nVent HOFFMAN VA501604X Vortex A/C Enclosure Cooler Instruction Manual
- June 13, 2024
- nVent HOFFMAN
Table of Contents
OPERATION & SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
VORTEX A/C ENCLOSURE COOLER
UL TYPE 4/4X
**Model VA501604X
**
IMPORTANT
Please read all instructions BEFORE attempting to use this product nVent
Hoffman
GENERAL SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
DANGER: COMPRESSED AIR COULD CAUSE DEATH, BLINDNESS OR INJURY.
- Do not operate a Vortex A/C at compressed air pressures above 150 psig (10.3 bar).
- Do not operate a Vortex A/C at line temperatures above 110Co F (43o
- Avoid direct contact with compressed air.
- Do not direct compressed air at any person.
- When using compressed air, wear safety glasses with side shields.
INTRODUCTION
A Vortex A/C enclosure cooler is designed to use filtered compressed air to cool industrial control cabinets without the use of any refrigerants. Hot air in the cabinet is vented to the surroundings through built-in vents in the Vortex A/C. Noise generated by the Vortex A/C is comparable to normal speech levels. The Vortex A/C has built-in mechanical thermostats that require no electricity. To operate, simply install on your enclosure and connect the compressed air source.
COMPRESSED AIR SUPPLY
The compressed air supply must be filtered (5 micron maximum) to remove water
and dirt. A 5 micron filter is supplied for this purpose (Hoffman filter model
VAAF50). If oil is present in the compressed air supply, remove the oil using
an optional 0.01 micron coalescing filter (Hoffman model VC-OF25). Filter
recommendations are given in Table 1.
If an oil removal filter is necessary, install it downstream of the 5 micron
filter. Change the filter elements as needed (see Maintenance). The
appropriate size of compressed air supply line should be selected to ensure
optimal performance of the Hoffman product. Please refer to Table 2 to
determine what supply line size is recommended for your application. Contact
nVent Hoffman for assistance, phone #763.422.2211.
INTERNAL CABINET PRESSURE
The Vortex A/C, when operating at 100 psig (6.9 bar), will maintain the internal enclosure pressure at approximately 35” (889 mm) of water column. When the Vortex A/C is not cooling (when the thermostats sense acceptable temperatures), the Vortex A/C is not pressuring the enclosure. If you desire a constant positive internal enclosure pressure, even when the Vortex A/C is not cooling, this may be accomplished by removing two set screws that are adjacent to the mechanical thermostats on the bottom of the unit. By removing both of these set screws with a 3/32” (2 mm) hex key, a small amount of air (6 cfm or 170 lpm) will pressurize the sealed enclosure to approximately 1.5” (38 mm) water column. This “pressurization air” will run continuously, regardless of the thermostat operation, until the set screws are re-installed.
MAINTENANCE
The only maintenance involved with the Vortex A/C is normal element changes to the compressed air filter. The filter element should be changed when there is a noticeable decrease in performance or when pressure drop across the filter exceeds 5 psig (0.3 bar). The Vortex A/C has only two moving parts (the mechanical thermostats/valves) which are not serviceable in the field. Do not disturb the setting of the thermostats. Evidence of tampering with the thermostats may void the warranty. If it is suspected that the compressed air filter has not been maintained after an extended period of operation, there may be dirt in the Vortex A/C. If the Vortex A/C is not cooling sufficiently, there may be debris in the “generators” of the unit. To check, pull the 1/2” (13 mm) inside diameter vinyl tubing off the cold air outlets of the Vortex A/C and unscrew (with a 1” (25 mm) open end wrench) the cold air outlets. Remove the O-rings. Remove the white nylon washer(s). Then remove the brown generators. Inspect the six slots in the generators for dirt and clean if necessary. Clean the cavities in the Vortex A/C that the generators were located in if necessary. Reassemble in reverse order. Tighten the cold air outlets to 100 inch-pounds (11 newton meters) torque. Be sure to supply clean (filtered to 5 micron) and oil free compressed air to the Vortex A/C.
INSTALLATION
To maintain the UL Type 4 and 4X rating, the Vortex A/C MUST be installed in
one of the following configurations on a UL Type 4 or 4X enclosure:
a. Top mounted in an upright and vertical orientation, on a flat horizontal
surface (as shown)
b. Side mounted, on a flat vertical surface of the enclosure, with the
compressed air inlet pointing downward, or with the stainless steel shroud
facing downward to the floor. If side mounted, locate the Vortex A/C so that
it is near the top of the enclosure.
-
Position the Vortex A/C on the top or side of your enclosure so that there is sufficient clearance for the internal mechanical thermostats and cold air outlets, and so that the entire mounting “footprint” of the Vortex A/C is supported by the enclosure. (A 9-1/2” wide x 3-1/2” deep (241 mm wide x 89 mm deep) area). Position the unit so that the metal shroud on the back of the Vortex A/C is away from personnel, if possible. Also, position so that no internal enclosure components obstruct air flow around the mechanical thermostats.
