Thermon TraceNet TCM 18 User Manual

TraceNet™ TCSeries Control SystemTCM18 Panel Installation, Start-Up,Operating, and Maintenance GuideThermon Manufacturing CompanyTraceNet™is a registe

Power terminal connections 20 to 6 AWG (0.5 to 10mm2), 630VPrinted circuit board conformally coatedAlarm two 24 Vdc, 350 mA each* Rating based on heat

3 Module ConnectionsDue to its flexible architecture, a variety of TraceNet TC Series panel configurationsare available. The specific project drawings sh

The TCM18 wiring and connections are located on the rear of the TCM18 moduleand are described as below:Figure 2: Wiring and Connection Details on the

The RTB6 Module ConnectionsThe RTB6 module allows the connection of six 3-wire 100 Ohm platinum RTD inputsto the TraceNet control system. The RTB6 cir

The PM6 ConnectionsThe PM6 serves as the heat trace power solid state switching module for a TraceNetTCM18 controller. It includes the heater and grou

The RM6 ConnectionsThe RM6 is a DIN rail mounted six circuit relay interface module for linking to indi-vidual solid state or mechanical relays via ri

4 Field and Panel WiringFor a successful installation of a TraceNet TC Series heat tracing control and moni-toring panel, a number of equally critical

Figure 6: RTD Sensor LocationWhere limiter RTD sensors are installed on the process piping it should follow theguidelines above. In cases where the li

Location of Terminals Torque Values (Typical)*RTB6 5.3 to 7.0 in. lbs. (0.60 to 0.79 N-m)PM6 12.5 to 13.5 in. lbs. (1.41 to 1.53 N-m)Distribution Equi

Cables for RS485 CommunicationThe following data highway cables listed in Table 2 are recommended.CableType Recommended120 Ohm, -20 to +60 C 22AWG FHD

TCM18 Panel Installation, Start-Up, Operating andMaintenance Guide©2014 Thermon Manufacturing Company. All Rights Reserved.This guide, as well as the

5 Monitoring HeatTracing Circuit StatusAll interfacing to the TCM18 and the heat tracing circuit information is via the dedi-cated tactile feel membra

After this start-up message, the TCM18 will immediately proceed to operation in itsSCAN MODE.The TCM18 will operate in a heat tracing circuit SCAN MOD

LOW TEMPALARMThe temperature being read on this circuit is below thevalue programmed as the lowest temperature allowedbefore an alarm condition should

GND CURRHHALARMWhen there is no TRIP function enabled, the secondlevel higher ground/earth leakage current alarm will au-tomatically clear when the se

INVALID HITEMP ALRMThis warning message appears when the values thathave been programmed into the high temperaturealarm and trip settings are in confli

Figure 10: Common System, Alarm, and Trip LEDSTo acknowledge an ALARM or TRIP event, press the ALARM ACK key on the touch-pad. The first alarm conditio

6 Accessing Heat TracingCircuit InformationTo access information on a specific heat tracing circuit, press the appropriate yellowor red key. Pressing t

CIRCUIT = 7MAINTAIN TEMPERATUREMAINT= 49◦CFigure 12: TCM18 LCD ResponseA map of all the information and functions accessible in this manner is summari

CONFIG1The first parameter line on the display screen indicatesthe TCM18 control instructions (ALL ON, ALL OFF,or BY CKT) for high ground/earth leakage

The third parameter line on this display screen indi-cates the amount of time delay (up to 30 minutes)that has been programmed in for a High Temperatu

ContentsChapter 1: Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The second parameter line on this display screenindicates the temperature units to be displayed on thescreen. Units to be displayed are either in degr

7 Programming theTCM18The TCM18 has an electronic password security provision. To access the program-ming mode, enter the 4 digit numerical security c

Figure 13: TCM18 PROG KeyThe Display now reads as shown below:PROGRAM MODE ENABLEDSELECT FUNCTION KEYFigure 14: Program Mode EnabledPress the MAINTAIN

Figure 15: MAINTAIN TEMP KeyThe Display now reads as shown below with the flashing cursor z representing theactive data entry field:PROGRAM CIRCUIT = 7z

Figure 17: Programming KeysThe display screen will now shift the cursor to the next value to program as shownin the following display.PROGRAM CIRCUIT

Figure 19: The ENTER KeyThe DISPLAY screen now appears as shown in Figure 20.PROGRAM CIRCUIT = 7zMAINTAIN TEMPERATUREMAINT= 52◦CFigure 20: Selecting a

TIP: In many cases, the programmed value can be the same for a majority of heattracing circuits. Note that when sequencing through the circuit numbers

Touch Pad KeySequenceProgrammable Circuit FunctionsPROG plusMAINTAIN TEMPThis display screen indicates the heat tracing circuitnumber selected. Using

