Growth Technology Growth Gas Generator.

Growth Gas Generator is a fixed horticultural appliance for Non - Domestic use. 1.25 kW output.

Growth Gas Generator is a dedicated CO₂ production unit, designed specifically for the small domestic greenhouse or indoor growing area. It burns readily available Propane Gas to produce copious amounts of CO₂ and can easily be controlled by a timer to ensure that CO₂ is produced at the right time of day.

INSTALLATION

A. General.
The "Gas Safety (Installation and Use) (Amendment) Regulations 1990" state that "ALL Gas Appliances MUST be installed by a competent gas engineer approved by the Health & Safety Executive". This applies to Propane and Natural Gas appliances. All C.O.R.G.I registered engineers are approved for this purpose and can be found in Yellow Pages under Plumbing & Heating Engineers. All instructions and advice provided by the manufacturers regarding installation, servicing and repairs of gas appliances is therefore addressed to C.O.R.G.I registered engineers as they are the only people legally able to carry out this work.

B. Fuel Supply
Propane. This CO₂ Generator is designed to burn L.P.G. (Propane Gas) at a pressure of 37 mb (14" WG). The pressure regulator supplied is designed to fit all Propane cylinders. (Orange Bottles). We recommend the use of 13 or 19 Kg gas cylinders or larger. We suggest that two cylinders are used and linked with an automatic changeover valve.

YOUR PROPANE CYLINDERS SHOULD BE INSTALLED OUTSIDE THE GREENHOUSE or GROWING AREA.

C. L.P.G. (Propane) Installation.

a/. Observe the normal safety standards for the use of gas cylinders -- if in doubt please consult your gas supplier. Gas cylinders should always be located OUTSIDE the greenhouse.
b/. After connecting your generator to the gas cylinder check thoroughly for gas leaks at all connection points. UNBURNED GAS CAN BE TOXIC TO PLANTS.
c/. Turn control knob to the START (ignition) position and depress the knob for a couple of minutes to purge air from the pilot system.

D. Positioning the Generator.

Position the generator near the centre of the greenhouse in an area with good air circulation.

E. Ventilation.
1. General The burner in the generator is designed especially for use in greenhouses and by itself does not produce gases which are harmful to crops.
2. Precautions Beware of creating conditions which can cause unwanted gases to be produced. The most likely unwanted product are unbent or partly burnt gases, resulting either from a GAS LEAK or by INCOMPLETE COMBUSTION.

a/. Gas Leaks. DO NOT look for gas leaks with a lighted taper. Check all suspect connections with a soap solution. Watch for the bubbles. Tighten connections as necessary. Observe the Gas safety code.
b/. Incomplete Combustion. This is caused by inadequate ventilation.

THE GENERATOR NEEDS A CONTINUOUS SUPPLY OF OXYGEN TO ENSURE THAT ALL GAS IS COMPLETELY BURNT.

Greenhouses. Extra ventilation (minimum 24 sq. in (140 cm2) can be installed in such a way as to ensure that fresh air with its supply of oxygen can easily reach the burner. This is particularly important in a polythene tunnel where the generator can be several feet away from the doors where the only natural ventilation exists.

In this situation fresh air can be provided by installing a 6" (15 cm.) diameter plastic pipe from the outside to the base of the generator. Allow for the exhaust of burnt gas by fitting a piece of Rokolene or similar material in or above the door at the end of the tunnel house. (24 sq. in. clear area - 140 sq. cm.)

Indoors The indoor growing area should be adequately ventilated by extractor fans. Ensure that these fans are operating while generator is burning. It is also important to ensure that there is an adequate inflow of fresh air into the growing area.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

A. GENERAL READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS THOROUGHLY BEFORE OPERATING THE GROWTH GAS GENERATOR.

ENSURE THAT ADEQUATE VENTILATION IS PROVIDED FOR THE GENERATOR. INADEQUATE VENTILATION WILL MEAN INCOMPLETE COMBUSTION,
RESULTING IN UNBURNED OR PARTIALLY UNBURNED GASES.

UNBURNED GASES CAN BE TOXIC TO PLANTS

THE GENERATOR NEEDS A CONTINUOUS SUPPLY OF OXYGEN TO ENSURE THAT ALL THE GAS IS COMPLETELY BURNED.

1. Ensure that Generator is located in a stable position. A paving slab makes a suitable base in the greenhouse. Holes are provided in the feet so that generator can be screwed down where possible. Ensure that area around generator is not subject to heavy traffic. Ensure that generator cannot be knocked over.

2. Check that there is no combustible material in the area above or around the Generator. Remember that casing can become hot when in use.

3. Check all gas connections for leaks. Use a soap solution and watch for bubbles. DO NOT USE A LIGHTED TAPER TO CHECK FOR LEAKS.

Observe the Safety Code.

B. IGNITION.
Electrical Connection

First you will need to connect your generator to the electric mains.

DO NOT PLUG INTO MAINS UNTIL ALL CONNECTIONS UNDER GENERATOR ARE MADE.

The mains lead supplied has three spade connectors. These are simply pushed onto the connections at the bottom of the generator.

Note the earth connector (yellow/green wire) this MUST be placed onto the Earth terminal which is separate

from the other two and marked with the symbol @. The other two connectors are not specific and can be pushed onto either terminal. Check that all three connectors are tight.

You can now plug your generator into the mains and turn it on.

