The Kryos

LN2 Liquid Level Control

&
Cryogenic Temperature Control

Created for
Taylor-Wharton Gas Equipment

By
Pacer Digital Systems, Inc.
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................ 4

TEXT FORMAT NOTATION.................................................................................................................... 4

SYSTEM COMPONENTS .......................................................................................................................... 4

Interface Panel ....................................................................................................................................... 4
Main Control .......................................................................................................................................... 4
Sensor Assembly ..................................................................................................................................... 4
Lid Switch ............................................................................................................................................... 4
Solenoid Valve ........................................................................................................................................ 5
Thermocouples ....................................................................................................................................... 5
Wall Transformer ................................................................................................................................... 5
Remote Alarm ......................................................................................................................................... 5
OPERATION................................................................................................................................................ 5
POWER ........................................................................................................................................................ 5
MAIN DISPLAY SCREEN .............................................................................................................................. 5
THE MENU SYSTEM..................................................................................................................................... 6
HELP ........................................................................................................................................................... 6
TEMPERATURE ............................................................................................................................................ 6
Thermocouple Selection ...................................................................................................................................... 6
Calibration ........................................................................................................................................................... 6
Temperature Circuit Check.................................................................................................................................. 7
LEVEL SENSING ........................................................................................................................................... 7
Sensor Testing ..................................................................................................................................................... 7
Sensor Offset ....................................................................................................................................................... 7
Level Selection .................................................................................................................................................... 8
Sensor Selection .................................................................................................................................................. 8
ALARMS ...................................................................................................................................................... 8
LOGGING ..................................................................................................................................................... 9
SECURITY .................................................................................................................................................. 11
USER OPTIONS .......................................................................................................................................... 12
QUICK-CHILL............................................................................................................................................. 14
AUTO DEFOG ............................................................................................................................................ 14
MANUAL DEFOG ....................................................................................................................................... 14
SPLASH-GUARD ........................................................................................................................................ 14
FREEZE GUARD ......................................................................................................................................... 14
VALVE MONITORING................................................................................................................................. 15
TEMPERATURE CONTROL .......................................................................................................................... 15
USER ACCESS LOGS .................................................................................................................................. 16
SERIAL COMMUNICATIONS ............................................................................................................... 16

ERROR CONDITIONS............................................................................................................................. 16
HIGH TEMPERATURE ALARM .................................................................................................................... 16
LN2 SUPPLY ALARM ................................................................................................................................ 17
SENSOR ERROR ALARM............................................................................................................................. 17
LID OPEN TOO LONG ................................................................................................................................ 17
THERMOCOUPLE OPEN .............................................................................................................................. 17
INTERFACE SOFTWARE....................................................................................................................... 17

TROUBLESHOOTING............................................................................................................................. 17

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FACTORY SETTINGS ............................................................................................................................. 18
Thermocouple #2 Rate Log ............................................................................................................................... 18
Freeze-Guard: .................................................................................................................................................... 18
SPECIFICATIONS .................................................................................................................................... 19

MENU SYSTEM: ....................................................................................................................................... 20

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 Kryos LN2 Liquid Level Control

Introduction
Thank you for purchasing this product. This state of the art controller can control
either the liquid level and/or the temperature range in an LN2 freezer. The
features that it offers are designed to provide a safe environment for samples
while at the same time tracking all relevant information associated with the
freezer. This control provides a complete historical record of the environment in
your freezer and therefore, the environment in which your samples have been
stored.

Text Format Notation

In this owners manual we use some special text formats to denote certain
portions of the system. These are listed below:

• MENU is indicated in BOLD.

• ACTUAL MENU CHOICES are indicated in small caps.
• START FILL and STOP FILL sensor are indicated in small caps.
• Specific Menu descriptions under a main category are listed in italics

System Components
Interface Panel
The panel, which the user will see, contains the vacuum fluorescent display as well
as the number keypad, power button, help button and the soft-key control buttons.

Main Control
The “brain” for the control system, “talks” to the interface unit and makes all
decisions regarding liquid levels, temperatures, valve opening/closing, etc.

