VGC 27 Instruction 12 06 702565 Instructions

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Specifications

Amps / Volts requirements 400 ma @ 24 VDC

Propane pressure (VGC-27LP) 11” WC / 2.8 kpa

Natural Gas pressure (VGC-27NG) 4.5” WC / 1.15 kpa

Cu ft per hour / CO2 6-27 SCFH

BTU Rating (Variable) LP 4,526 - 22,630

NG 5,534 - 27,670

Weight / Dimensions 22 lbs / 17.7” x 15” x 10”

Life Expectancy > 10 years

VariableCO2 Modes 2 - 5 - 7 - 10 burners

Sentinel products are distributed by:

GPS / Global Product

Solutions LLC.

www.growgps.com

Sentinel CO2

Generators offer a

3-year warranty.

Ask your retailer for

details.

Instruction Manual

VCG-27

Variable CO2 Generator

Carbon Dioxide / CO2 is critical for all plants. Normal atmospheric

air around the world averages about 380 Parts-Per-Million (PPM.)

When plants are provided higher levels of carbon dioxide, they can

grow faster and larger. It is normally agreed by experts that up to

1500 PPM is beneficial to plants and the best way to increase the

CO2 level is by using a CO2 generator that burns either natural gas

or propane.

The VCG-27 has two models, the LP (propane) and an NG

(Natural Gas) model. Both come complete with (10) clean burning

brass burners pre-installed and the appropriate regulator & hose.

The VCG-27 CO2 generator is the most advanced CO2 generator

available today.

1) The VCG-27 has a variable output from 6 to 27 cubic ft of

CO2 per hour.

2) It has an electronic ignition control module that eliminates the

open pilot flame for safer operation.

3) The 10 brass burners have been designed to burn cleaner and

produce a consistent blue flame.

4) The tip-over switch automatically shuts off the entire unit in

the event the unit falls or tips over.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A quick look at the VCG-27

Installation of the VCG-27

VCG-27 Propane & Natural Gas

Starting the unit for the first time

Variable output and area sizes

Burner control valves

Ignition control module

Connection Examples

Optional Air-Cooling Module VCG-COOL

Troubleshooting & Specs

Introduction

Problem: The growing area is getting too hot and / or humid.

Decrease the number of burners that are operating. Refer to the Burner

control valve explanation on page #8.

Problem: The CO2 level does not seem to be increasing enough.

Increase the number of burners that are operating. Refer to the Burner

control valve explanation on page #8.

Problem: I hear the unit buzzing and sparking.

The unit will attempt to fire the burners 5 times for 5 seconds each.

During that time, you will hear a “sparking” sound. This is normal. It is

not normal for the unit to fail to light after 3 tries. Check the gas

supply / LP tank. If the gas supply tests OK, consult the factory.

Problem: Some of the burners seem to be not burning correctly.

Make sure that the burner control valves are either fully ON or fully

OFF. Make sure the gas supply is adequate and the gas hose is not

kinked or twisted.

Red Lock Out LED is blinking On & Off

The Lock Out function is automatic and will be activated if 5 attempts

to light the pilot are not successful. Normally, it will mean the propane

has run out or the gas supply has been interrupted. Once the problem is

determined and fixed, cycling the power switch Off and then On will

reset the error.

* High-altitude operation: The burners on the VGC-27

have been selected to operate correctly from sea-level up to

4500ft elevation. If you are at high altitude (4500+) and notice

yellow flames, contact the factory. Special high-altitude burners

are available.

Some of the more common questions and problems are listed here.

Consult the factory for other concerns not listed.

Troubleshooting

Problem: There is a gas smell in the area.

Shut off the gas supply immediately. Do not turn ON any electrical

devices and ventilate the area by opening vent, doors or windows. Exit

until the gas smell is not evident.

After ventilating, determine where the gas is leaking from by using a

spray bottle with soapy water in it. Spray all gas connection with the

water and look for small bubbles. Seal any leaks. If the problem per-

sists, consult the factory.

Problem: The unit is trying but the burners are not lighting.

When the unit is first started or a LP tank is replaced, the gas lines

make take some time to fill with gas. The unit will attempt to fire the

burners 5 times for 5 seconds each. Each attempt is followed by a 20

second “purge” time. After three tries, the unit is locked out. Determine

why gas is not getting to the unit. To reset the unit, cycle power OFF

and then back ON.

