Nortec MES2 User Manual
Important: Read and save these instructions. This guide to be left with equipment.
MES2
Installation and
Operation Manual
Includes installation, operation
maintenance and troubleshooting
information for the MES2 Electrode
Steam humidifier
2554140-B|
24 OCT 2011
Thank you for choosing Nortec.
INSTALLATION DATE (MM/DD/YYYY)
MODEL #
SERIAL #
CYLINDER #
Proprietary Notice
This document and the information disclosed herein are proprietary data of WALTER MEIER LTD. Neither this
document nor the information contained herein shall be reproduced, used, or disclosed to others without the
written authorization of WALTER MEIER LTD., except to the extent required for installation or maintenance of
recipient’s equipment. All references to the Nortec name should be taken as referring to WALTER MEIER LTD.
Liability Notice
Nortec does not accept any liability for installations of humidity equipment installed by unqualified personnel or
the use of parts/components/equipment that are not authorized or approved by Nortec.
Copyright Notice
Copyright 2011, WALTER MEIER LTD. All rights reserved.
Contents
1 Introduction
2 Receiving and Unpacking
3 MES2 Models
6 Options and Accessories
7 Humidifier Components
9 Humidifier Schematic
9 How the Humidifier Works
11 Installation
12 Typical MES2 Installation
13 Location
14 Mounting
15 Plumbing
16 Steam Lines and Condensate
Returns
31 Maintenance and
Servicing
32 Required Maintenance
36 Extended Shutdown
37 Maintenance Checklist
39 Troubleshooting
41 General Troubleshooting
43 MES2 Faults
45 Wiring Diagram
46 Spare Parts
50 Warranty
19 Primary Voltage Wiring
20 Control Wiring
21 Modbus Wiring
22 MES2 Installation Checklist
23 Operation
24 User Interface
25 Humidifier Configuration
27 Modbus Configuration
30 Start Up Procedure
Introduction
CAUTION: Servicing
Disconnect main power before performing any servicing.
The plumbing and electrical compartments contain high voltage components and
wiring. Access should be limited to authorized personnel only.
During and following operation of the humidifier, the steam and components in
contact with the steam such as the steam lines, steam distributors, cylinders, and
condensate lines can become hot and can burn if touched.
Walter Meier does not accept any liability for improperly installed humidity
equipment or the use of parts/components/equipment that are not authorized or
approved by Walter Meier.
CAUTION: Electrical
All electrical work should in accordance with the local electrical code in location
where the humidifier will finally be operated.
CAUTION: Plumbing
Drain water from humidifier can be very hot. Do not drain to public sink.
All plumbing work should be in accordance with local plumbing code in location
where the humidifier will finally be operated.
CAUTION: Installation
Do not mount on hot surfaces
Do not mount in area where freezing can occur
Do not mount on vibrating surface
The MES2 produces steam at atmospheric pressure. No devices which could block
steam output should be connected to the steam outlet.
Steam lines must be installed so that no restriction can produce backpressure in
the humidifier.
Regardless of selecting on/off or modulating control method, Nortec humidifiers
must have a closed circuit across its on/off security loop control terminal to
operate. Nortec highly recommends the use of a duct high limit humidistat and air
proving switch.
1 | Introduction
Receiving and Unpacking
1 Check packing slip to ensure ALL material has been delivered.
2 All material shortages are to be reported to Nortec within 48 hours from receipt of goods.
Nortec assumes no responsibility for any material shortages beyond this period.
3 Inspect shipping boxes for damage and note damages on shipping waybill accordingly.
4 After unpacking, inspect equipment for damage and if damage is found, notify the shipper
promptly.
5 All Nortec products are shipped on an FOB factory basis. Any and all damage, breakage or
loss claims are to be made directly to the shipping company.
Before Installation
1 Ensure that available voltage and phase corresponds with humidifier voltage and phase as
indicated on humidifier’s specification label.
2 Ensure that the dedicated fused disconnect provided for the humidifier is of sufficient size to
handle the rated amps as indicated on the specification label.
