Important! Read Carefully Before Attempting to Install or Operate Equipment
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SECTION 1 SECTION 2
SECTION 3 SECTION 4
12
ST 1
45
ST 4
78
ST 7
ST 10
ST 2
ST 5
ST 8
ST 11
3
START
ST 3
STOP
6
SET
ST 6
9
CLEAR
ST 9
PRIOR
0NO
YES
ENTER
ST 12
MENU
VacTrac Series
A0560501
Part No. A0560966Revision BBulletin No. WH2-605F.2
Please note that our address and phone information has changed.
Please reference this page for updated contact information.
These manuals are obsolete and are provided only for their technical information, data and capacities.
Portions of these manuals detailing procedures or precautions in the operation, inspection, maintenance
and repair of the products may be inadequate, inaccurate, and/or incomplete and shouldn’t be relied
upon. Please contact the ACS Group for more current information about these manuals and their
warnings and precautions.
Parts and Service Department
The ACS Customer Service Group will provide your company with genuine OEM quality parts manufactured to engineering
design specifications, which will maximize your equipment’s performance and efficiency. To assist in expediting your phone
or fax order, please have the model and serial number of your unit when you contact us. A customer replacement parts list
is included in this manual for your convenience. ACS welcomes inquiries on all your parts needs and is dedicated to
providing excellent customer service.
For immediate assistance, please contact:
•North, Central and South America, 8am – 5pm CST +1 (800) 483-3919 for drying, conveying, heating and cooling
and automation. For size reduction: +1 (800) 229-2919.
North America, emergencies after 5pm CST (847) 439-5855
North America email: acsuscanadacustserv@corpemail.com
•Mexico, Central & South America
Email: acslatinamericacustserv@corpemail.com
• Europe, Middle East & Africa +48 22 390 9720
Email: acseuropecustserv@corpemail.com
• India +91 21 35329112
Email: acsindiacustserv@corpemail.com
• Asia/Australia +86 512 8717 1919
Email: acsasiacustserv@corpemail.com
Sales and Contracting Department
Our products are sold by a worldwide network of independent sales representatives. Contact our Sales Department for the
name of the sales representative nearest you.
Let us install your system. The Contract Department offers any or all of these services: project planning; system packages
including drawings; equipment, labor, and construction materials; and union or non-union installations.
For assistance with your sales or system contracting needs please Call:
North, Central and South America +1 (262) 641-8600 or +1 (847) 273-7700 Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm CST
Ul. Działkowa 115
02-234 Warszawa
Phone: + 48 22 390 9720
Fax: +48 22 390 9724
India
ACS India
Gat No. 191/1, Sandbhor Complex
Mhalunge, Chakan, Tal Khed,
Dist. Pune 410501, India
Phone: +91 21 35329112
Fax: + 91 20 40147576
Write down your unit serial number(s)________________________________
here for future reference________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Performance figures stated in this manual are based on a standard atmosphere of 59°F
(15°C) at 29.92” Hg (1,014 millibars) at sea level, using 60 Hz power. Altitude is an
important consideration when specifying vacuum conveying components. AEC/Whitlock
can advise you on proper selection and sizing of systems for your operating
environment.
AEC/Whitlock is committed to a continuing program of product improvement.
Specifications, appearance, and dimensions described in this manual
Part No. A0560966Revision BBulletin No. WH2-605F.2
Page 212-Station Controllers VacTrac™ Conveying Systems
Safety Considerations
AEC/Whitlock VacTrac™ conveying systems are designed to
provide safe and reliable operation when installed and operated
within design specifications, following national and local safety
codes.
To avoid possible personnel injury or equipment damage when
installing or operating this equipment, always use good judgment
and follow these safe practices:
; Follow all SAFETY CODES.
; Wear SAFETY GLASSES and WORK GLOVES.
; Use care when LOADING, UNLOADING, RIGGING, or
MOVING this equipment.
; OPEN, TAG, and LOCK ALL DISCONNECTS before
working on equipment. It is a good idea to remove the fuses
and carry them with you.
; GROUND your VacTrac™ system properly before applying
power.
; Use extreme caution when working with your AEC/Whitlock
VacTrac™ system. HIGH VACUUM can be dangerous. Keep
body parts, tools, clothing, and debris away from vacuum
inlets.