Problem: The power is connected, but the Green indicator is not

on.

The “tip-over” switch may be activated. Tilt the unit to one side and

listen for a clicking noise. The switch is like a pendulum and will shut

off the burner if the unit is not operated level.

Problem: The flames appear to be too large or yellow.

Verify you are using the correct fuel, (LP or NG). The supplied

regulator must be installed or high pressure may increase the flames to

dangerous heights. Check the regulator. DO NOT operate the unit

with yellow or large flames. Consult the factory.

Problem: Some of the flames appear to be blue but small in size or

“lazy”. The flames should resemble a flower when operating

correctly.

Verify the manual burner control valves are either in the ON or OFF

position. If the valves are set in the middle, improper operation will

result. Check the regulator and gas supply, low pressure/ low LP tank

level will also cause this condition to occur. DO NOT operate the

unit with lazy blue flames. Consult the factory.

A quick look at the VCG-27…

Electronic Ignition

control module

provides sure starts

and safe

operation.

Powder coated

steel enclosure

Variable

output

selectable

with two

control valves

Tip-over switch

shuts off entire unit

if tilted more than

25 degrees from

vertical.

Comes standard with

(10) clean burning

brass burners.

NOTE:

The ignition control module produces a spark from a pair of

electrodes near the tip of one of the brass burners to ignite the gas. Do not

attempt to service the sparking electrode or place foreign objects anywhere

near the electrodes.

Regulator supplied with

Natural Gas Generators

Regulator supplied with

Propane Generators

Dual redundant

solenoid valves for

added safety.

Installing the VCG-27

1) The unit is designed to hang from a ceiling joist or overhead

support. It comes with two eyebolts, hooks and sections of chain.

2) DO NOT place the unit on top of something like a table to

operate it The generator requires a free flow of air coming in

through the bottom of the enclosure.

3) The chains provided are 18” long. A minimum of 18” must be

maintained between the unit and any walls or other obstructions.

4) Install the two screw hooks into a suitable supports. The chains

are then secured to the unit and the screw hooks with the included

S hooks. Bend the S hooks so that they cannot slip from the chain

and the hanging hooks. Ensure that the unit is hanging level.

5) The gas connections must be tightened properly. The supplied 12

foot hose is connected from the flare fitting on the CO2 generator to

the provided gas regulator. Secure the connection with two wrenches.

6) Once the gas connections are secured, pressurize the gas line and

check for leaks using the soapy water. Spray the water onto the gas

connection fittings and look for any bubbles. Re-secure if necessary.

7) The VCG-27 operates on 24 volts DC. The power supply

included with the unit is connected to a controller or timer that will

determine how long / often the unit will operate. Connect the power

supply jack to the unit and the desired controller or timer.

8) The main power switch on the side of the unit will activate the

ignition module and firing sequence. When the RED indicator light is

illuminated, the unit is powered and operating.

NOTE:

When you are ready to start the unit for the first time, refer to the

“Starting the unit for the first time” section of this manual.

NOTE:

In order to ensure a safe and proper installation, follow the

steps below. Be aware that in closed spaces without ventilation,

toxic levels (above 5000 PPM) of CO2 can accumulate. Do not

allow the unit to operate without the proper controls or timers.

1) Disconnect power to the VCG-27 generator & shut off the gas line.

2) Lower the unit from the hanging point and set it on top of a stable surface.

3) Loosen the (4) screws and remove the front access cover.

4) Loosen and remove the (4) screws that secure the top of the VCG-27 to the

bottom section. The 2 sections can now be separated.

5) Place the VCG-COOL on top of the VCG-27 and align the (4) screws. Slip

the VCG-COOL into place and tighten the (4) screws.

6) Replace the access cover and tighten the (4) screws.

7) Re-hang the unit and ensure all screws are tightened.

8) Install the circulating fan. The fan inlet needs to draw air from outside the

growing area. The outlet of the fan gets connected to one side of the

VCG-COOL using metal NON FLAMABLE metal ducting.

9) The other side of the VCG-COOL is connected to another piece of metal

NON FLAMABLE ducting. The ducting is then routed so that the hot air is

exhausted out of the growing area.

10) The fan must be connected to be turned ON when the VCG-27 is operating.