The ON/OFF mode may be used with either mechan-ical relay or solid state relay heater current switchingrelays. The SOFT START and PROPORTIONAL con-tro

PROG plusCONFIG1This first display screen allows the programming ofthe TCM18 control instructions (ALL ON, ALL OFF, orBY CKT) for high ground/earth lea

Chapter 14: Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PROG plusCONFIG2Having completed selections on the first displayscreen, the flashing cursor will move to the seconddisplay screen. This second display s

The flashing cursor now moves to the next line whichallows the operator of the TCM18 to program a certainamount of time delay for a High Temperature Tr

The flashing cursor now moves to the next line whichallows the operator of the TCM18 to program theamount of time in minutes(soft start time) over whic

1. ENABLED (selected for the normal controlmode)2. FORCED ON (typically selected to turn theheater on for diagnostic purposes). This set-ting will aut

4. 2 AMB (ambient sensing based on RTD1 andRTD2 on one or more of the heat tracing cir-cuits). Refer to Part 8 for additional detail.5. PIPE + AMB (si

1. The data highway address (a value between 1and 247) for the second RS485 port.2. The communication protocol with the optionsbeing Modbus ASCII (7 b

Press the PROG key at any point to exit from this se-quence. If left in the program mode, the TCM18 will af-ter a short wait automatically return to t

PROG plus LOWTEMP ALARM1This first display screen indicates the heat tracingcircuit number selected. Using the UP or DOWN arrowselect the desired circu

Press the PROG key at any point to exit from this se-quence. If left in the program mode, the TCM18 willafter a short wait, automatically return to th

PROG plus LOWCURRENTALARMThis display screen first indicates the heat tracingcircuit number selected. Using the UP or DOWN arrow,select the desired cir

1 IntroductionThe following serves as a general guide and overview on the installation, startup,operation, and maintenance of a TraceNet TC Series hea

8 Heat Trace Control andMonitoringThe TraceNet system allows a variety of control options for heat trace operation. Themost energy efficient control mo

As a third control mode option, which is a less energy conservative approach, theTraceNet TC Series panel may be configured for Ambient ON/OFF Control.

9 The TCM18 inProcess SensingApplicationsThe TCM18 control module can be configured for process (pipe, vessel, or equip-ment surface) sensing with eith

CIRCUIT = 12zHEATER SETUPHEATER = ENABLEDRTD SETUP =1 PIPEFigure 23: Select Circuit NumberAt this point, the other options are to move to another CIRC

CIRCUIT = 12HEATER SETUPHEATER = ENABLEDRTD SETUP =2PIPE zFigure 25: Select RTD SetupWith the circuit 12 now set up as a 2 RTD convention and with bot

10 The TCM18 inAmbient SensingApplicationsThe TCM18 has a specially designed ambient sensing control algorithm to facilitatethe ultimate in flexibility

PROG plusCONTROL BANDThis sequence allows the programmer to select thetype of ambient control desired on Circuit 1. The flash-ing cursor again requests

11 The TCM18 DataHighway CommunicationsThe TCM18 is provided with two RS485 communications ports. These ports allowfor communication through Modbus AS

12 System Start-UpAll heat trace circuits should be properly terminated and meggered prior to energiz-ing the heat trace power distribution and contro

13 MaintenancePreventative maintenance consists of inspection, testing, checking connections, andgeneral cleaning of equipment at scheduled intervals.

Where the panel has external heat sinks to dissipate the heat generated by solidstate relay switching, it is recommended that a minimum of 6” (150 mm)

Maintenance Schedule RecommendationThe service schedule is somewhat dependent on the “in service” hours. As a gen-eral rule, however, it is recommende

The recommended typical list of cleaning materials follows:Materials CommentLockout and tag out safety tagsDry lint free clothsCleaning agentMedium gr

• Check door hinges, latches, and other moving parts for proper operation.Use machine oil to lubricate the moving parts and restore proper operationwh

given in the following table.Tests DescriptionPerform Self Test The Self Test function (accessed bypressing the CONFIG key) checks circuitbreaker and

14 NotesPN 50316_0514 60

61 PN 50316_0514

15 More InformationMore extensive information about TraceNet and Thermon heat trace products maybe downloaded at www.Thermon.com. Contact your nearest

Appendix ATrouble Shooting TipsTroubleshooting tips are provided here as a beginning point in correcting start-upissues and clearing out alarm and tri

Improperly located RTD sensor. Is the RTD sensor installed next to aheated tank or a steam jacketed pumpthat might cause a higher than expectedreading

Heat tracing over designed in heat outputand or/ due to cable availability or natu-ral design selections available. This canresult in higher than expe

