Solar Fire System – FT8 & Solar – Turbine Technical Information

ART176 – Solar – X3301 Fire Detector

Donald Murphy — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 16:40:29 +0000

ARTICLE REF – ART176

X3301 multi spectrum infrared flame detector.

The standard output configuration includes fire, fault and auxiliary relays. The Eagle Quantum Premier compatible model, does not use analog or relay outputs, as all information is transmitted via data transfer to the EQP Controller.

The X3301 includes the OI (Optical Integrity) calibrated performance test, that is automatically performed once per minute, to verify complete detector operation capabilities. Testing with an external test lamp is not approved or required.

A tri-color L E D on the detector faceplate indicates the current status by means of LED color.

Green indicates normal operation without any faults or fire.
Yellow indicates a fault with the X3301.
Red is fire detected.

Inside the X3301 are a set of 8 dip switches mounted together. These switches are used to set the network address. The switches are numbered from 1 to 8.

The detector also incorporates a Magnetic OI feature, that provide the same calibrated test as the Automatic OI, and in addition actuates the Alarm output to the EQP Controller and Solar display.

This test can only be performed when the unit is shut down and all CO2 bottles isolated. This test will activate the CO2 if you don’t remove the control heads from the bottles. Remove magnet to allow the alarm to be reset at the controller.

The photo shows the Magnetic switch being activated with an enclosure door position switch magnet. It needs to be a strong magnet as the switch is inside the casing, under the mounting clamp. To activate the calibration you need to keep the magnet in position for at least 6 seconds. Don’t forget to remove the fire cylinder heads before test or the CO2 will discharge!!!!!!!!!!

End of article.

ART175 – Solar – PointWatch Eclipse Gas Detector

Donald Murphy — Tue, 18 Oct 2022 16:27:43 +0000

Article Ref – ART175

PointWatch Eclipse Model PIRECL is the current Solar Gas Detector as used in the Eagle Quantum Premier Fire System. It is an infrared gas detector that provides continuous monitoring of combustible hydrocarbon gas concentrations in the range of 0 to 100% LFL (lower flammable limit).

This sensor is used as a stand alone detector or with Fire Systems other than Det-Tronics. When used with Eagle Quantum Premier (EQP) no analog or relay outputs are used. Information is communicated from its own processor to the EQP Controller.

All units are powered from 24 volts DC, and are furnished with a multi-color status LED, and an internal magnetic calibration switch to turn on the calibration function.

Flammable hydrocarbon gases diffuse through the black weather baffle assembly into the internal measurement chamber, which is illuminated by an infrared (IR) source. As the IR passes through the gas within the chamber, certain IR wavelengths are absorbed by the gas, while other IR wavelengths are not. The amount of IR absorption is determined by the concentration of the hydrocarbon gas. A pair of optical detectors and associated electronics measure the absorption. The change in intensity of the absorbed light (active signal) is measured relative to the intensity of light at a non-absorbed wavelength (reference signal).

The microprocessor computes the gas concentration and converts the value into a digital signal, which is then communicated to EQP Controller.

All programming of the EQP PIRECL detector should be accomplished using the S3 point configuration software.

DETECTABLE GASES

Model PIRECL is provided with field-selectable settings for linear measurement of methane, propane, ethylene, and butane. Model PIRECL is performance certified for detection of methane, propane, ethylene, and butane, and is shipped from the factory calibrated and set for the customer’s choice of one of these gases. In the photo you can see that there is a METHANE sticker.

A significant number of PIRECL configuration parameters are field programmable including gas type, measurement range, alarm setpoints, tag number, special notations, password protection, etc – EQP System S3 Software is used by Solar to configure detectors.

VISUAL STATUS INDICATOR (All Models)—Tri-color LED:

Red = Low alarm, high alarm, or calibration.

See Table 1 for Details.

Green = Power on / OK

Yellow = Fault or warm-up.

Routine calibration of the PIRECL after completion of initial commissioning is supported, but not absolutely required. Generally, an annual gas bump test or full calibration will ensure proper sensitivity and response.

While there are four methods of initiating Calibration supported, Solar uses the magnetic reed switch. An enclosure door switch – magnet placed between the LED and the METHANE sticker will activate the calibration switch. Momentary switch activation will reset alarms, while holding the switch closed for 2 seconds or longer will start the calibration sequence.

SELF-DIAGNOSTIC TEST

Fail-Safe operation ensured by performing all critical tests once per second.

A protective cover for the calibration gas injection port is provided to ensure that contaminants are not accidently introduced into the Eclipse optics. Ensure that this cover is properly installed over the port when calibration is not being performed.