1. Turn the control knob to the START (Ignition) position, with the symbol (*) aligned with the RED mark to the right of the knob. 2. Depress and hold the control knob. Press the Piezo ignition button repeatedly until the pilot burner ignites. 3. After the pilot burner has ignited, hold the control knob depressed for a few seconds until the thermocouple has been sufficiently heated by the pilot flame to generate sufficient current to keep the solenoid valve energised. Then release the knob. NOTE: If the generator is newly installed , or has been unused for a period, it will be necessary to purge the air from the pilot gas system. This is achieved by setting the control knob to the START (ignition) (*) position and holding it depressed for 30 seconds or more.

4. Once the pilot burner is alight turn the control knob anti-clockwise to the ON position. The generator will light up and burn at full capacity. It can now be switched on and off from the mains switch. This can be done manually but is best achieved with a timer. Generator can also be controlled by a CO₂ analyser. See "Growing with Gas" section below.

C. Extinguishing the Generator.

1. For short periods - Turn the control knob to the START position (*). This will stop the main burners but retain the pilot light.

2. For longer periods. - Turn the control knob so that the OFF mark is aligned with the RED mark to the right of the knob, and push knob in. The gas control can only be made inoperative in this position. Release the knob when the generator has been extinguished. Turn off gas at bottle and turn off electricity at mains. Unplug the unit for storage.

D. Gas Leaks BE SURE THAT ALL CONNECTIONS ARE LEAK PROOF ---- UNBURNED GAS CAN BE TOXIC TO PLANTS.

E. Servicing It is recommended that this generator be given an annual service by a competent person. Any C.O.R.G.I registered engineer will be able to oblige. Should any difficulty be found lighting the generator at the beginning of a new season it may be due to a slight build up of carbon deposits around the pilot jet, Piezo igniter and thermocouple. Any such deposits should be removed very carefully.

Growing with Gas

Growing plants need a constant supply of Carbon Dioxide or CO₂ to maintain growth. CO₂ is present in normal unpolluted air at the rate of around 330 parts per million (ppm).

To grow plants successfully indoors or in a greenhouse, it is essential to at least provide CO₂ at normal atmospheric levels. If these levels are not maintained then plant performance will be curtailed.

Growth Gas Generator.

Growth Gas Generator produces CO₂ by burning propane gas. This is a highly efficient and cost effective source of CO₂ provided that it is used correctly. Normal propane greenhouse heaters are not the most efficient way of producing CO₂ as they are usually controlled by thermostats. This means that CO₂ production is tied to temperature, most being produced in the dead of night when plants cannot utilise it. Growth Gas Generator is controlled by mains electricity so it can easily be switched on, by a timer, to produce CO₂ in the warm bright part of the day. Growth Gas Generator is designed specifically for CO₂ production and the production of heat is minimised. Growth Gas Generator is usually operative for only a few minutes every hour to maintain optimum CO₂ levels.

The installation of Growth Gas Generator will have an immediate and dramatic effect on plant growth. The important thing to remember here is that you are doing more than restoring the CO₂ to normal atmospheric levels. While it is a minimum requirement for good growth that CO₂ should be in the range of 300 - 350 ppm. it is possible to provide it at much higher levels.

Modern research has shown that levels up to 1500 ppm. and beyond can be maintained in a greenhouse or grow room. Plants will respond amazingly well provided that they have adequate light, moisture and nutrition to enable them to take advantage of the conditions.

The serious grower who couples the simple science of hydroponics and the benefits of enhanced CO₂ can achieve growth rates and yields that were only dreamt of a decade ago.

Measuring CO₂ levels.

Until recently there was no simple way for the amateur grower to measure the CO2 levels in his greenhouse or grow room, it was only professionals that had the necessary equipment. Nowadays it is an easy matter with the CO2 Analysis Kit. and there is no reason for the grower to rely on guesswork any more. CO2 detection is easy with the pump action analyser syringe and analyser tubes measuring 300 to 5000 ppm. Quick measurement of CO2 in the greenhouse will tell you if your environment is optimised.

Supplied with full instructions, the kit is quick and easy to use and it will give you a reading in parts per million. The careful grower will treat CO₂ as one of the most important elements in a successful growing area. It is not a difficult matter to optimise the levels and the dramatic improvement in plant performance and yields will certainly make the effort worthwhile. CO₂ analysis kit can be obtained from your local supplier of Growth Technology products.

Setting up Growth Gas Generator.

You will need to find a stable base on which to stand your Generator. It will be best located away from walkways and busy areas to ensure that it does not get knocked over. For peace of mind the generator is best screwed onto a larger metal base and holes are provided in the feet for this purpose.

Best location for gas distribution is near centre of growing area but this is not too important provided that there is plenty of air circulation by fan.

Propane tank should be located OUTSIDE the greenhouse or grow room. If your hose is not long enough for this you can obtain a longer piece from any gas supply centre. Please ensure that you always use genuine high pressure hose like that supplied with the generator. Hose should be connected to regulator and generator. Hose clips (jubilees) MUST be used to ensure a gas tight fit.

Once you are completely happy with the location of your generator you can ignite the pilot. Follow the instruction manual carefully. When the pilot is alight you will be able to ignite the generator by turning on the mains. You are now ready to set your timer. Best timer for this job will be a digital one as it will allow precise time settings but you will need as many "on" and "off" settings as possible. The best digital timer we have found has 42 settings for "on" and "off" and will be available from your hydroponic retailer.

You can use this table as a basis for your timer setting. It is recommended that you allow your generator to settle in for a couple of days after setting timer, and then take CO₂ readings using a CO₂ Analysis Kit. Take the readings in the middle of the growing period and then make the necessary adjustments, increasing the burning time by a couple of minutes for instance. Wait 24 hours and take a new reading. You will soon find the level that suits your situation.