; Do not jump or bypass any electrical safety control.
; Do not restore power until you remove all tools, test
equipment, etc.
; Only properly trained personnel familiar with the information
Page 612-Station Controllers VacTrac™ Conveying Systems
1General Information
1-1Equipment Function
AEC/Whitlock VacTrac™ systems create vacuum for conveying
pelletized or granular material in a central material handling
system.
A typical use is an in-plant distribution system for plastic
processing plants.
1-2Necessary Documents
The documents below are necessary for proper installation, operation and maintenance of VacTrac™ conveying systems. You can
obtain additional copies from the AEC/Whitlock Service
Department at AEC, Inc. Make sure that the appropriate
personnel are familiar with these documents:
• This product manual.
• The VacTrac™ Mechanical Components product manual.
• Electrical schematic and connection diagrams.
• Blower and electric motor information sheets.
• Operation and Installation manuals for installed options and
accessories.
1-3System Capabilities
VacTrac™ central vacuum systems are as varied as the
applications they service. The tubing and equipment furnished in
an AEC/Whitlock system are designed to convey the material(s)
specified at the time of purchase at specific rates and distances.
AEC/Whitlock can advise you on your system capabilities based
on system makeup, distance, material, and conveying rates you
want.
System capacity is directly affected by the pressure drop in the
overall system, such as number of material line bends, pipe
length, Y-tubes, T-tubes, etc.
Use the minimum effective amount of vinyl flex hose to maximize
material line efficiency. Keep material lines as straight as possible.
Refer to the VacTrac™ Mechanical Components Product Manual
(AEC Part No. A0536580) for installation recommendations.
Vacuum leaks occurring anywhere in your system reduce capacity.
1-4Equipment Cycle
VacTrac™ material conveying systems are used for automatic
pneumatic handling of most free-flowing, dry, pelletized, or
granular materials. Material characteristics determine the type of
equipment needed to convey the material.
Important!
1-5Models Covered by this Manual
VacTrac™ Series 12-Station Controller
• Single board controller.
• 24 VDC or 115 VAC control output available.
• Easy-to-use 16-key operator interface keypad.
• Optional audible/visual alarm.
Page 812-Station Controllers VacTrac™ Conveying Systems
Page 1012-Station Controllers VacTrac™ Conveying Systems
2Shipping Information
2-1Unpacking and Inspection
You should inspect your AEC/Whitlock VacTrac™ 12-station
controller for any possible shipping damage. If the container and
packing materials are in re-usable condition, save them for
reshipment if necessary.
Thoroughly check the equipment for any damage that might have
occurred in transit, such as broken or loose wiring and
components, loose hardware and mounting screws, etc. In case of
breakage, damage, shortage, or incorrect shipment, refer to the
following sections.
2-2In the Event of Shipping Damages
Important!
According to the contract terms and conditions of the Carrier,
the responsibility of the Shipper ends at the time and place of shipment.
; Notify the transportation company’s local agent if you discover
damage.
; Hold the damaged goods and packing material for the
examining agent’s inspection. Do not return any goods to AEC,
Inc. before the transportation company inspection and
authorization.
; File a claim against the transportation company. Substantiate
the claim by referring to the agent’s report. A certified copy of
our invoice is available upon request. The original Bill of
Lading is attached to our original invoice. If the shipment was
prepaid, write us for a receipted transportation bill.
; Advise AEC, Inc. regarding your wish for assistance and to
obtain an RMA (return material authorization) number.
; Notify AEC, Inc. at once in writing, giving details of the loss
or damage. This information is required for filing a claim with
our insurance company.
; Hold the damaged goods with the container and packing
materials for possible inspection by postal authorities.
United Parcel Service Shipment
; Contact your local UPS office regarding damage and insurance
claims.
; Retain the container and packing.
; Notify AEC, Inc. at once.
2-3If the Shipment is Not Complete
Check the packing list. The apparent shortage may be intentional.