DETAILED CALIBRATION PROCEDURE USING MAGNETIC SWITCH

Refer to Tables 4 and 5 for a quick summary of the standard calibration sequence.

Apply magnet for 2 seconds minimum to initiate calibration.

The onboard LED turns to steady red.

When Zero Calibration is complete, the onboard LED changes from steady red to flashing red.

The operator should now apply the appropriate calibration gas to the Eclipse if conducting Normal Calibration.

If conducting Zero Only Calibration, the operator should re-apply the magnet to the switch. This will conclude the Zero Only calibration sequence.

When Span Calibration is complete, the onboard LED changes from flashing red to “off”.

The operator should now close the valve and remove the calibration gas from the Eclipse.

NOTE

It is normal for the Eclipse LED to go off or turn blank (no color displayed) until the calibration gas is cleared from the optics chamber. Remove the weather baffle if necessary to clear residual gas.

End of article.

ART171 – Solar – Fire system – CO2 bottles

Donald Murphy — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 15:45:36 +0000

ARTICLE REF – ART171

This article is going to look at the CO2 bottles / cylinders and associated hardware.

Carbon dioxide is stored in steel cylinders as a liquid, under pressure of approximately 850 psi. The bottles normally used are manufactured by Kiddie. They manufacture various size bottles and the 100 pound bottle is what is normally used by Solar. The 100 pounds refers to the weight of the charge, in other words the weight of CO2 in the bottle when fully charged. The nominal weight of a full 100 pound bottle is approximately 288 pounds. When the CO2 is discharge the liquid changes to a gas as it expands through the cylinder valve.

The bottles have a number of ways in which they can be discharged. Bottles that have releasing devices are know as “pilot” bottles. The pressure released from the pilot bottles is used to open the bottles without releasing devices, and are known as “slave” bottles. When there are three or more bottles there will be more than one pilot bottle. Once gas starts to flow from the fire bottle through the cylinder vale, it will use the same discharge pressure to ensure the valve stays open. In other words it will not close again until the cylinder is empty.

There are three components which work together to control the discharge of the bottle. The cylinder valve is a brass forging which is permanently attached to each bottle, regardless of whether is a pilot or slave bottle. The discharge head fits into the cylinder and the two are held together with a large nut. there are o-rings between the two contact surfaces to prevent leakage when the bottle is being discharged. If the bottle is a pilot it will also have a control head. It is screwed to the side of the cylinder valve.

A word of caution – Once you mount the discharge head on the cylinder, you should ensure that the flexible hose on the output of the discharge head is connected to the system. If there is an accidental discharge for whatever reason, the CO2 will go to the vent or will be contained in the piping. And secondly having the hose connected just to the discharge head is dangerous also because it would move around wildly and cause personal harm if the bottle discharged. The picture also shows the control head which contains the discharge pin colored red which actuates the pilot check valve colored green on the cylinder valve.

The control head contains a pin (in red) which is normally retracted, and under spring pressure. The pin can be released electrically using a solenoid or manually by the purple lever. There is also a mechanical pull box on the outside of the cabinet which is attached to the same mechanism. Once the pin extends, it displaces the green pilot check valve to the right. This allows the CO2 in the bottle to flow past the check valve and pressurize the top of the piston which will move down. The pin mechanism is SET using a screwdriver. This has to be done any time the mechanism is released.

Once the piston (black) moves down it will push the main check valve (blue) down. This will allow the CO2 pressure to enter the discharge head and exit the connecting hose. The gas will pass the Stop Check Valve (orange) on its way. The purpose of the stop check valve is to prevent back flow of other bottles should a bottle be missing and the discharge head not connected to it.

Another actuating device is a lever operated mechanism. Removing the safety pin and turn the lever as shown on the arrow will move the pilot check valve in the cylinder valve.

This operating mechanism below is both manual and automatic. The manual operates as the previous one. The mechanism also has a pressure connection that will force the piston down and actuate the pilot valve. The pressure comes from bottles that have already discharged.

Bottles should be weighed periodically to ensure there isn’t a leak. Check with local authorities to see if there is a local regulation governing this. If there isn’t then you should weigh the bottles every six months.

Some CO2 cabinets have the ability to hang a weighing scales from the cabinet. This is a big time saver as the bottles don’t have to be removed.

End of article.

