Hot Runner Control Module – ITC UATC-20

Description

The UATC-20 Temperature Control Module is a fully microprocessor based unit which has been intelligently designed for Hot Runner Mold Temperature Control Applications where advanced operational and diagnostic features are needed.

The well developed circuitry of the UATC-20 produces a module which is simple to operate, rugged and dependable. The advanced diagnostic functions (which are operator programmable to the specific hearing zone) provide a snapshot of the operation of that specific heating zone.

Some of the exceptional Analytical functions found on the UATC-20 are:

• A diagnostic snapshot of the heater operating characteristics are revealed when the current sensing feature is employed.
• Detects and alerts to the potential dangerous conditions of current leaking to ground.
• If power to the heater exceeds a selected value, the module will alarm and disable power to the heater preventing damage.
• Advanced circuitry detects, alarms and disables power to the heater in the event the triac fails in a shorted condition.
• Heater diagnostics can be performed by checking the average amperage draw of the heater.
• In the event of a thermocouple, open or shorted condition, the module will automatically go into “APO” (Average Power Output) mode, allowing operations to continue by providing the same average power to the heater as applied prior to the failure.
• Real time diagnostics fault detection & error display.
• Audible alarm warns in the case of an error condition.
• A diagnostic snapshot of the heaters operating characteristics are revealed when the current sensing feature is employed.

The UATC-20 Temperature Control Module is a fully microprocesser based instrument, which has been intelligently designed for Hot Runner Mold temperature control applications where advanced operational and diagnostic features are needed. The well developed circuitry of UATC-20 produces a full featured module which is simple to operate and will stand up to rigors of harsh environments.

An interesting feature of the UATC-20 is its capacity to provide a snapshot of operation of the heating zone by displaying amperage draw. The UATC-20 also has the ability to adjust maximum amperage draw to a point just above maximum wattage of the heater. When the controller detects a current which is greater than that value, it will sound an alarm so the offending components can be replaced. This improvement allows for greater operating and maintenance efficiency by detecting leakage in mold wires, cables, heaters, etc. at an early stage.

The Circuitry of the UATC-20 provides improved protection to the mold in the event that the triac becomes shorted. This circuitry enables the controller to turn off the power to the heater if it detects continued power draw when the temperature is well above the set point.

ITC has addressed one of the most serious and costly problems of Hot Runner Temperature Controllers by incorporating of our Anti-Arching Feature. This enhancement can greatly reduce the probability of damage to either the main frame or module if a module is accidentally changed while the main frame is under power. This feature alone can save molders lot of money for repair or replacement.

FEATURES
All features and parameters are fully selectable from the menu feature on the keypad.

• Amperage measuring & display.
• Percentage of power display.
• Automatic or manual operation.
• Anti-arching feature.
• Boot & Standby.
• “F” or “C” temperature ranges.
• “J” or “K” thermocouple types.
• Panel lock-out of selectable features.
• APO (average power output) in thermocouple failure condition.
• Automatic test of “LED” segments.
• Operating voltage 240vac, 50/60 Hz, or 120vac
• Cold junction compensation.
• Zero crossing triac.
• This module operates in both of ITC’s 15 & 30 amp main frames.
• Ground Fault Detection – detects if there is a short to ground in the heating circuit. This is selectable range.
• High Amperage Alarm – detects if the amperage draw to the heater exceeds a selectable value which can be entered from the menu.
• Thermocouple – Open, Shorted & Reversed. This is indicated by both an error message and audible alarm.
• Triac – Open and Shorted condition. This is indicated by both an error message and audible alarm.
• High & Low Temperature Condition – Activates when the process temperature varies more than 30°F from set point. This is indicated by both an error message and audible alarm.
• Blown Fuse – This is indicated when the blown fuse “LED” comes on

SAFETY FEATURES:

• High Voltage Thermocouple Protection – Fused
• Module High Current Protection – Fused
• Power Disabled to Heater when:
  • Traic is Shorted
  • Heater is Open
  • High Amperage Condition
  • Triac is Open
  • Over Temperature Condition
• Audible Alarm