Typical installation

Flexible alumi-

num or steel

duct vents

HOT air out

of growing

1) Centrifugal fan draws COOL air in from

outside the growing area. Air is forced through

cooling chamber. (Minimum 300CFM)

2) The hot gasses from the burners pass heat

into the heat exchanger. The cool air blowing

though the exchanger, removes the heat.

3) The “cooled” CO2 is allowed to flow into

the growing area through the vents.

Flexible aluminum duct

from fan connects to

Air-Cooling module

“Cooled” CO2 is released

into the growing area.

NOTE: Incorrect installation of the VGC-COOL could damage

the fan connected to it. Make sure the fan pushes air through the

VGC-COOL.

Optional Air-cooling module VCG-COOL

(4) Screws secure the

top section to the

bottom section

Once the top section is removed from the bottom section, the

VGC-COOL (not shown) can be installed on top of the unit.

NOTE: Make sure all (4) screws are securely tightened after

installing the VGC-COOL.

Top section lifts off

VCG-27 Propane & Natural Gas

There are two different VCG-27 units, one is used for Propane

(VCG-27LP) and one is used for Natural Gas (VCG-27NG).

Below is the differences between the two units. Make sure you

have selected the correct unit and are using the matching gas.

VCG-27LP / Propane: Liquid Propane otherwise known as LP or

Propane is stored in pressurized tanks of varying sizes. The gas exiting

the pressurized tank must first be regulated to a very low pressure

before it enters the gas burners. The standard for measuring the low

pressure is inches of water column or ” WC. The VCG-27LP operates

at 11” WC or about 1/2 PSI. Once the gas is regulated down to the

correct pressure, it enters the unit and flows through the brass burners.

Each brass burner has been designed to produce approximately 3 cu ft

of CO2 per hour. Each LP burner will also produce 2263 BTU of heat

and quite a lot of water vapor along with the 3 cu ft of carbon dioxide.

The Propane regulator provided with the unit MUST be used unless it is

verified that the propane gas supply is already regulated to 11” WC.

The provided LP regulator is designed to connect directly to portable

LP tanks. It also has a built-in safety function that limits the flow of gas

to a very low level in the event of a large gas leak.

Any questions...Consult a licensed installer or contact the factory.

VCG-27NG / Natural Gas: Natural Gas otherwise known as NG is

piped directly into homes and businesses from an extensive pipeline

system. The gas supply entering the building can vary from very low

pressure (less than 1/4 PSI) to over 5 PSI. The natural gas provided to

the VCG-27NG must first be regulated to a very low pressure before it

enters the gas burners. The standard for measuring the low pressure is

inches of water column or INCH /WC. The VCG-27NG operates at

4.5” WC or about 1/4 PSI. Once the gas is regulated down to the

correct pressure, it enters the unit and flows through the brass burners.

Each brass burner has been designed to produce approximately 3 cu ft

of CO2 per hour. Each NG burner will also produce 2767 BTU of heat

and quite a lot of water vapor along with the 3 cu ft of carbon dioxide.

The NG regulator provided with the unit MUST be used unless it is

verified that the natural gas supply is already regulated to 4.5” WC.

Any questions...Consult a licensed installer or contact the factory.

NOTE:

The VCG-27 MUST be used on the appropriate gas supply and

MUST be used with the supplied gas regulator.

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.

A CO2 generator is the most cost-effective method of adding CO2 to an area.

You must also consider what type of controller will turn the CO2 generator

On and Off to avoid creating too much CO2 and heat. CO2 can be measured by

special sensors the measure CO2 levels in Part-Per-Million or PPM.

CO2 above 2500 PPM will make you feel uncomfortable and may cause

headaches and other problems. CO2 levels above 500 PPM can be fatal so it is

important to control the amount of CO2 being created by the VGC-27.

Normally 1200 to 1500 PPM is considered correct for rapid growth of plants,

above that level is a waste. To properly control CO2 levels, nothing is better

than a CO2 PPM controller like the CTC-1. It automatically measures the

amount of CO2 in the area and activates the VGC-27 only when required.

Connection Examples

Use a timer like

the DRT-1 to

turn the CO2

generator On

and Off and

Good

Better Use a Part-per-million CO2

controller like the CTC-1.

Measuring the exact

amount of CO2 in PPM,

provides the most accurate

method of control.

NOTE: Do not operate the VGC-27 or any other CO2 generator

without proper controls or timers. Do not operate the VGC-27 in

closed spaces with inadequate ventilation.