Back-ordered items are noted on the packing list. You should have:
; Whitlock VacTrac™ Series 12-station controller
; Bill of Lading
; Packing list
; Operating and Installation packet
; Electrical schematic and panel layout drawings
; Component instruction manuals
Re-inspect the container and packing material to see if you missed
any smaller items during unpacking. Determine that the item was
not inadvertently taken from the area before you checked in the
shipment. Notify AEC, Inc. immediately of the shortage.
Page 1212-Station Controllers VacTrac™ Conveying Systems
2-4If the Shipment is Not Correct
If the shipment is not what you ordered, contact AEC, Inc.
immediately. For shipments in the United States and Canada,
call 1 (630) 475-7143; for all other countries, call 001 (630)
475-7143. Include the order number and item.
Hold the items until you receive shipping instructions.
2-5Returns
Important!
Do not return any damaged or incorrect items
until you receive shipping instructions from AEC, Inc
Page 1412-Station Controllers VacTrac™ Conveying Systems
3Installation
3-1Work Rules
The installation, operation, and maintenance of this equipment
must be conducted in accordance with all applicable work and
safety codes for the installation location. This may include, but is
not limited to OSHA, NEC, CSA, SPI, and any other local,
national, and international regulations.
; Read and follow these operating instructions when installing,
operating, and maintaining this equipment. If the instructions
become damaged or unreadable, additional copies are available
from AEC, Inc.
; Only qualified personnel familiar with this equipment should
work with this system.
; Work only with approved tools and devices.
; Disconnect and lock out power while working on this
equipment.
3-2Tools and Equipment Needed
These tools and equipment are necessary for installation:
; Hand tools.
; Wire, conduit, and fittings for wiring runs.
; Anchor bolts with nuts and washers or red head-type anchors.
3-3Installing the VacTrac Control Panel
Note: Before you mount the panel, consider how you run wiring
to the vacuum hoppers, the filter chamber atmospheric
valve (if so equipped) and the pump motor starter(s),
vacuum switch(es), and vent valve(s).
Mount the panel on a flat, vertical area. It should be a visible area
that gives your operator access to the control. The panel requires a
low voltage power drop as listed on the serial tag.
3-4Making Electrical Connections
Refer to local electrical codes, the schematic and connection
diagrams supplied with this unit and the serial tag for wiring
considerations. Run all wiring in conduit if codes require it.
3-5Making VacTrac Control Panel Power Drop
Wiring Connections
Plug the power cord supplied into a properly grounded, 3-slot,
115/1/50-60 VAC or 230/1/50-60 VAC receptacle specified on the
VacTrac™ control panel serial tag. The control enclosure draws
less than five (5) amps during normal operation at 115/1/50-60
VAC.
Important!
AEC/Whitlock recommends that you protect PLC memory
by providing the control panel with a dedicated circuit,
a true earth ground, and a spike/surge protector.
3-6Connecting the Control Panel to Vacuum
Hoppers
Figure 2
Refer to the wiring connection drawing on Page 18 that applies to
your application.
1. Run a common +24 VDC wire and a common 0 (zero)
VDC wire from the controller to each vacuum hopper in the
VacTrac™ system.
Note: For safety, make sure that the +24 volt line is fused. The
size of the fuse depends on the number of stations installed.
A 4 amp fuse is sufficient for a 12-station installation.
Page 1612-Station Controllers VacTrac™ Conveying Systems
2. On all systems, run two wires to each vacuum hopper: one
each from the controller to the Bin-Full switch (LS) and to
the Atmospheric/Sequence-T solenoid (
3. Make sure that the solenoid and the proximity switch (if
supplied) on vacuum hoppers are the same voltage (24
VDC) as the VacTrac™ control panel control voltage.
Consult the control panel serial tag and the solenoid valve
nameplates.
4. Wire size depends on control voltage, distance, number of
vacuum hoppers, and the number of wires in each raceway.
Consult a qualified electrician.
5. Properly ground each hopper to reduce static build-up
generated by material conveying.
SOL
) valve.
3-7Connecting the Control Panel to the Pump
Package
1. Wire the pump package motor starter coil (M) to the
terminal provided in the VacTrac™ control panel
enclosure.
2. Wire the pump package vacuum relief valve solenoid (SOL
A) to the terminal provided in the VacTrac™ control panel
enclosure.
