Temperature Controller with digital display and built-in alarm for process tanks.
TEMPERATURE ALARM FEATURES
- Compact enclosure – only 6×6 inches.
- Snooze alarm built in. (30 minutes)
- Silence from the front button. (no need to go into submenus)
- Loud 103dB buzzer volume will not be missed.
- Waterproof enclosure. (IP65)
- Alarm exemption for the first alarm on power-up available.
- Thermocouple lengths in stock up to 60 ft.
- Can also be configured to accept a level probe for low liquid level alarms.
- RS485 output.
THE ALARM PROBLEM
Most temperature controllers provide an alarm output on the temperature module, but almost nobody connects them. No doubt this is because its you do some wiring to connect your own buzzer and light, and then find a way to shut if off! The module may have some logic to do it, but it is unacceptable to expect an operator to hunt through submenus to find a way to silence the buzzer. Furthermore, the alarm must reset automatically when the alarm condition is cleared. And lastly, all this has to be in a waterproof enclosure and corrosion proof enclosure. No wonder most shops give up and an alarm is never connected to the output. Unless you have an electronics person on staff it just doesn’t happen. This is where Gizmo Engineering can help you. Over many years we have found the path to getting all of these details exactly right.
TEMPERATURE ALARM SET UP
Setup is easy because all the parameters except for your specific temperature limits are pre-set. Other than this all you need to do is:
- Mount the enclosure using the stainless brackets provided.
- Install the thermocouple in the thermowell provided.
- Plug it in.
The default temperatures are even set to 70-80ºF so you can bench test it immediately.
THE TEMPERATURE SENSOR
Our K type thermocouple is sheathed in braided stainless steel, which is protected inside a PFA outer sleeve for its entire length, which makes it immune to almost any chemical.
If you want to use a sensor other than the K thermocouple we provide, then the temperature control module accepts 29 different types of sensor inputs.
For applications that need data logging and temperature control as well, we also offer our temperature alarm, controller and data logger model TCAD-2.
ALARMS
When an alarm sounds on the TCA-1, it is conveniently silenced by using the front push button. If the temperature is still out of range 30 minutes later, the buzzer will sound again. (this is the default behavior which can be easily changed). For tanks with long heat-up times where you don’t want to silence every 30 minutes there is a “first alarm exemption” which will ignore the fact that the tank is cold. When the tank temperature climbs into range, then the unit is “set” and will produce an alarm if the temperature ever strays out of the set temperature limits.
THE THERMOWELL
Most suppliers of temperature equipment are content to sell you a box and walk away. We take responsibility for the success of the system which includes secure positioning of the thermocouple. The only way to do this is with a thermowell fastened to the tank. This is so important that we include it with every temperature product. This includes a 12″ thermowell and mounting plate. To install the thermocouple all you need to do is insert it through the PVDF cord grip and tighten by hand.
Instructions for setting the temperature module
Instructions for managing alarms
Detailed instructions for temperature module
Press release for TCA-1
Press release for predecessor TA-1 in Process Heating , CFCM, and Thomasnet.
MATERIALS
- Enclosure material……………………………ABS
- Enclosure dimensions………………………6x6x4
- Enclosure seal……………………………… solid PVC elastomer
- Cord grips…………………………………… Nylon
- Buzzer diaphragm……………………316 stainless steel
- Communications cable…………………4C/24
- Thermocouple……………………………armored stainless jacket in PTFE
- Stack light lens…………………………polycarbonate
- Stack light black cap……………………70%PC / 30% ABS copolymer
- Cord grips (thermowell)…………………PVDF
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- Operating temp (ambient)………………… -40 to 60ºC (-76-140ºF)
- Ingress protection…………………………… IP65 (NEMA 4X)
- Thermocouple type…………………………K
- Relay………………………………………3A
FACTORY SETTINGS
- Hysteresis………………………………………0.2ºF
- Upper temperature limit……………………… 80ºF
- Lower temperature limit……………………… 70ºF
- Upper Deviation……………………………… not set
- Lower Deviation……………………………… not set
ABS enclosure has an ingress rating of IP65. (NEMA 4X) General information on ingress protection ratings here.
The stainless steel thermocouple probe is sheathed with a PTFE jacket. Thermocouple jacket is armored with braided SS.
Optional float switch is PP material in a PP pipe, protected by a float guard. Float cable has a durable PVC jacket.
Enclosure is suitable for washdown duty. Just make sure the USB cap is on securely. The USB socket is a replaceable part.
Order Here
TCA-1 Temperature Alarm
Thermowell included
$509
THERMOCOUPLE
PFA Jacketed SS braid
Options
FLOAT SWITCH LEVEL PROBE
Causes an alarm if level gets low.
10 ft cable length standard.
[LP2-length] $80
RIGID PROBE THERMOCOUPLE
This is instead of the standard PTFE-jacketed thermocouple. Choose probe length and cable length.
[TCP-length] from $28
THERMOCOUPLE REPLACEMENT
Different lengths of thermocouple (type K). Shielded with braided stainless steel and protected with PTFE sheath.
[TC-length]
THERMOWELL REPLACEMENT
One thermowell is included with each TCAD but we sell them separately as components for other uses. 12″ polypropylene tube with PVDF cord grips.
[TW-12] $61