Green Air Products CO2 Generator User Manual
2generator, 1000 ppm, Rules for safe operation
P.O. Box 1318 Gresham Or
. 97030 USA
1-800-669-2113 Fax 1-503-663-1
147
om
ww
w.greenair
.com
CO2 GENERATOR FUEL CONSUMTION CHART
PROPANE CONSUMPTION
CU.FT. / HR.
PROPANE TANK SIZE
GE
NER
AT
OR
OU
TPUT
1
5
10
25
MODEL
HOURS OF OPERATING TIME
MA
X
BTU
/HR
CU
.FT.
CO
2/HR
CD-3
1
36
18
0
36
0
90
0
21
83
3
CD-6
2
18
90
18
0
45
0
43
66
6
CD-12
4
12
60
12
0
30
0
87
32
12
CD-18
6
6
30
60
15
0
13
10
18
CD-36
12
3
15
30
75
26
20
36
This chart is used to decide how long a tank of propane will last. This chart is fairly self explanatory
first you will look in the left column to pick a model, then follow it across to the propane tank size
you have. The number that corresponds with the two selections will be the number of hours that
you can operate the Co2 generator.
Carbon Dioxide
Generator
Installation and
Operation Manual
CO
2Generator
Carbon Dioxide Enrichment will dramatically increase the growth of green
plants. Green plants use carbon dioxide (CO2
) and water in the presence of
light to synthesize organic compounds. The plant then converts these organic
compounds into elements that it can use (food). This process is called
photosynthesis. If any of these ingredients (CO2, water or light) are at levels
below what the plant can use for maximum efficiency, it will only be able to
perform at that level and no greater. Adding carbon dioxide to a growing
environment that is not receiving proper nutrients or is low on light will not
produce the desired results. Similarly, plants that are receiving plenty of
sunshine and nutrients will only perform as well as the level of CO2 will allow.
The ambient level of CO2 in the earth's atmosphere is generally between 300
and 400 ppm. Most plants receive far more water and energy in the form of
sunshine than they can use. Increasing the CO2 in the growing area will let
the plant use the excess water and energy that is stored in the leaves. The
result is a substantial increase in the growth rate of any plant that uses
chlorophyll in the process of photosynthesis. Enrichment should commence
at sunrise or when photoperiod begins and refrain during darkness hours.
The average CO2 level that is recommended is 1000 to 2000 parts per million
(PPM). The object is to maintain a constant level in the atmosphere. You can
run a small unit continuously during photoperiods or you can use a larger unit
and time it to function periodically. Where exhaust requirements are frequent,
the latter method is preferable. After the exhaust function the generator can
be cycled to replenish CO2 quickly to maintain rapid plant photosynthesis.
Use the operation time charts to determine the size of generator and the
number of minutes of operation required for the level of CO2
desired. Frequency
of recharge depends on the rate of consumption. For the greatest fuel economy
and accuracy of recharge it is recommended that the Green Air Products
CO2 Monitor Controller (CDMC) be used with all generator and emitter
systems.
** IMPORTANT **
Carbon dioxide generators operate by burning carbonaceous fuels such as
propane or natural gas. The burners used in Green Air Products CO2
generators are specially designed to maximize the production of CO2 and
minimize heat as a by-product. Green Air Products generators provide CO2
far more economically than any other means of enrichment. A constant
burning pilot is used to ignite the gas when the generator is turned on. A
thermocouple is used to monitor the pilot flame. If the pilot flame is lost, a
safety valve will close so that unburned fuel will not be released into the
enclosure. CO2 generator operations may be automatically functioned
according to actual ambient values when installed in conjunction with a CDMC
controller. This control device continually samples the level of carbon dioxide
in the growing area and functions the generator whenever CO2 levels do
not meet your predetermined values. Generators are easily installed,
dependable and efficient. Transformer included. Operates on 110VAC.
Rules For Safe Operation
•
Read and understand the information in this manual before operating the
equipment. Observe all CAUTIONS.
•
Unit should be operated in a safe, clean and ventilated area free of flammable
materials.
•
Housing becomes hot under normal operating conditions. To avoid possible
burns, never touch equipment during operation.