Variable output and area sizes

One of the best features of the VCG-27 is the variable CO2

output. The user can select up to four different CO2 settings

depending on their

“individual”

requirements.

Both the Propane (LP) and Natural Gas (NG) burners have been

designed to produce about 3 cu ft of CO2 per hour each. LP has a higher

fuel value than NG so each LP burner produces 2263 BTUs of heat while

the NG burners produce 2767 BTUs of heat to create 3 cu ft of CO2.

Determine your area’s cubic feet by multiplying height x width x

depth and then refer at the recommended burner setting.

The most common recommendation for PPM levels for rapid plant

growth is between 1000 and 1500 PPM. The plants will benefit most by

maintaining the CO2 level within this range during the daylight hours. By

setting the burner control valves to activate more burners, CO2 will be

produced quicker and will increase the CO2 level faster. However, along

with CO2 production, heat will also be added to the growing area faster.

Make sure your cooling system can handle the increased heat load before

operating the unit at a high output level.

Operating the unit with only the two standard burners activated (both

valves closed) will only add 1/5 of the heat as the unit would produce if

both valves were opened. It is best to operate the unit at as low a setting

as possible to maintain the CO2 level without adding too much heat.

Whenever possible, use a CO2 PPM controller or other appropriate

controller to maintain an accurate CO2 level.

# of

burners

Cu Ft of

CO2 / hr

BTUs of Heat Recommended Area

size (Cu Ft)

2 LP 5.3

NG 5.5

LP 4,523

NG 5,534

0 - 2,000

5 LP 13.4

NG 13.8

LP 11,315

NG 13,835

2,000 - 5,000

7 LP 18.7

NG 19.4

LP 15,841

NG 19,369

5,000 - 7,000

10 LP 26.7

NG 27.7

LP 22,630

NG 27,670

7,000 - 10,000

NOTE:

Each area is different, this is only a basic recommendation

Burner control valves

The magic behind the Variable CO2 of the VCG-27 is (2) burner

control valves that provide gas only to the burners that are selected.

The aluminum gas manifolds and brass burners inside the generator

are connected to the selection valves. When the valve is opened, gas

is allowed to flow to the burners connected to the valve.

Valve A is connected to 5 burners and Valve B is connected to 3

burners. Activating the valves in up to four combinations provide

the variable CO2 output of either 2, 3, 7 or 10 burners.

The burner control valves are located on the end of the unit and

are labeled A & B. The chart below indicates how to set the valves

depending on how many burners you want to operate. Remember,

more burners activated = more CO2 & more heat produced.

With both valves turned OFF, there are 2 standard burners that will

receive gas. Two burners is the lowest possible setting.

NOTE:

Make sure the burner control valves are either fully

opened or fully closed during operation. DO NOT operate the

unit with the burner control valves partially open.

OFF /closed OFF / closed 2 5.3 / 5.5

OFF / closed ON / opened 5 13.4 / 13.8

ON / opened OFF / closed 7 18.7 / 19.4

ON / opened ON / opened 10 26.7 / 27.7

Valve A

Burners 6- 10

Valve B

Burners 3-4-5

Burners

operating

Cu Ft CO2/hr

(LP / NG)

Burner

Valve A

Burner

Valve B

Ignition control module

The VGC-27 uses the newest and most

advanced ignition controller available today.

The module provides the spark to light the

(2) pilot burners, and then allows the main

burners to ignite only after the flame has

been verified. This provides consistent &

controlled starts. If the module senses the

flame is not present, it shuts off the solenoid

valves.

One feature that is also worth mentioning

is the “dual-redundant” solenoid valves that

are controlled by the ignition controller.

The ignition controller has (4) LED

indicators to verify correct operation.

Power On (Green LED) Indicates 24 volt power is supplied to the unit.

Lock Out (Red LED) The Lock Out LED blinking indicates the ignition

controller shut off the solenoid valves and the unit is locked out.

Cycling the power switch Off & On will reset the error. (See trouble-

shooting for more info)

Main Valve (Green LED) Indicates the ignition controller has activated

the main solenoid and the unit is in operation.

Pilot Valve (Yellow LED) When the power is switched On, the ignition

controller will provide a spark for 5 seconds, During that time, the pilot

solenoid is activated. The Pilot Valve LED indicates that the pilot

solenoid has been activated. (Should be On during operation)