Product/Service

GCM-A

Source: Environment One Corporation
The probability of overheating in today's air-cooled apparatus has increased as designs are pushed ever closer to critical limits.
The probability of overheating in today's air-cooled apparatus has increased as designs are pushed ever closer to critical limits. Reduced safety margins in modern generator designs require the earliest possible detection of overheating and make the GCM-A more necessary than ever.

Faster than RTDs and Thermocouples
High concentrations of sub-micrometer particles (pyrolysis products) are released whenever any material within a generator is heated sufficiently to create thermal decomposition. These "hotspots" can lead to catastrophic failure if not caught in time. The GCM-A warns of an impending failure much faster than RTDs and thermocouples. Why? Because RTDs and thermocouples need to be physically near the hotspot, or wait until overheating progresses to the point that the temperature of the area near the RTD or thermocouple rises sufficiently for the sensor to detect it. This results in a significantly larger "fault," possibly catastrophic.

The GCM-A, on the other hand, monitors multiple air sample lines using a sub-micometer particle detector. The GCM-A detects pyrolysis particles emitted into the cooling air as a result of overheating or arcing virtually anywhere in the machine.

Proven Protection
The GCM-A has demonstrated its capabilities in applications ranging from isolated phase busbars to electric power generators using single-pass (or open-ventilation) cooling system, or totally enclosed cooling systems employing heat exchangers.

GCM-A Features

  • Continuous real-time monitoring of overheating and arcing.
  • Continuous self-checking diagnostics -- all major operating parameters are fully supervised. In the event of a malfunction, the system diagnostics indicate the exact problem.
  • 100% solid state circuitry and relay contacts for external interfacing.
  • Analog output signals for ambient air, generating cooling air and differential. The 4-20 mA outputs may be used as signal inputs to a recorder or computer.
  • Serial computer interface through a built in RS-232 port enables downloading of historical data and operational parameters. Can be used to access programming functions remotely.
  • Alphanumeric display status indicator during normal operating mode; provides diagnostic and programming prompts when needed.
  • Bar graphs provide continuous, real-time indication of alarm condition, and programmed alarm level setting.
  • Thirty day data retention providing average hourly readings that can be downloaded using the built-in RS-232 port.
  • All components are housed in a single enclosure. Alarm points and system sensitivity are adjustable
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Environment One Corporation, 2773 Balltown Road, Niskayuna, NY 12309-1090. Tel: 518-346-6161; Fax: 518-346-6188.