Sensor Assembly
Can be a 4 thermistor, an 8 thermistor or a 7 thermistor (freeze-guard) sensor
assembly. The 4 thermistor assembly maintains the liquid level between the 2
middle sensors. The 8 thermistor assembly maintains the liquid level between the
high sensor and the low sensor chosen by the user. The 7-thermistor assembly is
similar to an 8-sensor assembly in that the user can select the START FILL and STOP
FILL positions. The eighth position on this assembly is tied into a thermistor, which
detects whether the valve is stuck open.

Lid Switch
Determines whether or not the lid is open on the freezer. This also allows the
control to determine whether to activate the Quickchill or Auto Defog feature.

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Solenoid Valve
This control was designed to work with 24 VAC solenoid valves manufactured by
Valcor, Parker-Hannifin, ASCO or Alcon. It also works with 12 VDC solenoid valves
if the battery backup option is used.

Thermocouples
Type T thermocouples determine the temperature in the freezer. Either none, 1 or 2
thermocouples can be used with this control at any time.

Wall Transformer
A 24 VAC, 40 VA Wall transformer is specified for use with the Kryos. A 16.5 VAC,
40 VA Wall transformer is specified for the battery backup option. These wall
transformers have UL approval. UL approval for the Kryos system as a whole is not
required since the control operates on low voltage.

Remote Alarm
Provides a remote alarm signal if an error condition occurs for a user defined period
of time. The 3-pin jack provides continuity between pin #2(common) and pin #1 in
the normal condition. Continuity between pin #2 and pin #3 is provided in an error
condition.

Operation
Power

The control can be turned on and off by pressing the Power button on the front
panel. This feature can be password protected to prevent unauthorized users
from turning the system on and off from the front panel. More details about
password protection are available under the security section of this manual.

Main Display Screen

The main display screen consists of 4 lines of information.

Line 1: Displays the current status of the control. It indicates if all systems are working
fine or if any errors have occurred. Error messages disappear when the error is
corrected.
Line 2: Displays the level sensing in the control. If a 4 thermistor assembly is being
used, the control will indicate low if the liquid level is below sensor #2, normal if
the liquid level is between sensor #2 and sensor #3, and high if the liquid level is
above sensor #3. In addition, Low Level Alarm is indicated when the liquid level
is below sensor #1 and High Level Alarm is indicated when liquid level is above
sensor #4. If the 7-thermistor or 8-thermistor assembly is being used, the control
will indicate actual liquid level in the freezer.
Line 3: Displays the temperature indicated by thermocouples #1 and #2. If either
thermocouple is disabled through the menu system, it is no longer displayed on
the front panel. If both thermocouples are disabled, line 3 is blank
Line 4: Used to annotate the soft-key buttons and to provide information about the valve
and the lid.

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The Menu System

Pressing the Menu button on the front right side of the control will access the
menu system of the Kryos control. Choose a menu option by pressing the
appropriate number of your menu choice. If more menu choices are available
than will fit on 1 screen (4 lines), the left-hand soft-key button will give the “More”
choice. Pressing this button will give the user the additional menu choices. A
shortcut is available to get to the proper menu choice by pressing the appropriate
number button. The menu choice need not be visible on the screen to select it.

When the menu is accessed, all control functions cease until the control returns
to the main status screen. Therefore, if a fill is occurring and the menu is
accessed, the solenoid valve is closed until the menu system is exited and the
control is again displaying the main screen. If the menu system is accessed but
not used for 3 minutes, it will automatically revert to the main screen.

Please note that the menu system can vary slightly depending on the
configuration of the control. Menu choices will be included or excluded
depending on the selected features in the Kryos control. This is illustrated in the
menu system when the 4-sensor or the 8-sensor probe assembly is being used.
The START FILL and STOP FILL sensor must be physically set when the 4 sensor
probe is in use, so the START FILL level and STOP FILL level menu items are not
displayed. When the control operates with the 8-sensor assembly, the user can
set the START FILL and STOP FILL levels without physical intervention to the
sensors so these menu options are displayed.

Help

The Help button provides help to the user at any point in the menu system. The
help message is displayed and the user is then prompted to press a button to
return to the menu system.

