Red Lion TCU - Manual (Page 9)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The TCU Controller accepts signals from a variety of temperature sensors
(thermocouple or RTD elements), precisely displays the process temperature,
and provides an accurate output control signal (time proportional, linear, or
valve positioning) to maintain a process at the desired control point. A
comprehensive set of easy to use steps allows the controller to solve various
application requirements.
The controller can operate in the PID control mode for both heating and
cooling. On-demand auto-tune establishes the tuning constants. The PID
tuning constants may be fine-tuned by the operator at any time and locked out
from further modification. The controller employs a unique overshoot
suppression feature that allows the quickest response without excessive
overshoot. The unit can be transferred to operate in the manual mode,
providing the operator with direct control of the output. The controller can
also be programmed to operate in the ON/OFF control mode with adjustable
hysteresis.
Dual 4-digit displays allow viewing of the process temperature and
setpoint simultaneously. Front panel indicators inform the operator of the
controller and output status. Replaceable and interchangeable output
modules (Relay, SSR Drive, or Triac) can be installed for the main control
output, alarm output(s), cooling output, and Valve Positioner outputs.
Optional dual alarms can be configured to activate according to a variety of
actions (Absolute HI or LO, Deviation HI or LO, Band IN or OUT, Heater
Break, and Valve Fail Detect) with adjustable hysteresis. A standby feature
suppresses the output during power-up until the temperature stabilizes
outside the alarm region. An optional secondary output is available (for
processes requiring cooling) that provides increased control accuracy and
response.
A linear 4 to 20 mA or 0 to 10 VDC output signal is available to interface
with actuators, chart recorders, indicators, or other controllers. The type of
Linear DC output is determined by the model ordered. (See Ordering
Information, page 90, for available models.) The output signal can be
digitally scaled and selected to transmit one of the following: % output
power, process temperature value, process temperature value deviation or
setpoint value. For Linear DC control applications, the adjustable output
demand dampening, output deadband, and output update time parameters
expand the versatility of the TCU to final control devices.
The optional Heater Current Monitor serves as a digital ammeter for heater
current monitoring. Used with current transformer accessory (CT005001),
this display is integrated within the controller. An alarm event output can be
programmed to signal when the heater or heater control devices have failed,
before damage to process material occurs. The Heater Break Alarm triggers
under two conditions:
1. The main output (OP1) is “on” and the heater current is below the heater
current alarm value, indicating an aged or failed heater.
2. Output (OP1) is “off” and the heater current is more than 10% of the alarm
value, indicating a shorted heater control device or other problem.
The optional Motorized Valve Positioner directly controls the position of a
valve by the use of twin outputs (open and close) to control the direction of
motor rotation. The motor position defines the opening position at the valve.
Two control modes are possible: position control, which makes use of the
slidewire feedback signal supplied with the positioner and velocity control,
in which no slidewire feedback signal is used. Parameters are provided to
adjust the operation of the valve. These include:
- Valve activity hysteresis
- Valve update time
- Variable control dampening
- Slidewire signal fail action
- Adjustable valve position limits
The Valve Positioner TCU achieves tight process control; yet minimizes
unnecessary valve activity. An alarm event output or display alarm can be
programmed under loss of slidewire feedback or under valve fail detection.
The optional Second Analog Input (0 to 20 mA DC) can be configured as a
Remote Setpoint signal or as a Secondary Process signal. Configuration of
the Second Analog Input as a Remote Setpoint signal allows ratio control,
master setpoint/multiple slave operation, and the ability to cascade the TCU
with another controller (External Cascade). Configuration of the Second
Input as a Secondary Process signal allows operation as a two-process
cascade controller within a single unit (Internal Cascade). In either control
mode, parameters are provided to scale, configure, communicate and monitor
the activity of both analog inputs. A square law linearizer function can be
used to linearize signals derived from flow transmitters.
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