3 Ensure sufficient clearances will be available as described in “Location” on page 13.
4 Ensure steam lines can be routed to distributor as described in Steam Lines and
Condensate Returns on page 16.
Figure 1: Specification Label Location
Introduction | 2
MES2 Models
Open
Elect
ricalClosed
Elect
ric
The MES2 is the most advanced OEM steam humidifier available and provides steady and
reliable humidification using the same proven cylinder technology as Nortec’s commercial
NHTC. The MES2 is offered in 5 models corresponding to control configurations as shown in
Figure 2. The remote configurations include 8 ft (2.4 m) of wiring for connecting the controls
to the plumbing cabinet. The Primary Voltage Wiring (PVW) model provides 8 feet of primary
wiring for connection to the contactor.
RemoteAttached Attached PVW
N/A
(ATT OE)
al
(ATT CE) (ATT CE PVW)
Figure 2: MES2 Models
The MES2 is available in 6 capacities ranging from 5 to 30 lb/hr (2.3 to 13.6 kg/hr) for
operation on a range of voltages and phases as outlined in Table 1: MES2 Part Numbers and
Electrical Data. The 6 capacities are packaged in 4 different cabinet sizes as shown in Figure 3.
5 lb/hr
(2.3 kg/hr)
10 lb/hr
(4.5 kg/hr)
(REM OE)
(REM CE)
15 - 20 lb/hr
(6.8 - 9 .1 kg/hr)
25 - 30 lb/hr
(11.4 - 13.6 kg/hr)
Figure 3: MES2 Capacities and Cabinets
3 | Introduction
A
S
V
Table 1: MES2 Part Numbers and Electrical Data
Capacity Phase Attached
Closed
lb (kg) ATT OE ATT CE REM OE REM CE
Open
Elec.
5 (2.3) 1 2550262 3E+06 2550264 2550265 2550266 102 208 8.2 15 1.7
2550267 3E+06 2550269 2550270 2550271 103 380 4.5 15
2550272 3E+06 2550274 2550275 2550276 104 480 3.5 15
10 (4.5) 1 2550277 3E+06 2550279 2550280 2550281 202 208 16 25 3.4
2550282 3E+06 2550284 2550285 2550286 203 380 8.9 15
2550287 3E+06 2550289 2550290 2550291 204 480 7.1 15
15 (6.8) 1 2550300 3E+06 2550302 2550303 2550304 321 208 25 40 5.1
2550305 3E+06 2550307 2550308 2550309 305 380 13 20
2550310 3E+06 2550312 2550313 2550314 309 480 11 15
3 2550315 3E+06 2550317 2550318 2550319 303 208 14 20
2550320 3E+06 2550322 2550323 2550324 311 380 7.7 15
2550325 3E+06 2550327 2550328 2550329 311 480 6.1 15
20 (9.1) 1 2550340 3E+06 2550342 2550343 2550344 321 208 33 50 6.8
2550345 3E+06 2550347 2550348 2550349 305 380 18 30
2550350 3E+06 2550352 2550353 2550354 309 480 14 25
3 2550355 3E+06 2550357 2550358 2550359 303 208 19 30
2550360 3E+06 2550362 2550363 2550364 311 380 10 15
2550365 3E+06 2550367 2550368 2550369 311 480 8.2 15
25 (11.4) 3 2553765 3E+06 2553767 2553768 2553769 421 208 24 35 8.5
2553770 3E+06 2553772 2553773 2553774 407 380 13 20
2553775 3E+06 2553777 2553778 2553779 411 480 10 15
30 (13.6) 3 2550370 3E+06 2550372 2550373 2550374 421 208 28 40 10
2550375 3E+06 2550377 2550378 2550379 407 380 16 25
2550380 3E+06 2550382 2550383 2550384 411 480 12 20
Attached
Closed
Elec.
Remote
Open
Elec.