-
Cut two 1-15/16” (49 mm) diameter holes (1-1/2” knockout size) on 4” (102mm) centers in the selected location on the enclosure. De-burr any sharp edges around these holes.
-
Remove the 1-1/2” electrical locknuts from the Vortex A/C.
Insert the threaded portions of the Vortex A/C into the 1-15/16” (49 mm) holes in the enclosure. (Be careful not to damage the mechanical thermostats during installation.) -
From inside the enclosure, screw the electrical locknuts onto the threads of the Vortex A/C. Tighten the locknuts securely to compress the 1/8” (3 mm) thick sealing gaskets that are positioned between the enclosure and the Vortex A/C.
-
Determine suitable locations for the Cold Air Mufflers inside the enclosure that are close to the cold air outlets of the Vortex A/C. (You will need a surface area of approximately 2” x 9” (50 mm x 229 mm) to mount each muffler. The Mufflers can be ounted in any orientation, horizontal or vertical.) Using the supplied Muffler Mounting Clamps (with double sided tape), attach the Clamps at the desired locations. Clean the mounting surfaces so that the double sided tape bonds securely. If desired, the Clamps can be permanently mounted to the enclosure using the supplied mounting hardware. Two 5/32” (4 mm) diameter holes positioned on 3/4” (19 mm) centers must be drilled to mount the Muffler Clamps. Use the plastic snap rivets to secure the Muffler Clamps to the panel.
-
Snap the Cold Air Mufflers into the Mounting Clamps.
-
Cut a sufficient length of the 1/2” (13 mm) inside diameter vinyl tubing from the supplied VADK124X Cold Air Ducting Kits to connect the cold air outlets of the Vortex A/C to the hose barbs on the Cold Air Mufflers. Attach the lengths of vinyl tubing so that they are free of sharp bends and kinks. Direction of cold air flow through the Mufflers is not important.
-
Attach all (or a portion of) the remaining supplied vinyl tubing of the VADK124X Cold Air Ducting Kits to the opposite hose barb connections on the Cold Air Mufflers. Holes can be punched or drilled into the 1/2” (13 mm) tubing to distribute the cold air evenly inside your enclosure, or, the entire cold air output can be directed to a heat sensitive component. If the end of the 1/2” (13 mm) vinyl tubing is plugged, at least sixteen 1/8” (3 mm) diameter holes should be punched into the tubing to allow the cold air to escape. Use the nine self adhesive tubing clips provided with each kit to mount the tubing.
-
Connect the compressed air filter model VAAF50 to the compressed air inlet on the side of the Vortex A/C with a length of 3/8” pipe and a 3/4” npt x 3/8” npt pipe reducer bushing. Install the compressed air filter as close as possible to the Vortex A/C, in a location where the temperature does not exceed 125 o F (52 o C). Allow the filter to hang at the side of the enclosure as shown in the installation drawing. Use a 13/16” (21 mm) wrench to hold the air fitting on the side of the Vortex A/C stationary while tightening the pipe connections.
Note the air flow direction arrow on top of the filter. -
Connect the compressed air supply to the inlet of the air filter. See “Compressed Air Supply”.
OPERATION
Operate the Vortex A/C at 90 to 100 psig (6.2 to 6.9 bar) compressed air
pressure. Do not operate at pressures above 150 psig (10.3 bar). Operation at
pressures less than 90 psig (6.2 bar) and above 100 psig (6.9 bar) will effect
the operation.
When properly sized for the application, the Vortex A/C will maintain the
internal enclosure temperature between 75-100°F (24-38°C). Enclosure
temperatures can momentarily reach 125°F (52°C) during initial start-up and
after long periods of inactivity.
Variations in heat load and compressed air conditions can effect thermostat
operation. The mechanical thermostat will regulate an internal valve to
minimize compressed air usage and maintain enclosure temperatures within the
range specified. In some applications, the Vortex A/C may run continuously at
lower air usage with the benefit of always keeping the enclosure under slight
internal pressure. In other applications, the Vortex A/C may cycle on and off
to maintain enclosure temperatures. NOTICE: The thermostat’s reaction to
temperature change depends on several factors: the internal and external heat
loads, enclosure size and proximity to the heat source. When the internal heat
load is zero (or very low) and when external temperatures are below 50°F
(10°C), the thermostat will take longer to react to air temperature increases.
There will be a lag between the rising air temperature and when the thermostat
reacts, which can result in temperatures inside the enclosure exceeding 125°F
(52°C).
When air and thermostat temperatures equalize, the reaction to temperature
change is improved and the lag is minimized.
CAUTION: The rear metal shroud of the Vortex A/C becomes hot during
operation and can remain hot for a period of time after the unit has cycled
off. Note warning label precaution, and avoid direct contact with this area of
the unit during or after operation. 