Temperature

Thermocouple Selection
The temperature is determined in the system through the use of 1 or 2 Type T
thermocouples. The thermocouples should be placed in the system to accurately
reflect the temperature at the point of placement. Please note that if the
thermocouples are placed in the same tube as the sensor assembly, heat rising
from the thermistors may warm the thermocouples sometimes affecting the
temperature by as much as 15o to 30o C. Both thermocouples can be
activated/deactivated through the menu system. (MENU, 1,1)

Calibration
The Kryos provides easy calibration of the thermocouples. To calibrate, the user
should enter the menu system (MENU,1,2) and dip thermocouple #1 into ice water.
The fourth line of the display will indicate “Wait” and will give a reading on the
proximity of the temperature to 0o C. When the temperature reaches equilibrium
the control will indicate “OK” and the user can press the left soft-key button. Dry
the thermocouple. Next, the user should dip thermocouple #1 into LN2 and wait

6
 as the temperature again reaches equilibrium. When it does, the control will
again indicate “OK” and the user can again press the left soft-key button. The
control will then indicate that the temperature has been calibrated. Please note
that both thermocouples are calibrated by going through this process with
Thermocouple #1.

Temperature Circuit Check

The temperature system can be checked at any time through the menu system
(MENU, 1,3). This check will tell if the thermocouples are working or if they are
“open”. If a thermocouple is not connected to the control it will check as “open.”
If a thermocouple is “disabled” through the menu system, it will not show up on
the check.

Level Sensing

The level sensing in the system is determined through the use of thermistor
based sensor assemblies. Thermistors are thermal resistors whose resistances
change as temperature changes. Their use in liquid level control is a time tested
method to provide accurate results. The Kryos uses an 8, 7 or 4 thermistor
assembly to determine liquid level in the freezer. The 4-sensor assembly
provides general information about liquid level (high alarm, high, normal, low and
low alarm) while the 7 and 8 thermistor assemblies provide liquid level readings
accurate to the nearest inch.

When the LN2 level drops below the START FILL sensor the control opens the
solenoid valve to commence the fill process. This process continues until the
LN2 level reaches the STOP FILL. When the control “senses” that the LN2 has
reached the upper level, it flashes “Check” on the display while the Kryos insures
that it has not received false signals. The fill process can be halted before it
reaches the STOP FILL sensor by manually pressing the stop button.

Sensor Testing
The sensor assembly can be tested through the menu system (MENU, 2,1). The
sensor diagnostics indicates the sensor number and the status of that sensor. If
the control is set for an eight-thermistor or freeze-guard sensor it will indicate 8
sensors in the diagnostics. Likewise, if it is set for a four-sensor assembly, it will
indicate 4 sensors. The status is indicated with either an “O” for open, a “G” for
gas or an “L” for liquid. This is an easy means to tell if sensors are in or out of
liquid or if a new sensor assembly is needed (open sensors).

Sensor Offset
A sensor offset can be set through the menu system of the control (MENU, 2, 2).
The offset is used if the sensor assembly is raised off the floor of the freezer and
the user wants to read the actual liquid level on the display. An example of this
would be a STOP FILL setting of 23” and a START FILL setting of 20”. The 8-
thermistor sensor assembly would be set so that the bottom of the sensor
assembly is raised 18” off the floor of the freezer. The level would then read from
18” to 26”. The low level alarm would be set at 19” since the START FILL is 20”
and the high level alarm would be 24” since the STOP FILL is 23.” In normal
operation, the liquid level would read between 20” and 23.” The offset would be

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 set to 18.” The control determines the liquid level by adding the offset to the
number of thermistors in LN2. The offset can be set from 0 to 40 inches.

Level Selection
The START FILL and STOP FILL sensor positions can be set through the menu
system of the control (MENU, 2,3). START FILL and STOP FILL need to be set if an
8-thermistor sensor or the freeze-guard sensor is being used. If an offset is
being used, it is added to the sensor position to indicate the correct level of the
sensor from the floor of the freezer. The STOP FILL sensor must always be higher
then the START FILL sensor. Therefore, if START FILL is being increased where it
would pass the STOP FILL point, the STOP FILL is also increased so that it is always
1” higher than START FILL. The converse is true for the STOP FILL when it is being
decreased. A four thermistor sensor assembly requires that the START FILL and
STOP FILL sensors be physically located at the correct position. Because of this
the menu selection for setting the START FILL and STOP FILL becomes inaccessible
when the 4-thermistor sensor is being used.