ART168 – Solar – Fire system – EQP Controller

Donald Murphy — Sat, 17 Sep 2022 17:37:41 +0000

ARTICLE REF – ART168

This article is going to discuss the Eagle Quantum Premier (EQP), Controller. This is one in series of articles on the DET-TRONICS EAGLE QUANTUM PREMIER fire system as used by Solar Turbines. This system came into Solar Turbines service in mid 2003 and replaced the the DET-TRONICS EAGLE QUANTUM which proceeded it. Much of the information relevant to Solar has been taken from the EQP manuals and presented here. The EQP is very versatile and is used by several turbine manufacturers and industry in general.

The Eagle Quantum Premier (EQP) system combines “fire detection and extinguishing agent release” and “hazardous gas monitoring” in one complete package.

The system consists of a Controller and a number of addressable microprocessor based field devices. The Controller coordinates system device configuration, monitoring, annunciation, and control, while the field devices communicate their status and alarm conditions to the Controller.

All field devices are tied into a communication loop that starts and ends at the Controller. Each device connected to the communication loop is assigned a unique identity by setting its address switches. All other device operation parameters are configured through Det-Tronics “Safety System Software”. These selections define the type of device and how it is to operate. This system configuration data is then downloaded into the Controller. The software application program used to communicate with the Premier is called the Safety System Software or “S-cubed” (S3).

During normal operation, the Controller continuously checks the system for fault conditions and executes user defined programmed logic that coordinates the control of the field devices. The Solar logic is loaded into the controller which controls what is done in the event of a thermal detect, fire detect, gas detect etc. The logic is compatible with the older Eagle Quantum system which used different hardware. This makes upgrading straight forward. The field devices are continuously monitoring for device based fault and alarm conditions and the information from these devices is constantly updating the Controller..

When a fault condition occurs, the Controller displays the fault condition on the Vacuum Fluorescent Text Display, activates the appropriate fault LED(s), activates the Trouble signal using the Controller’s internal enunciator, and de-energizes the Controller’s Trouble relay.

All fault and alarm conditions are latched on the Controller. To reset the Controller, conditions indicated on the text display must currently be in the OFF state.

Pushing the reset button then initiates a Controller reset. Active alarms will not be reset.

CONTROLLER LOGS
The controller has an internal alarm and event log. The logs can be accessed via the S3 software configuration ports (Configuration Port or Port 3) using a RS-232 serial cable and a Windows computer.

Routine 170 in the Solar Enclosure PLC Logic program is responsible for sending ten user parameters to the Premier for configuration.

Type of flame detectors
Flame detector voting count
Number of DCIO modules
Number of ARMs – (Eagle Quantum)
Number of IDSs – (Eagle Quantum)
Number of SAMs – (Eagle Quantum)
Number and zones for fire detectors
Number of PIR Eclipse gas detectors per zone
Gas detector voting count

Notice the duplicate DCIO – SAM for gates below. The user logic was written to accommodate the new DCIO module as well as the ARM, IDC and SAM modules from the previous Eagle Quantum fire system. Because of this flexibility, the Premier can be dropped-in as a direct replacement for the Eagle Quantum Local Control Unit.

PUSHBUTTONS

The Controller has seven pushbuttons (located on the front panel) for user interface. These pushbuttons allow the operator to interact with the Controller to respond to alarms and system status conditions, access system status reports, and configure Controller time and date settings.

The following paragraphs describe the function of each pushbutton. Refer to Figure below for Controller pushbutton locations.

Cancel cancels the selected command, and returns the menu to the last option list displayed.
NOTE Pressing and holding Cancel and Enter initiates a lamp test.

Enter chooses the menu item selected, and advances the menu to the next options list. (See “Controller Menu Options“ in this section for additional information.)
NOTE
Pressing Enter while alarms are actively scrolling returns the display to the Main Menu.

Next allows the operator to scroll through options listed within each menu. Each time the NEXT pushbutton is pushed, the current options list indexes up one list item. (See “Controller Menu Options” in this section for additional information)

Previous allows the operator to scroll through options listed within each menu. Each time the PREVIOUS pushbutton is pushed, the current options list indexes down one list item. (See “Controller Menu Options” in this section for additional information)

Reset resets all controller latched outputs.

Acknowledge silences the internal beeper.

Silence turns on the Silence LED and sets Silence status in user logic.

CONTROLLER STATUS INDICATORS
System status is visually displayed on the Controller in two ways — through the use of a Text Display (see Figure below), and through colored LED’s. The following paragraphs describe these indicators and the function of each.

TEXT DISPLAY
The Controller uses a text based display to show current system status, active Alarms and Faults. When an alarm or trouble condition occurs, the display scrolls a detailed message of the condition, including address, tag number and condition (alarm, trouble, supervisory etc.). If multiple alarms or trouble conditions exist, the display scrolls through all active status conditions until they are acknowledged or reset using controller pushbuttons.