Remote
Elec.
ttached
Closed
Elec. PVW
ATT CE
PVW No. V A A KW
tandard
Cylinder
olts Amps Max
Ext
Fuse
240 7.1 15
277 6.1 15
600 2.8 15
240 14 20
277 12 20
600 5.7 15
240 21 30
277 18 30
600 8.5 15
240 12 20
600 4.9 15
240 28 45
277 25 35
600 11 20
240 16 25
600 6.5 15
240 20 30
600 8.2 15
240 25 40
600 9.8 15
KW
Introduction | 4
MES2 Dimensions / Weights
0.34 (9 mm)
Condensate
0.57
1. 4
C
Re t ur n
0.30
0.8
1/ 8 NPT
Fill Connection
2.30
5.8
F
5.50
14
1. 2 8
3.3
7.79
19 .8
G
D
A
E
B
0.875 (22 mm)
St e am Out l et
0.80
2
O
3.70
9.4
1. 7 3
4.4
1.12 x 2.0 (2.85 x 5.1) Slot
Both Cabinet Sides
H
0.875 (22 mm)
O
Drain Outlet
5.45
O
13 .8
Rotate 360
v
to
Desired Position
Note: Unless otherwise specified dimensions are in inches (cm). Tolerance ±0.1 in. (0.25 cm)
Capacity
lb/hr (kg/hr) A Width B Depth C Height
5
(2.3)
10
(4.5)
15-20
(6.8 – 9.1)
25-30
(11.4 – 13.6)
Note: * Steam Outlet is not centered on MES2 5 & 10 lb/hr (2.3 & 4.5 kg/hr) models.
** Weights given for MES2 with enclosed electronics and optional plumbing enclosure. Full Weight is weight with cylinder full of
water. Full weight may exceed this value at end of cylinder life depending on the amount of scale and its composition.
7.5
(19)
7.5
(19)
8.9
(22.6)
10.3
(26.2)
6.4
(16.3)
6.4
(16.3)
7.9
(20.1)
9.8
(24.9)
12.7
(35.3)
16.8
(42.7)
20.0
(50.8)
20.7
(52.6)
D*
Steam
Outlet
4.2
(10.7)
4.2
(10.7)
5.1
(13)
5.5
(14)
E*
Steam
Outlet
5.1
(13)
5.1
(13)
4.0
(10.2)
4.9
(12.5)
F
Elec.
Pos.
0.3
(0.8)
0.3
(0.8)
1.1
(2.8)
2.2
(5.6)
G
Elec.
Height
4.9
(12.5)
8.0
(20)
11.2
(28.5)
11.6
(29.5)
2.5 (6.4) MES2 25 - 30
1.5 (3.8) MES 5 - 20
J
H
Drain
Center
5.6
(14.2)
5.6
(14.2)
6.4
(16.3)
6.8
(17.3)
J
Drain
Center
3.4
(8.6)
3.4
(8.6)
4.2
(10.7)
5.2
(13.2)
Net/Full
Weight**
lb (kg)
10.7/14.2
(5/6.6)
12.4/18.4
(5.8/8.5)
16.5/30.5
(7.8/14.2)
20.2/43.2
(9.5/20.0)
Figure 4: MES2 Dimensions and Weights
5 | Introduction
Options and Accessories
An enclosed plumbing option is available for each MES2 cabinet size. The option consists of a
fixed cabinet with an easily removable door for servicing. Figure 5 shows the enclosed
plumbing option installed on a 10 lb/hr MES2 ATT CE.
Enc losed P lumbing Part N umber s
Capacity Part No.
5 lb/hr (2.3 kg/hr)
10 lb/hr (4.5 kg/h r)
15, 20 lb/hr (6.8, 9.1 kg/hr)
25, 30 lb/hr (11.4, 13.6 kg/hr)
2554073
2554074
2554075
2554076
Figure 5: Enclosed Plumbing Option
Nortec also provides a complete line of options and accessories for every humidification
application. The following table lists some of the most common accessories available for use
with the MES2 humidifier. Refer to the installation instructions that come with the accessories
for their proper installation and operation.
Table 2: Options and Accessories
Option / Accessory Used For
Modbus Interface Controlling humidifier operation via Modbus (See Modbus Wiring
on page 21 and Modbus Configuration on page 27).