Sensor Selection
The sensor type can be set through the menu system (MENU, 2, 4). The sensor
type selection should match the sensor type that is being used in the system.
This is a 4-sensor, a 7-sensor (Freeze-guard) or an 8-sensor array.

If the sensor assembly is unplugged and the main control is still on, the Kryos will
indicate that a sensor error has occurred. In addition the level indicated would be
8” on an 8-sensor assembly, 7” on a freeze-guard assembly or “High Alarm” on a
4-sensor assembly. This occurs because the control cannot differentiate
between a very high resistance (when a thermistor is in LN2) and an infinite
resistance (when an open circuit appears in the level sensing circuitry).

Alarms

The Kryos control tracks many different conditions in the freezer and therefore,
has a full complement of alarms associated with these different conditions. As
alarms occur, they cause an audible beep as well as a flashing red light. A
remote alarm relay is also triggered following a user designated period of time
after the error condition occurs if it is not corrected. In addition the error
condition is displayed on the top line until the error condition is corrected.

The High Temperature Alarm for Thermocouple #1 can be set through the menu
system (MENU, 3, 1). This alarm is activated if the temperature rises above the
designated temperature. The alarm temperature can range from 0o C to –190oC.
It can also be Disabled.

The High Temperature Alarm for Thermocouple #2 can be set through the menu
system (MENU, 3, 2). This alarm is activated if the temperature rises above the
designated temperature. The alarm temperature can range from 0o C to –190oC.
It can also be Disabled.

The Low LN2 Supply Alarm can be set through the menu system (MENU, 3, 3, 1).
This alarm is activated if the solenoid valve is not closed within a designated time

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 period after a fill starts. The solenoid valve can be closed either automatically
(the LN2 level reaches the STOP FILL sensor) or manually (the stop fill button is
pressed) to stop the timer which activates this alarm. The possible choices for
this alarm are None, 15, 30, 45, 60 minutes, 2 or 3 hours. This error does not
correct itself until the fill is stopped (the solenoid closes).

The Sensor Error Alarm can be set through the menu system (MENU,3,3,2). This
alarm is activated if the control detects a sensor error such as an open sensor.
The possible choices are “enabled” or “disabled.”

The Remote Alarm Timer can be set through the menu system (MENU,3,3,3).
This is the amount of time allowed to pass before the remote alarm relay is
triggered if an error condition is not corrected. The possible choices are None,
Immediate, 30, 60 minutes or 2 hours.

The Lid Open Too Long Alarm can be set through the menu system (MENU,3,3,4).
This is the amount of time the lid can be opened before it triggers an alarm
condition. The possible choices are None, 1, 2, 5 or 10 minutes.

The Thermocouple Alarm can be set through the menu system (MENU,3,3,5).
This alarm is activated if either thermocouple experiences an open circuit. The
possible choices are “enabled” or “disabled.”

The audible, visual and remote alarms can be tested at any time by the user
through the menu system (MENU, 3,4). Follow the instructions on the display to
hear the audible “chirping” indicator of an alarm or to see the red LED flash or to
trigger an immediate relay closure of the remote alarm.

Logging

The on board memory logging function is one of the most powerful and useful
features of the Kryos control. It provides a historical record for not only your
freezer but also a complete record of the environment in which specimens were
stored. Four separate logs are kept in the control: 1) System log 2) Error log
3) Temperature #1 log 4) Temperature #2 log. System logs are events that occur
in the system such as lid opening/closing, LN2 filling, Quickchill, Defog, Etc.
Error logs are off-normal conditions detected by the system. The two
temperature logs are simply records of the temperatures recorded by the two
thermocouples in the system. The system and the error log each hold 4096
events while the combined temperature logs hold 32,765 temperature events. All
the logs are kept in non-volatile memory, meaning that the information is saved
regardless of whether the control has power.