VORTEX A/C TYPE 4/4X
(SHOWN TOP MOUNTED ON CUSTOMER’S ENCLOSURE)
TWO-STAGE COOLING
Under normal operation, the first stage cooler (the cold air outlet that is nearest to the compressed air inlet) will activate first. This will either reduce the rate of temperature rise in the enclosure, or it will begin to reduce the enclosure temperature (depending on the heat load in the enclosure). If the heat load is significant, and the temperature continues to rise, the second stage cooler will activate, doubling the amount of cooling air. In locating the two Cold Air Ducting Kits, consideration should be given to the twostage cooling capability of the unit. The two cold air outlets and ducting kits provide for increased flexibility in directing refrigerated air in the enclosure. For example, the first stage output could be directed at a primary source of heat within the enclosure and the second stage output could be routed for overall distribution of cold air throughout the enclosure. This configuration might allow the first stage to mitigate the heat, reducing the need or operating time for the unit to run at full cooling capacity and therefore conserving energy. Or, you may want to direct the cold air from the first stage to a heat sensitive component to ensure maximum thermal protection of that component.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Insufficient cooling may be caused by the following: 1. Undersized compressed air line size. 2. Compressed air pressure at the product is too low. 3. Partial or complete blockage of internal compressed air paths, due to dirt. 4. Water vapor in the compressed air supply. 5. Loose cold air outlet fitting(s). This may occur if not tightened properly after being disassembled for cleaning. If trouble persists, please contact nVent Hoffman for assistance, phone #763.422.2211.
LIMITED WARRANTY
nVent Hoffman products will be replaced or repaired if found to be defective
due to manufacture within one year from the date of invoice. nVent Hoffman
makes no specific warranty of merchantability or warrant of fitness for a
particular purpose.
TABLE 1: FILTER RECOMMENDATIONS
FILTER AND REPLACEMENT PART ITEM NUMBERS
Hoffman Model #| Oil Removal Filter| Replacement Generator Kits
(5 pc)
VA501604X| VC-OF25| VAGK25
TABLE 2: DETERMINING COMPRESSED AIR LINE SIZE
- Calculate total product compressed air consumption (SCFM, SLPM).
- Determine length of compressed air line required for connection to main supply.
- Locate pipe length in left column and read to the right to find the compressed air requirements.
- Locate pipe size at top of column.
MAXIMUM AIRFLOW (SCFM) THROUGH PIPE AT 5 PSIG PRESSURE DROP (100 PSIG AND 70°F)
pipe Length (Feet)|
Pipe Size (Nominal) – Schedule 40
1/4| 3/8| 1/2| 3/4| 1| 1-1/4| 1-1/2| 2| 2-1/2
10| 29| 65| 120| 254| 480| 978| 1483| 2863| 4536
20| 21| 46| 85| 180| 340| 692| 1049| 2024| 3208
30| 17| 37| 70| 147| 277| 565| 856| 1653| 2619
40| 15| 32| 60| 127| 240| 489| 792| 1431| 2268
50| 13| 29| 54| 114| 215| 437| 683| 1280| 2029
60| 12| 26| 49| 104| 196| 399| 606| 1169| 1852
70| 11| 25| 46| 96| 181| 370| 581| 1082| 1715
80| 10| 23| 43| 90| 170| 346| 524| 1012| 1604
90| 10| 22| 40| 85| 160| 326| 494| 954| 1512
100| 9| 21| 38| 60| 152| 309| 469| 905| 1435
MAXIMUM AIRFLOW (SLPM) THROUGH PIPE AT 0.3 BAR PRESSURE DROP (6.9 BAR AND 21°C)
Pipe Length (Meters)|
Pipe Size (Nominal) – Schedule 40
1/4| 3/8| 1/2| 3/4| 1| 1-1/4| 1-1/2| 2| 2-1/2
3| 821| 1840| 3396| 7188| 13584| 27677| 42117| 81023| 128369
6| 594| 1302| 2406| 5094| 9622| 19584| 29687| 57279| 90786
9| 481| 1047| 1981| 4160| 7839| 15990| 24225| 46780| 74188
12| 425| 906| 1698| 3594| 6792| 13839| 20999| 40497| 64184
15| 368| 821| 1528| 3226| 6085| 12367| 18763| 36224| 57421
18| 340| 736| 1387| 2943| 554711292| 17150| 33083| 52412
21| 311| 708| 1302| 2717| 5122| 10471| 15877| 30621| 48535
24| 283| 651| 1217| 2547| 4811| 9792| 14829| 28640| 45393
27| 269| 623| 1132| 2406| 4528| 9226| 13980| 26998| 42790
31| 255| 594| 1075| 2264| 4302| 8745| 13273| 25612| 40611
nVent Hoffman
2100 Hoffman Way, Anoka, MN 55303 USA
1.763.422.2211 nVent.com/hoffman
89103848 Rev. B
LIT0260M
References
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