Enclosed Plumbing See above.
Steam Distributors Adding steam into air ducts.
On/Off or Modulating Control Humidistats Controlling the output of the humidifier based on sensed RH.
Air Proving Switch Insuring humidification only occurs when air is moving in a duct.
Steam Hose Connecting humidifier to steam distributor.
Condensate Hose Collecting and draining condensate that collects in steam
distributors and steam distribution lines.
Introduction | 6
p
Humidifier Components
Ground Clam
Control Board
Power Relay
Electrical Cover
Fill Cup
Cyl i nder Plug
Condensate Return
Capaci ty A djustment
Potentiometer
Current Sensor
On/Off/Drain Switch
Status Lights
Bracket, Remote
El ectrical
Control Connection
Terminals
Steam Outl et
High Water Sensor
Plug
Pl umbing
Enc losure
(Optional)
Cyl i nder
Cyli nder
Tie Wrap
Fill Inlet
Drain Pan
Fill Valve
Drai n Valve
Drain Outlet
Drain Canal
Figure 6: MES2 Components
Pl umbing
Door
(Optional)
7 | Introduction
Table 3: MES2 Components
Component Function of Component
Bracket, Remote
Electrical
Capacity Adjustment
Potentiometer
Condensate Return
Control Connection
Terminals
Current Sensor
Cylinder
Cylinder Plug
Cylinder Tie Wrap
Drain Outlet / Canal
Drain Pan
Supports the control components for MES2 models which have remote
electronics (REM).
Adjusts the maximum output of the humidifier from 100% down to 20%.
See Figure 22: Capacity Potentiometer Adjustment on page 26.
Provides a connection to return condensate to humidifier.
Terminals on the control board for connecting external controls to
humidifier.
Measures the amount of current flowing through the cylinder’s
electrodes.
Holds electrodes in water. Current between electrodes generates heat
used to generate steam.
Power connectors to electrodes in cylinder. Installer must connect wires
from contactor to cylinder plugs. (PVW model has wires installed).
Holds cylinder in place, reusable.
Combines cylinder drain water and fill cup overflow into a single drain
outlet.
Collects any water which may leak from water connections and routes it
to drain.
Drain Valve
Control Board
Electrical Cover
Fill Cup
Fill Inlet
Fill Valve
Ground Clamp
High Water sensor
Plug
On/Off/Drain Switch
Plumbing
Enclosure/ Door
Power Relay
Drains water from humidifier.
Controls all functions of the humidifier’s operation and provides input
and output connections to humidifier components.
Covers the control board and wiring on MES2 models with closed
electrical (CE).
Provides an air gap for backflow prevention.
1/8 NPT brass fitting for connecting supply water to the humidifier.
Controls flow of water into humidifier.
Electrical ground connection for humidifier.
Used to detect max water level in cylinder.
Turns power on/off to humidifier controller and drains the cylinder for
servicing. Note: Turn off humidifier disconnect to shut off primary power
to the humidifier.
The optional plumbing enclosure completely encloses the humidifiers
water components.
Turns on/off power to the contactor (supplied by others) based on a
signal from the humidifier’s controller (mounted on control board).
Status Lights
Steam Outlet
Indicate if the humidifier is operating. If the humidifier is shut down on a
fault the yellow LED flashes in sequence to indicate the fault that
occurred.
Outlet for steam generated by the humidifier. Connect to the outlet with
a steam hose and hose clamp.
Introduction | 8
r
Humidifier Schematic
Air Gap
1.25 in.
(3.2 cm)
Steam Line
Steam Distributo
Condensate Return
Current Sensor
Power Relay
24 VAC
Drain Valve
External Air
Gap
Control Board
To
Contactor
Fill Cup
Cylinder
Overflow
High
Water
Sensor
Electrodes
From
Contactor
Fill Valve
Internal Air
Gap
Drain Canal
Figure 7: Humidifier Schematic
How the Humidifier Works
The MES2 is an atmospheric steam generator that uses heat generated by electrical current
flowing between submerged electrodes to generate steam. The MES2 is designed for air
humidification via steam distributor.