When an event (system, error or temperature) occurs, the Kryos does 2 things
with the data: 1) It enters the beginning or the conclusion of an event in the
internal memory of the controller 2) It sends the event data to the serial port of
the freezer. The Kryos consolidates the events in the internal log (combining
“start event” / “conclude event” information to provide one event with duration),
however, when the data is sent to the serial port no consolidation of data occurs.
As an example, a fill would provide 1 log entry in the internal log of the control,

9
indicated as follows: Fill occurred on 9/28/98 @ 8:07 for 24 minutes. The same
data coming out of the serial port would cause two entries in a computer or
printer and would be indicated as follows:

Fill Started on 9/28/98 @ 8:07

… {elapsed time}
Fill occurred on 9/28/98 @ 8:07 for 24 minutes

Menu Access causes the control to make some decisions on logging an event
and they are handled in the following manner: Temperature is immediately
logged (if it is enabled) and then a fresh time period is started when the Menu
system is exited. System and error logs are placed in a suspended state until the
control exits the menu system and then timing is started again. Duration of
system and error logs then are total time of the event less any time that the user
was in the menu system.

When logs are dumped to the serial port, the oldest events are sent first. The
control operates on the FIFO (First In First Out) method.

DUMP SYSTEM LOGS is accessible through the menu system of the control (MENU,
4,1,1). This option sends data from the Kryos system logs to the serial port of
the freezer. When this option is chosen the display reports how many system
logs are in the system. While the data is being sent to the serial port, it can be
paused or completely cancelled through the menu system.

DUMP ERROR LOGS is accessible through the menu system of the control (MENU,
4,1,2). This option sends data from the Kryos error logs to the serial port of the
freezer. When this option is chosen the display reports how many error logs are
in the system. While the data is being sent to the serial port, it can be paused or
completely cancelled through the menu system.

DUMP TEMP LOG #1 and TEMP LOG #2 are accessible through the menu system of
the control (MENU, 4,1,3 or MENU, 4,1, 4). This option sends data from the Kryos
temperature logs to the serial port of the freezer. When this option is chosen the
display reports how many temperature logs are in the system. While the data is
being sent to the serial port, it can be paused or completely cancelled through
the menu system.

SENS. ERR. LOGGING is accessible through the menu system of the control (MENU,
4,2,1). This menu choice turns on/off the logging of all sensor errors. The
choices are enable or disable. Records in the error log.

LOW SUPPLY LOGGING is accessible through the menu system of the control
(MENU, 4,2,2). This menu choice turns on/off the logging of the low LN2 supply
error. The choices are enable or disable. Records in the error log.

REMOTE ALARM LOGGING is accessible through the menu system of the control
(MENU, 4,2,3). The menu choice turns on/off the logging of the remote alarm
activation. The choices are enable or disable. Records in the error log.

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 THERMOCOUPLE OPEN Logging is accessible through the menu system of the
control (MENU, 4,2,4). This menu choice turns on/off the logging of the
thermocouple open alarm. The choices are enable and disable. Records in the
error log.

HIGH TEMP #1 LOG is accessible through the menu system of the control (MENU,
4,2,5). This menu choice turns on/off the logging of the high temperature alarm
for Thermocouple #1. The choices are enable and disable. Records in the error
log.

HIGH TEMP #2 LOG is accessible through the menu system of the control (MENU,
4,2,6). This menu choice turns on/off the logging of the high temperature alarm
for Thermocouple #2. The choices are enable and disable. Records in the error
log.

TANK FILL LOGGING is accessible through the menu system of the control (MENU,
4,3,1). This menu choice turns on/off the logging of tank filling operations. The
choices are enable or disable. Records in the system log.

LID OPENING/CLOSING LOGGING is accessible through the menu system of the

control (MENU, 4,3 2). This menu choice turns on/off the logging of lid openings
and closings. The choices are enable or disable. Records in the system log.

USER ACCESS LOGGING is accessible through the menu system of the control
(MENU, 4,3 3). This menu choice turns on/off the logging of user access codes,
which are requested when the lid is opened. Records in the system log.

Temperature Logging Rates for thermocouple #1 (T/C #1 LOGGING) and

thermocouple #2 (T/C #2 LOGGING) are accessible through the menu system of
the control (MENU, 4,4,1 or MENU, 4,4,2). This menu choice adjusts the rate at
which temperatures are logged for the two thermocouples. The possible choices
are Disabled, 15, 30 minutes, 1,2,4,6,12 or 24 Hours. Records in the
temperature logs.