CONTROLLER MENU OPTIONS

The Controller is designed to display system status and device related information. The following paragraphs describe how to move around within the controller’s menu structure to access this information and perform minor system settings (see Figure 4-3).
NOTE
During normal operation (no alarms or trouble conditions occurring), the display scrolls current system time and date.

Main Menu displays a list of options to access information types available for display through the Controller. This list also includes access to options used to set system date and time, and diagnostics options.

The following are the LED status lights for the Controller communications.

The photo below shows the older controller with ControlNet and the new with Ethernet communications.

Below you can see a typical list of all the input and outputs to the Controller.

End of article.

ART165 – Solar – Fire system – Isolation valves

Donald Murphy — Mon, 05 Sep 2022 19:21:12 +0000

ARTICLE REF – ART165

When performing maintenance on the unit, you should always switch the two fire system isolation valves to the VENT position. If the bottles release for any reason the CO2 gas will be diverted safely to atmosphere. If you are working on the fire system or if the maintenanc is for several days then you should also remove the control heads from the fire bottles. This will save you the hassle of having to remove and recharge the fire bottles.

There are two Isolation Valves, one for the Primary Release and another for the Extended Release. During commissioning or if you have to replace a valve, you will have to set up the switches to function as intended by the control system. Each valve has two cam operated switches, one mounted above the other. The Upper Switch is the signal that the valve is in the VENT position. The Lower Switch is the signal indicating that the valve is in the ENCLOSURE position, in other words it will discharge into the enclosure.

In the photo below you can see the switches and cams.

To ensure the right signal is going to the right input you can check the status of the switch in the PLC logic. The Vent Position and Enclosure Position loops are inputs to the fire system controller and not the PLC. However the status of each switch (plus all the other fire system information) is transmitted via data transfer to the PLC. If you know where to find these bits then you can use the PLC logic to check the valve switches. If you don’t have access to the PLC logic then you can check the operation of the switches locally using a voltmeter and then verify the indication on the display by cycling the valve open and closed. There is also an input light on each EDIO channel.

The EDIO module provides eight channels of configurable input or output points that can be programmed for supervised or unsupervised operation. When the channel is supervised there is an End Of Line resistor. Each input point can accept fire detection devices such as heat, smoke, or unitized flame detectors. The input signals to the EDIO module are supervised.

Fig. 1 shows the Primary Valve – Enclosure Switch in the VENT position. The switch is open. The green dotted line represents the limits of the valve wiring.

Fig. 2 shows the same valve in the same VENT position but this time the Vent Switch is shown.

The drawing below Fig.3 shows a modified circuit with the internal circuit of the EDIO (Enhanced Discrete Input Output) module represented as a 10k ohm resistor. Internally in the module there is a circuit that monitors each channel and it is represented here as a 10k ohm resistor for simplicity. The circuit is shown with the valve in the VENT position. There are two resistors R1 and R2, both with a value of 10k ohms. The drawing shows the valve in the VENT position and therefore the switch is closed. The current does not go through R2 as it has an easier path through the switch. There will be a 24 volt drop in R1 because R2 is no longer passing current. A voltmeter on contacts 5 and 6 will now show 0 volts potential difference. The reading should be 0.0 volts and not fluctuating.

Fig 4. shows the switch open, the current must flow from the 24 volt source through R1, then R2 and back to 0 volts. There will be a voltage drop of 12 volts across R1 and a drop of 12 volts across R2. The voltage drop measurement can be taken on the terminal strip in the switch itself. Terminals 5 and 6 should read a voltage drop of approximately 12 volts.

To commission the VENT switch (top one)
Start with the valve in the ENCLOSURE position.
Place a voltmeter on contacts 5 and 6 of the switch terminal strip.
Voltmeter reading should be 12 volts DC.
Start moving the valve towards the VENT position.
Keep an eye on the top switch – it should not activate until it is close to the VENT position.
When the switch activates the voltmeter will read 0.0 volts.
Adjust the cam if necessary for the switch to activate about 5 degrees before its limit.
Cycle the valve and check the display to ensure it is indicating VENT position correctly.

To commission the ENCLOSURE switch (bottom one)
Start with the valve in the VENT position.
Place a voltmeter on contacts 2 and 3 of the switch terminal strip.
Voltmeter reading should be 12 volts DC.
Start moving the valve towards the ENCLOSURE position.
Keep an eye on the bottom switch – it should not activate until it is close to the ENCLOSURE position.
When the switch activates the voltmeter will read 0.0 volts.
Adjust the cam if necessary for the switch to activate about 5 degrees before its limit.
Cycle the valve and check the display to ensure it is indicating ENCLOSURE position correctly.