Steam Generation
If the MES2 is configured for On/Off operation then as soon as the safety loop between
terminal 1 and 2 is closed the humidifier assumes 100% demand, closes the power relay on
the control board, and measures the current flowing through the power wire routed through
the control board’s current sensor. If it is configured for modulating operation it waits for a
demand signal and for the safety loop between terminal 1 and 2 to be closed.
9 | Introduction
If the demand is lower than the actual output the inlet valve is kept closed and output is
reduced by letting the water level in the cylinder decrease by evaporation.
If demand is higher than the actual output after a brief delay the fill valve is activated and
water flows into the fill cup. Water from the fill cup flows into the bottom of the cylinder
through a hose connected to the drain valve housing.
Note: The cylinder is gravity fed from the fill cup. If backpressure from the steam line is too
high it will cause water to back up in the fill cup and flow down the overflow line to the
drain.
A soon as the water in the cylinder comes in contact with the energized electrodes current
flows through the water. The resistance of the water to the electrical current generates heat
and in turn steam. The more electrode that is covered by water the higher is the current and
output. The unit continues to fill until the current matches demand or the high water sensor
detects a high water level.
The MES2 repeats the fill and boil down cycle repeatedly to match output to demand.
Over time minerals in the water will adhere to the cylinder’s electrodes. The humidifier will
automatically fill to a higher water level to maintain full capacity during the life of the
cylinder. Eventually because of scale formation it will no longer be possible for the
humidifier to reach its full capacity. The MES2 software monitors this condition and when
detected will stop operating and flash the yellow LED in a repeating sequence of 4 flashes.
Drains
As steam is produced minerals are left behind increasing the conductivity of the water. The
MES2’s patented auto adaptive cycle will monitor the water conductivity and perform drains
to maintain the water at optimal conductivity for peak performance.
The auto adaptive cycle provides the longest cylinder life in combination with keeping the
tightest control and most efficient use of water during the entire cylinder life.
Steam Distribution
The most common method for adding the steam into the air is to mount a steam distributor in a
supply air duct as shown in Figure 7: Humidifier Schematic. In an air handler the best location
for introducing the steam is after the heating coil where the air will be at its lowest humidity.
Steam Line
The steam line between the cylinder steam outlet and the distributor may be Nortec steam
hose, copper pipe, or stainless steel pipe or tube. The MES2 is an atmospheric steam
generator so it is very important no restrictions are present in the steam line and that the steam
line is sized properly to carry the full output capacity of the humidifier. See Steam Lines and
Condensate Returns on page 16 for information on selecting steam lines.
Condensate Return
Whenever steam is generated, condensate is formed in the distribution system and steam
distributor. Insulating steam lines is one important way to reduce the amount of condensate
formed. Steam lines are sloped so that condensate does not collect in the lines and create a
restriction to steam flow. The condensate must be collected and removed from the system so
that it does not build up and leak into the duct or air handler. Condensate can be returned to
the MES2 fill cup to reduce water waste or can be fed to drain.
Introduction | 10
Installation
12 Typical MES2 Installation
13 Location
14 Mounting
15 Plumbing
16 Steam Lines and Condensate Returns
19 Primary Voltage Wiring
20 Control Wiring
21 Modbus Wiring
22 MES2 Installation Checklist
11 | Installation
/Of
f
f
y
A
f
A
C o n t
t o
r
r
L1
r
r
r
r
A
r
Typical MES2 Installation
Control
Wiring
Pg 20
Steam
Distribution
Page 16-18
12 in. (30 cm)
min. radius*
1 ft (30 cm)
min. before
any bend*
2 in. (5 cm)
min.
1 ft (30 cm)
Support
brackets*
Condensate
trap
E
n
e
a
g
i
c
z
e
Steam Line
O
(
2
L
S
4
n
o
a
V
o
e
p
C
t
)
Front side
clearance required
for cylinder removal.