ERASE LOGS is accessible through the menu system of the control (MENU, 4,5).
This menu choice erases any of the four logs found in the control. Please note
that once a log has been cleared it is gone forever.
ERASE SYSTEM LOGS (MENU, 4,5,1).
ERASE ERROR LOGS (MENU, 4,5,2).
ERASE TEMPERATURE LOG #1 (MENU, 4,5,3).
ERASE TEMPERATURE LOG #2 (MENU, 4,5,4).

Security

The security features of the Kryos control restricts access to certain key features
such as power and the menu system.

The POWER-ON PASSWORD can be set through the menu system of the control
(MENU, 5,1). The power-on password requires entry of a 4 digit password before
turning on or turning off the control. Follow the directions on the display to set a

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 new password or disable a password. Password 9999 is an invalid choice since
this is used to access the procedure to clear the password if it is forgotten.

The MENU PASSWORD can be set through the menu system of the control (MENU,
5,2). The menu password requires entry of a 4 digit password before allowing
access to the menu system to change any control settings. Follow the directions
on the display to set a new password or to disable a password. Password 9999
is an invalid choice since this is used to access the procedure to clear the
password if it is forgotten.

When the menu password is active, it is possible to review all of the control
settings without having the password. When a password is activated and the
user presses the menu key, two choices are available:

1) MENU (PASSWD REQ)

2) CONTROL SETTINGS

By selecting choice #2 the user can go through the menu system and see all of
the settings in the control. In this mode, the user cannot change any settings.

If either the power-on or the menu passwords are forgotten, the user can reset
the password by typing in 9999 when asked for the password. The Kryos will
display an 8-digit number. Call your distributor or Taylor-Wharton with the 8-digit
number to obtain a unique 8-digit number to type into the control. When this
number is entered, the passwords will be cleared and full access to the control is
restored.

User Options

The user options menu choice covers all other control settings not already
covered. These include serial port settings, date and time settings, Lid Settings,
Defog, Quick-chill, Temperature Control, Valve Freeze-guard, Display brightness
and Control Information.

RS-232 SETTINGS can be changed through the menu system of the control
(MENU, 6, 1). These settings can be changed to interface with different types of
data terminal equipment such as printers, computers and modems. If the RS-
232 is enabled the handshaking can be turned on and off. This feature allows
two devices to communicate when sending data. Also the baud rate can be set.
The following speeds can be chosen: 300, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600 or 19200
baud.

TIME AND DATE SET can be changed through the menu system. (MENU, 6,2,1).
The date and time will be set at the factory (Central Time), however, different
time zones will need to adjust this according to their time zone. This control is
Year 2000 compliant and operation will continue uninterrupted into the Millenium.
A coin cell battery backs up the date and time on the control.

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DEFOG TIMER SET can be changed through the menu system of the control (MENU,
6,2,2,1). This is the time interval that the valve is opened when the user presses
the defog button. The possible choices are Disabled through 90 seconds.

LID SWITCH SETUP can be set through the menu system of the control
(MENU,6,2,2,2). This option enables or disables the lid switch.

AUTO DEFOG TIMER SET can be changed through the menu system of the control
(MENU, 6,2,2,3). This option sets the time interval that the valve is opened on an
auto defog (when the lid is opened). The possible choices are Disabled through
90 seconds. The lid switch must be enabled to use this feature.

QUICK CHILL TIMER SET can be changed through the menu system of the control
(MENU, 6,2,2,4). This option sets the time interval that the valve is opened on a
quick chill (when the lid is closed). The possible choices are Disabled through 90
seconds. The lid switch must be enabled to use this feature.

CONTROL BY TEMP can be set through the menu system of the control (MENU,
6,2,3). This option provides that the Kryos will control by temperature around
Thermocouple #1. The Temperature Control menu choices are only available if
thermocouple #1 is enabled.

TEMP CTRL SETTINGS can be set through the menu system of the control (MENU,
6,2,3,2,1). The user can set the temperature that must be maintained in the
freezer around thermocouple #1. The setpoint can be set from –180o to –100o C.