The cams are driven by splines on the valve shaft. To adjust the position push or pull (upper or lower) cam until it disengages from the spline. Rotate to the new position and then release.

The photo shows a reading of the ENCLOSURE switch (purple and yellow wires ) in the VENT position. You can see the end of line resistors on the right hand photo.

End of article.

ART164 – End of line resistors

Donald Murphy — Fri, 02 Sep 2022 17:57:18 +0000

ARTICLE REF – ART164

Certain circuits that are important for the protection of the equipment are monitored for faults. The two common faults are short circuit and open circuit. Once a fault is detected it will be annunciated, so operators are aware that there is an issue with the loop, and it may not be functioning as intended. Fire systems normally monitor important loops. Domestic and industrial security alarms also monitor the sensor loops.

If you want to monitor an open loop, connect a resistor in parallel with the switch. With the switch open the input card will see 10 kilo ohms resistance. If there is an open circuit the resistance will be infinitive, and the monitoring system will know there is an issue. If the switch is closed the resistance will be approximately one ohm as the 10 kilo ohm resistor will be bypassed. You will not have protection from a short circuit, but the priority of this circuit is to monitor the open circuit for errors.

If you want to monitor a closed loop, put the resistor (in series) in the loop. As long as the loop is closed the input card will see 10 kilo ohms. If this loop is shorted the input card will see a very low resistance such as 1 ohm and see it as an fault. An open circuit will give a similar indication to the switch opening (infinitive resistance). But the priority in this loop is in monitoring the closed switch. Ensure the resistor is at the end of the loop as the only part of the loop that is protected is between the resistor and the input card.

End of article

ART123 – Solar – Quantum Fire System – Issue

Donald Murphy — Sun, 17 Oct 2021 12:31:14 +0000

ARTICLE REF – ART123

Problem on Quantum Fire System.

Quantum file M_FE_44

This issue occured when commissioning a Quantum Fire System. The system was all connected and powered up. There was an error on nodes 54 and 55 (fire-eyes) – they were not communicating.

Switched the position of fire eyes 53 and 54 which resulted with the position 54 still not having communications and the fire eye that was 54 was now working with dip switch setting of 53.

Changed the dip switch setting of the fire eye now in position 54 to setting of 53 and 53 to 54. Result the fire eye 53 now worked.

Re-loaded the software and the graphic below shows what was displayed.

We then changed points 54 and 55 to position 56 and 57 and both communicated ok. We also changed the logic for these points deleting points 54 and 55 and adding 56 and 57.

Now we had one error on the logic controller. 007 LO6 F10. Also when you went into the display point of node 7 the following appears.

This is what was showing in display point for address 7. Addresses at 56 and 57 are communicating but the logic controller is not seeing it. ??

I spoke with Solar Engineering and he asked if we had a 7 (bottom left hand corner, graphic below) on the display for the new point 56 and 57. While I was talking to him, my computer was off-line. There was a zero in the bottom left corner instead of a 7. He made me change the 0 to a 7 on both channels. I thought I had the problem solved !. NO. When I went on line I checked node 56 and 57 and both had a 7 in the left-hand corner (this is to denote which node it is going to communicate with). I called Engineering again to say that when I went on line the 7 was there. He asked me if I downloaded the new logic after the change, I said that I did not as the 7 was there. He said that if you make the change on line it does not take effect. You have to make the changes off line and then download the program to the Quantum. I loaded the program and hey-presto problem solved.

Bottom line make all changes off line and then download the logic to the Quantum.

End of article.

ART094 – Solar – Fire System – Fire bottle weighing tool

Donald Murphy — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 02:34:43 +0000

ARTICLE REF – ART094

The picture below shows how to use this tool for weighing the fire bottles on some Solar units. Without seeing the sketch it is not that easy to figure out how to use it. Note that you don’t have to remove the bottles – which is a great plus as this saves a lot of back pain. You first remove the bottle bracing and any hoses so it is free to move. Then the tool is hung off one of fire cabinet brackets and the bottle u-shaped hook is moved under the bottle valve. There is an adjustment on the tool hook that ensures the bottle is off the ground when the red beam is horizontal. Once you have made any adjustment, pull down on the bottom of the scales until the red beam is horizontal. Now read the weight and record the result.

This is the Kidde document on how to use the tool.