•
To service or repair this unit always disconnect power source and shut off
fuel supply.
•
Do not operate if gas fumes are noticed. It is recommended the fuel tank be
located outdoors or in a well ventilated area free of sparks or open flame.
•
For service or repair always send the unit back to the factory or an authorized
service center.
Never overfill propane tank. Allow room for expansion of contents due to
contrast in temperatures. It is recommended that tank be located outside the
enclosure for safest operation. A properly burning flame should burn clean
and blue and produce no toxic emissions. Remember a flame requires oxygen
to burn so adequate fresh air intake and circulation is important. Always check
for leaks after refitting.
Principals of Operation
Introduction
This chart will give you the minutes of operation required for the areas and
models shown. Top row of the chart represents cubic feet of area in the
enclosure (LxWxH) The left column is the model size. Model numbers
represent maximum CO2 output per hour in cubic feet (CD-3 = 3 cuft/hr CO2)
Example: A CD-6 will take 10 minutes to produce a CO2 level of 1000 ppm
in a 1000 cu. ft. enclosure. The area should be charged as quickly as possible
for maximum advantage. Charging the atmosphere quickly insures that the
rapid photosynthesis process will not be interrupted and the plants growth
rate reduced. Five to ten minutes is a good charge time. Try not to exceed
twenty minutes. Your microclimate will need to be recharged every 1 to 4
hours depending on how much CO2 is lost due to plant usage or drafts (leaks).
Large greenhouses logically require longer charge times and multiple units
may be necessary. The CD-36 takes 1.66 minutes per 1000 cu.ft. area to
charge to 1000 ppm. Therefore a 20,000 cu. ft. area would be 20 X 1.66 which
is 33.2 minutes. For this application that may be an acceptable charge time.
Size and Timing Chart
1000 PPM
CU/FT
100
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
1800
2000
CD-3
2.00
4.00
8.00 12.00 16.00 20.00 24.00 28.00 32.00 36.00 40.00
CD-6
1.00
2.00
4.00
6.00
8.00 10.00 12.00 14.00 16.00 18.00 20.00
CD-12
.50
1.00
2.00
3.00
4.00
5.00
6.00
7.00
8.00
9.00 10.00
CD-18
.33
0.66
1.33
2.00
2.66
3.30
4.00
4.66
5.33
6.00
6.60
CD-36
.17
0.33
0.66
1.00
1.33
1.66
2.00
2.33
2.66
3.00
3.30
Pro
pan
e
Gas
Tan
k
Prop
ane
Gas
Tan
k
Change Over V
alve
Ho
se to
Carb
on
Dio
xide
Gen
erato
r
AUTOM
ATI
C
PROPANE
CHANGEOVER
VALV
E
OPTIONAL
ACCESSORY
Spec
ific
ation
s
CO
2 Out
put
CD-3
CD-6
CD-12
CD-18
CD-36
LP
NG
LP
NG
LP
NG
LP
NG
LP
NG
Cu Ft C
O2 /
Hr
3.2
3.4
6.2
6.4
12.4
12.8
18.6
19.2
37.2
38.4
Poun
ds CO
2 / H
r
.376
.388
.753
.776
1.51
1.56
2.27
2.33
4.54
4.66
Max BT
U / Hr
2183
2172
4366
4343
8733
8686
13098
13029
2619
62
6058
Fuel C
onsum
ptio
n
Cu FT /
Hr
1.03
2.01
2.05
4.02
4.1
8.04
6.15
10.06
12.3
20.12
Tran
sfor
mer
110/
12VD
C 1
Am
p M
ax
TWO YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
Green Air Products guarantees that this equipment will perform as implied for the purpose it is intended. Green Air
Products warrants the original purchaser of this equipment against defects in mechanical parts and workmanship
for 2 years and electrical parts for 90 days. At our option we will repair or replace defective equipment. Warranty
service is only performed at the factory or authorized service center. Any usage contrary to proper application or
alterations of original construction will void warranty obligations. For further warranty information contact your
dealer or Green Air Products service department.
For professional use by qualified personnel in a facility suited for proper
operation in compliance with local, state and federal laws