3. Wire the pump package vacuum switch (VS) to the
terminal located in the VacTrac™ control panel enclosure.
4. On VTPB pumps, wire the pump package blowback
solenoid (SOL B) to the terminal located in the VacTrac™
control panel enclosure.
FUSED DISCONNECT SWITCH TO
BE PROVIDED BY CUSTOMER
DISC
M
L1
L2
L3
GRD
FU
FU
FU
POWER WIRING
L1
L2
L3
OL
T1
T2
MTR
5 HP PUMP
T3
(115V AC)
1PS
N. O.
TO CONTROLLER INPUT FOR
PUMP HIGH VACUUM
(NEUTRAL)
FROM CONTROLLER OUTPUT
FOR MOTOR STARTER
FROM CONTROLLER OUTPUT
FOR VACUUM PUMP SOLENOID
FROM CONTROLLER OUTPUT
FOR PUMP BLOWBACK SOLENOID
9596A2A1
CONTROL WIRING
J1
1M
1SOL
1SOL
VACUUM PUMP
MOTOR STARTER
VACUUM
SOLENOID ON PUMP
BLOWBACK SOLENOID
ON PUMP
1M
Page 1812-Station Controllers VacTrac™ Conveying Systems
Main Power
Your VacTrac™ Series 12-station controller system can operate
from a 115 VAC or 220 VAC source at 50 Hz or 60 Hz. The main
power switch on the controller is located on the right side of the
housing. Built into the power switch are the controller fuses. Also,
the configuration of the fuse holder determines the voltage setting
of the controller (115/220 VAC).
Marked on the faceplate of the fuse holder shows the configuration
for the desired voltage. Using a small screwdriver, remove the fuse
holder. To select the operating voltage, align the arrow marker on
the holder and the switch as shown in the following section.
The VacTrac 12 station controller has a standard IEC power cord.
Plug the cord into any standard 115 VAC outlet. If you selected the
220 VAC option, remove the end connector and install a standard
220 VAC plug. Doing so does not effect the controllers warranty.
DC Controller Power Sources
Although main controller power is 115/220 VAC, control power is
actually unregulated 24 VDC. The 24 VDC control power supplies
the power for all solenoids, sensors, and the controller itself. The
unregulated supply can deliver up to five (5) amps of continuous
current to drive a very large system.
Page 2012-Station Controllers VacTrac™ Conveying Systems
4System Overview
4-1Introduction
Your VacTrac™ Series 12-station controller system has been
designed for quick setup and easy, low maintenance operation.
Before you begin operation, make sure you get familiar with the
functions and features of your controller.
4-2Controller Screen
The controller screen displays the status of the controller at any
given time. By a simple glance, you can know exactly what the
controller is doing. The screen has three areas:
• Text area, a 2-line, 20-character screen
• Station icons for displaying the status of each individual
station
Text Area
•Status indicators for displaying the operation of the pump.
The text area is separated into four (4) sections. The appearance of
the screen depends on the setting of the Pump mode.
In Single Pump mode, the screen displays as shown below. The
upper left corner displays the active station being loaded. If the
system has no active station, two (2) hyphens -- in the station
area display. The lower left corner displays the load time in
seconds. When a station is loading, this area displays how much
time elapses during the load cycle. If no station is active, three (3)
hyphens
The upper right area displays the status of the control. This section
displays the condition of the controller, and what action is
occurring in the loading sequence. The different status displays are
described on Pages 24 and 25.
The lower right section of the display is not used in Single Pump
mode. It simply displays the
---
display.
Whitlock
logo.
STATION:-- OFFLINE
TIME: --- Whitlock
Dual Pump Mode
In Dual Pump mode, the screen displays as shown on the following
page. The first line of the screen displays information for Pump 1
and the second line of the screen displays information for Pump 2.
Each line has twenty (20) characters divided into two (2) groups of
ten (10). From the left character position,
as “Pump 0 Station --:Load Time ---.” This screen displays
important information in an easy-to-read display. The right ten (10)
character group displays the status of the specific pump. Again, the
different status displays are described on Pages 24 and 25.
P0 S:--:---
is read
P1:S--:--- OFFLINE
P2:S—-:--- OFFLINE
Page 2212-Station Controllers VacTrac™ Conveying Systems
Station Icons
Below the text portion of the screen, 12 station icons display the
status of each station in the system. Each station icon contains four
segments.