2 SpecificationsThe general TraceNet TC Series panel specifications are as given below.Interior panel operating ambient range -40◦F to 140◦F (-40◦C to 6

Damaged, open, or wet thermal insulationdoes not allow the heat provided to holdthe desired temperature.Repair damage to insulation.Wrong insulation s

Permanent RTD sensors which enter theinsulation at 90 degrees may be moresensitive to error associated with them de-pending on insulation installation

RTD Sensor AlarmThe following summarizes some of the possible causes and solutions for a heat trac-ing RTD sensor reading alarm.Cause Possible Solutio

Circuit Fault AlarmThe following summarizes some of the possible causes and solutions for heat trac-ing circuit fault alarms.Cause Possible SolutionsU

Self-regulating or power limiting heatermay be operating at cooler than designpipe temperatures due to processing con-ditions and thus heaters may be

Field heater wiring is improperly labeledand/or connected such that the heaterand the circuit number are not matched.Trace out the circuit wiring from

Heat tracing cable may have been ex-posed to temperatures in excess of theirmaximum temperature ratings (excessivesteam-out temperatures or upset proc

Field heater wiring is improperly labeledand/or connected such that the heaterand the circuit number are not matched.Trace out the circuit wiring from

Heat tracing power wires in a multiple cir-cuit system improperly paired.If the return current wire in the toroid isfrom a different circuit the two h

Appendix B Temperature andCurrent LimitsThe range of temperature, heater currents, currents and ground/earth leakage aretabulated in the below list.Pa

Current ratings in nonhazardous (ordinary) location based on TraceNet TC Seriespanels for up to 72 circuits are as follows1:Maximum Panel ExteriorAmbi

HEATERCURRENTSMinCur <= LCA < HCA <= HCT <= MaxCurMinCur = 0 AmpsLCA = Low Current AlarmHCA = High Current AlarmHCT = High Current Trip (o

Appendix CAdvanced Features of theTCM18 Ambient ControlThe TCM18 has a specially designed ambient sensing control algorithm to facili-tate the ultimat

Rule Explanation1. All RTD sensors programmed for ambient sensing shall be located inambients within the temperature range of -100F to +150F, or -73C

Circuit Number 2 7 9 12 16RTD Sensor Mode 1 AMB 1 AMB 2 AMB 1 AMB 2 AMBRTD#1 Input −10 OPEN −14 OPEN −8RTD#2 Input XX XX −12 XX OPENRTD#1 Reading Used

Appendix D Typical TCM18Control ApplicationsExample D1 - Ambient Sensing Freeze Protection - Proportional Control with SolidState Relay OutputWhen con

HEATERPOWERPIPE/SURFACETEMPERATUREPOWER100%20%0%-29 10DEGREES CELSIUSPIPE/SURFACETEMPERATUREDEGREESCELSIUS20100Example D2 - Foundation Heave Protectio

The TCM18 control module using foundation temperature sensing RTD’s in eachheating zone can be typically set at the control settings given below:Contr

TYPICAL SOILCONTROLLEDTEMPERATUREPOWER100%20%0%10 27DEGREES CELSIUSExample D3 - Process Temperature Maintenance - Proportional Control With SolidState

The TCM18 control module utilizing pipe sensing RTD’s could be typically set asshown below:Controller Configuration Single RTD InputControl Method Prop

Example D4 - Process Temperature Control - Mechanical RelaysExtremely versatile, the TCM18 can be configured with RM-6 mechanical relay out-put options

Auxiliary power output 24 Vdc at 0.5 AmpsPanel ambient operat-ing temperature range-40◦F (-40◦C) to 131◦F (55◦C)Storage temperaturerange-40◦F (-40◦C)

PIPE TEMPERATUREDEGREES CELSIUS144139TIME ÞExample D5 - Process Temperature Control - Dual RTD SensingIt is sometimes considered advantageous to use d

The TCM18 control module utilizing pipe sensing RTD’s could be typically set asindicated below:Control Parameter SettingController Configuration Dual R

WaterProduct Maintenance Temperature: 50◦F (10◦C)Product Freeze Point: 32◦F (0◦C)Heater Cable Type: Self Regulating Parallel CableNumber of Circuits:

The heat tracing circuit control assignments would be as follows:Circuit No. Setting1 thru 10 Enabled (Ambient Sensed Dual RTD’s)11 thru 18 Enabled (P

Appendix E UtilitiesThe TCM18 has several utility functions which may be found to be useful on occa-sion.Touch Pad KeySequenceProgrammable Circuit Fun

Appendix F Markings forHazardous Locations (PotentiallyExplosive Atmospheres)This Appendix applies to TraceNet TC Series panels without purge equipmen

Thermon Manufacturing Company100 Thermon DriveSan Marcos Texaswww.thermon.comThermon PN 50316_0514