Power Relay
On/Of
Drain
Switch
Fuse
2
4
V
C
Location
Mounting
Pg 13
Fill
Line
36 in. (90 cm)
recommended
Drain
Line
Plumbing
Primary
Voltage
Pg 15
Pg 19
1/8 in.
NPT
Cold Potable Water
30 - 80 PSIG
0.875 in.
(22 mm).
OD
ir gap
recommended
Drain
7/8 in. Min.
Note:
Single Phase
Connection Shown
L2
Disconnect Contacto
Current transforme
* Dimensions and brackets are recommendations based on best practice. OEM must verify operation if they are not followed or used.
Cylinde
plug with
white
marke
Figure 8: Typical Humidifier Installation
Installation | 12
Location
Mount to structural member or on surface capable of supporting the humidifier’s operating
weight (see Figure 4: MES2 Dimensions and Weights). The humidifier may be set on its base but
clearance must be provided for the drain line to be sloped adequately. In general clearance is
not required around the humidifier except for maintenance access and electrical and plumbing
connections.
The clearance dimensions shown are recommendations based on best practice. OEM must
verify operation if they are not followed.
Install only in areas with ambient temperature 41-104°F (5–40°C) relative humidity 5 -
95%.
When possible install below the steam distributor. If mounted above the steam distributor
take care to provide proper steam line routing and proper condensate traps.
DO NOT locate the humidifier any further then absolutely necessary from the steam
distributor location as net output will be reduced as a result of heat loss through the steam
line.
The main service access required is for changing the cylinder. This access can be from the
front or right side. Right side service access is not possible with the optional plumbing
enclosure.
Note: Nortec recommends a vertical drop from the drain outlet and an air gap as close
as possible to the drain outlet to insure proper draining of the humidifier.
8 in. (20 cm)*
left side clearance
for remova l of cover
on attached closed
electronics models
0.5 in. (1.3 cm)*
top clearance
access hole required
for steam outlet and
optional condensate
return to fill cup.
only.
0 in . (0 cm)
access ho le or
additional clearance
required for fill
connection
Mount level
5-95%
in. ( cm)
00
side clearance
for front cylinder
cylinder removal
remo val
36 in. (92 cm)*
side clearance
for right side
only.
Note:
side cylinder
removal not
possib le with
enclosed
pluming option.
As close as
possible to steam
distributor
in. (92 cm)
36 *
front clearance
for front cylinder
remo val and/or fo r
attached electronics
models only.
0 in. (0 cm)
front clearance
for right side
cylinder removal
0.2 (0.5 cm)*
for fill cu p
tabs.
* Dimensions are recommendations based on best practice. OEM must verify operation if they are not followed.
13 | Installation
Access for properly sloped drain required.
0 in (0 cm) bottom clearance.
Figure 9: Mounting Location / Clearance
Mounting
1 The MES2 humidifier can be wall or floor mounted. No mounting holes are provided but can
be made anywhere in the base and sides of the cabinet at installation time.
2 Use a minimum of 2 x #8 screws mounted securely into structural surfaces.
3 Make sure the unit is level.
4 If enclosed plumbing option is installed then mounting screws can also be installed into the
plumbing enclosure.
5 It is the installer’s responsibility to insure that the humidifier is securely and safely mounted
in the air handler.
Note:
Installation methods shown are suggestions only actual mounting may differ and must
be verified by OEM.
When mounting to a vertical member by drilling holes in the cabinet, be careful not to
make any holes in the bottom 1 in (2.5 cm) of the drain pan.
MES2 Attached
Electronics
(Back Mounted)
MES2 Remote
Electronics
(Side/Base Mounted)
Air Handler
Remo te El ectr o n i cs
Mount using 4 s crews i
0.19 in. mounting holes
Plumbing
Drill holes in back ,
side, or base of c abinet
and sec ure with m in. of
2 x #8 Sc rews.
Figure 10: MES2 Mounting
Avoid drilling in
bottom 1 in (2.5 c m)
of drain pan.
Installation | 14
Loading...