CONTROL RANGE can be set through the menu system of the control (MENU,
6,2,3,2,2). The user can set the acceptable range of temperature around the
control point temperature. The system uses less LN2 to control within a wide
range and more LN2 to control within a tight range. The range can vary from ± 1o
to ± 15o C.

FREEZEGRD OPTIONS can be set through the menu system on the control (MENU,
6,2,4). This allows variables to be set which attempt to prevent the cryogenic
solenoid valve from freezing open.

VALVE OPN DURATION can be set through the menu system of the control (MENU,
6,2,4,1). This is the maximum amount of time that the valve is allowed to stay
open at any one time. If the valve begins to freeze open on long fills, the valve
open duration time should be shortened. The possible options are Disabled, 1-
15 minutes.

VALVE DE-ICING can be set through the menu system of the control (MENU,
6,2,4,2). This option works in conjunction with the freeze-guard sensor. If the
freeze-guard sensor indicates that the valve is stuck open, the control attempts to
free up the valve by quickly attempting to open and close the valve. It will make
this attempt 5 times with a 2 minute time interval between attempts. De-icing is
also attempted if the control senses a high level alarm condition.

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 DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS can be set through the menu system of the control (MENU,
6,3). This option changes the intensity of the display. The possible choices are
25%, 50%, 75% and 100%.

ABOUT THIS CONTROL can be found in the menu system (MENU, 6,4). This option
provides information about the control. In particular it tells the serial number of
the control and the software version that the control is running.

Quick-chill

The QUICK CHILL (MENU, 6,2,2,4) feature provides a burst of LN2 to the freezer to
lower the temperature after the lid has been closed. This is activated through the
lid switch. If the lid switch is deactivated this feature will be disabled. The
choices for quick-chill are Disabled through 90 seconds.

Auto Defog

The AUTO DEFOG (MENU, 6,2,2,3) feature provides a burst of LN2 to the freezer to
clear the fog when the lid has been opened. This is activated through the lid
switch. If the lid switch is deactivated this feature will be disabled. The choices
for auto defog are Disabled through 90 seconds.

Manual Defog

The DEFOG TIMER (MENU, 6,2,2,1) feature provides a burst of LN2 to the freezer to
clear the fog when the user presses the defog button from the front panel. The
choices for this feature are Disabled through 90 seconds.

Splash-Guard

Splash Guard is a process to reduce or eliminate false signals detected by the

thermistor sensor assembly. In particular this reduces sporadic valve operation
when the sensor assembly is splashed with LN2. When a fill operation has
completed because the level has reached the STOP FILL sensor, the display will
flash “Check” and the control will check the validity of the signals received from
the sensor assembly. The splash-guard check occurs for 20 seconds and the
bottom line of the display indicates this by flashing “Check”

Freeze Guard

Freeze Guard is a process designed to reduce the risk of an overfill condition

caused by solenoid valves freezing open. Freeze-guard consists of two options
to reduce the risk of a frozen valve: 1) The maximum valve open duration can
be set by the user. (VALVE OPEN DURATION) 2) The valve can be rapidly turned
on and off trying to free it up (VALVE DE-ICING). Option 2 occurs if either the
optional freeze-guard sensor detects that the valve is stuck open or if the control
goes into a High Alarm. The special “Freeze-guard” sensor assembly includes a
plumbing “T” with an installed thermistor which is placed in the plumbing directly
downstream from the solenoid valve. The control monitors the “freeze-guard”
thermistor and detects if the valve is frozen open.

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 VALVE OPEN DURATION can be accessed through the menu system (MENU,
6,2,4,1). This allows the user to set the maximum amount of time, which the
valve will stay open at any one time. If a fill operation exceeds the valve open
duration time set by the user, the valve closes for 15 seconds and then opens
again for another cycle. The allowable settings are Disabled and 1-15 minutes.

VALVE DE-ICING can be accessed through the menu system (MENU, 6,2,4,2). This
feature can be turned on or off. If enabled, the control will try to free up the valve
by rapidly turning it on and off. This feature is triggered when the freeze-guard
sensor detects a stuck valve or when the control detects a High Alarm condition.
The Kryos will attempt to free up the valve by De-icing 5 times with a two minute
delay between tries.

