components.
  • Green: Service Now, prompting the user to perform routine maintenance or address a non-critical issue.
• Manual Drain Switch: A manual drain switch allows the operator to empty the steam cylinder, which is crucial before any maintenance or cylinder exchange.
• Essence Pump Supply: Terminals 1 and 2 provide a fused, switched 230V Phase & Neutral supply for an external essence pump, enabling automated fragrance dispersion into the steam.
• Temperature Controller: The integrated AKO-D14112 temperature controller allows for precise setting and monitoring of the steam room temperature, ensuring a comfortable and consistent environment.

Maintenance Features

The Vapac VS-D is designed with maintenance in mind, focusing on ease of service and component replacement to ensure longevity and reliable operation.

• Cylinder Exchange: The steam cylinder is a consumable component that accumulates scale over time. The manual provides a detailed procedure for cylinder exchange, which involves:
  1. Draining the cylinder using the manual drain switch.
  2. Disconnecting the electrical supply.
  3. Removing the lockable door and electrode caps.
  4. Disconnecting the steam hose.
  5. Lifting the cylinder clear of the feed/drain manifold.
  6. Inspecting the manifold for sediment.
  7. Reconnecting a new cylinder and electrode caps in the correct sequence.
• Cleanable Cylinders: For environments with specific water conditions or maintenance preferences, cleanable versions of the Vapac cylinders are available. These cylinders feature a design that allows them to be opened, cleaned of loose scale deposits, and reassembled with a new seal, extending their lifespan and reducing waste.
• Feed Valve with Strainer Maintenance: The feed valve incorporates a small nylon strainer to prevent debris from entering the unit. The manual outlines a procedure for cleaning this strainer, which involves turning off the water supply, undoing the nylon nut, removing the strainer with pliers, washing it, and then reassembling. This ensures uninterrupted water flow and protects internal components.
• Drain Pump Maintenance: The drain pump is a sealed unit, and while not designed for dismantling, instructions are provided for its removal and replacement. This involves placing a bucket to catch residual water, removing retaining screws, and detaching the pump body from the feed and drain manifold. Proper reinstallation ensures the O-ring is correctly seated for a leak-free connection.
• Electrical Connection Checks: Regular checks of all electrical connections (power, terminals, contactor) for tightness are recommended to prevent electrical issues and ensure safe operation.
• Accessibility: The unit requires at least 1000 mm clear front access for servicing and cylinder exchange, facilitating maintenance tasks. Adequate side ventilation (min 80 mm) is also specified to prevent overheating.
• PCB Protection: The main control PCB utilizes ESD sensitive devices, emphasizing the need for anti-static precautions when removing or replacing PCBs to prevent damage.
• Water Quality Considerations: The unit is designed to operate with mains water supplies within specified hardness, conductivity, silica, and pressure limits. Understanding these limits helps predict cylinder life and plan maintenance schedules.
• Troubleshooting Checklist: A comprehensive troubleshooting checklist is provided to assist operators in diagnosing common issues such as power-on failures, feed faults, drain faults, and inadequate steam production, guiding them through checks and remedies.

Vapac VS D Series Specifications

General

Power Source	9V battery
Auto Calibration	Yes
Low Battery Indicator	Yes
Detection Modes	Stud Scan, Deep Scan
Display Type	LCD