Figure 3
Station Icon Segments
Segment 1
Segment 2
The top segment indicates the status of the valve above each
station. When the valve is open (control output energized), this
icon highlights. In Single Pump mode, only one valve indicator is
active at a time. In Dual Pump mode, up to two valve indicators
can be active at a time. When this indicator flashes, it indicates the
assignment of a priority convey.
The center square segment indicates the existence of a station
specific alarm condition. The alarm is typically related to a No
Convey condition, but can also indicate the station with a high
vacuum condition.
Located on the bottom of the station icon, the lower segment
indicates the station demand input. This is a real time indicator,
displaying when the station demand input is active. This indicator
may toggle on and off during the load cycle, and should be
considered normal.
Segment 4 is the indicator word ON, located below the station
icon. When ON displays, the related station loads when the system
senses a demand signal. When ON does not display, the station
demand input signal is ignored and the related station does not
load. Segment 4 blinks with Segment 2 in a high vacuum
condition.
Four (4) status indicators are located below the station icons at the
bottom of the display. These indicators include
BLOWBACK, HIGH VACUUM
, and
SYSTEM
PUMP
. Each icon word has
,
a 1 and a 2 icon with it, indicating Pump 1 or Pump 2.
1
PUMP
2211
PUMP Status Indicator
1
PUMP
2
BLOWBACK Indicator
BLOWBACK
21
Figure 4
Status Indicator Icons
The
PUMP
HIGH VACUUM
221
status indicator specifies an active pump.
CHECK SYSTEMBLOWBACK
PUMP
displays when any pump is active, and the 1 or 2 icon indicates
which (or both) pump is active.
When enabled during the Blowback sequence, the
BLOWBACK
icon displays. The 1 or 2 icon indicates the activity of the
blowback solenoid.
Page 2412-Station Controllers VacTrac™ Conveying Systems
HIGH VACUUM Indicator
HIGH VACUUM
1
2
The High Vacuum indicator displays when a high vacuum
condition is present. The 1 or 2 icon indicates the pump that has
the high vacuum condition. The
icon (Segment 4) flash at the hopper with the high vacuum
ON
condition.
CHECK SYSTEM Indicator
CHECK SYSTEM
21
The Check System indicator displays any system errors. Three
input for each pump, when active, prompts the
icon to display. The 1 or 2 icon indicates which pump has the
System input(s) active. System errors can include Dirty Filter, …
are common uses for these inputs.
4-3Controller Keypad
Your 12-station VacTrac controller has a 16-position keypad to let
you operate and alter controller parameters. With the exception of
the
controller determines what function is recognized.
key, each key has at least two functions. The status of the
key once to start the loading sequence.
key again to stop the loading sequence.
key
SET
also permits you to increment through each of the twelve (12)
stations/hoppers when setting loading times. Press the
SET
key to
save the updated value of the parameter you set, then increments to
the next station.
Press the
CLEAR/PRIOR
key to initiate the priority convey
sequence; this key also acts much like an escape key.
NO/YES Keys
Press the NO or
keys to answer questions or prompts while
YES
you are using the menu system.
ENTER/MENU Key
Press the
ENTER/MENU
key to save any data you entered in the
controller memory. You can also press the key to let you enter the
menu system.
Page 2612-Station Controllers VacTrac™ Conveying Systems
5Getting Started
5-1Introduction
Before pressing the
configure it to the specific needs of your system. To help you set
up the controller quickly, this step-by-step chapter walks you
through the setup using the menu system. This procedure will work
for most applications, but you may need to perform some minor
adjustments afterwards to achieve the best conveying performance.
Note: The controller must be in Offline mode to permit access to
the menu system.
5-2Setting the Pump Mode
The first setting to be configured is the Pump mode. This function
tells the controller how many pumps are connected to the system
and how the pumps are to be controlled.
You can select two pump modes: Single Pump mode and DualPump mode. In Single Pump mode (default), one (1) pump is used
to convey material to all 12 stations. In Dual Pump mode, two (2)
pumps are used simultaneously, resulting in a more efficient
conveying process.