Valve Monitoring

An optional freeze-guard sensor assembly is available which places a plumbing

“T” with a thermistor directly downstream from the solenoid valve. This
thermistor detects if the valve is frozen open and then takes necessary steps to
attempt to free it up. If the Kryos detects that a flow of LN2 is occurring even
when the solenoid valve is supposedly closed, an error message will appear on
the screen indicating “Valve Stuck Open.” The control waits for 10 seconds after
it determines that the valve should be closed before it will indicate that the valve
is stuck open.

Temperature Control

The Kryos control system can also provide a vapor chamber temperature control
for specimens that must be stored in a particular temperature range. The
temperature control function actually operates in addition to the level control
function. The level control always takes precedence. If the liquid level of LN2 is
maintained between the START FILL sensor and the STOP FILL sensor, the control
attempts to maintain a selected temperature around Thermocouple #1.

CONTROL TEMP can be accessed through the menu system of the control (MENU,
6,2,3,2,1). The Kryos attempts to maintain this temperature within a specified
range around Thermocouple #1. The possible user settings range from –100o to
–180o C.

CONTROL RANGE can be accessed through the menu system of the control (MENU,
6,2,3,2,2). The Kryos maintains a temperature range around the user selected
temperature. A tighter range maintains a temperature very close to the selected
temperature at the cost of greater LN2 usage. A broad range provides more
temperature variability but the LN2 usage is less. The range can be varied from
±1o to ±15o C above and below the selected temperature. The total range
therefore, is between 2o C (1o below and 1o above the selected temperature) and
30o C(15o below and 15o above the selected temperature). When the Kryos is
attempting to control by temperature, it flashes “T.Recov” (Temperature
Recovery) in the center of the bottom line.

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 VALVE ON can be accessed through the menu system of the control (MENU,
6,2,3,2,3). This selection allows the user to adjust the amount of time that the
valve stays open when controlling by temperature. The possible user setting
ranges from .25 seconds to 20.0 seconds in .25 second increments. The control
adjusts automatically to maintain the setting that provides for the most efficient
operation.

VALVE OFF can be accessed through the menu system of the control (MENU,
6,2,3,2,4). This selection allows the user to adjust the amount of time which the
valve stays closed when controlling by temperature. The possible user setting
ranges from 30 seconds to 90 seconds.

User Access Logs

The USER ACCESS LOGS (MENU, 4,3). track all personnel who enter the freezer by
asking for an identification number. Identification numbers range from 00 to 99.
When this feature is enabled, the control asks for an Identification number any
time the lid is opened. An entry is then recorded in the log indicating the time,
date and identification of the person entering the freezer. The user has 30
seconds to enter an ID code (the 30 seconds is counted down on the screen). If
an ID is not entered within the 30 seconds time frame, the log indicates that an
unidentified user accessed the freezer.

Serial Communications
The Kryos control system is designed with a 2-way serial communication feature.
RS-232 (MENU, 6,1) allows the user to configure the serial port to “talk” with other
DTE (Date Terminal Equipment). The control can send data through it’s serial
port to a computer, a printer or a modem. System logs, error logs or temperature
logs are always available for download. In addition to downloading data the
Kryos control can accept commands through the serial port from a remote site.
Control settings can be viewed or changed at any time. Also remote diagnostics
can be performed.

Error Conditions
All error conditions are indicated in the control by a visual alarm (red LED) and
an audible alarm (beeper). The error condition, which caused these alarms, is
displayed on the top line of the screen. Also, if an error condition is not corrected
in a specified amount (user defined) of time, a remote alarm relay is activated.
When the error condition is corrected the visual and audio alarms are
extinguished and the control display returns to its normal mode.

Error ALARMS (MENU, 3) can be disabled and enabled through the menu system
of the control. Also, the logging of each error condition can be enabled and
disabled.

High Temperature Alarm

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 The high temperature alarms are factory set at –100o C. They can be adjusted
between 0 and –190 C. If the temperature on thermocouple #1 or #2 gets
warmer than its associated preset alarm temperature the control will signal an
alarm.

LN2 Supply Alarm

The LN2 SUPPLY ALARM (MENU, 3,3,1) is activated if the liquid level drops below
the START FILL thermistor, the valve opens and the solenoid valve does not close
in the preset amount of time. The default value for Low LN2 Supply Alarm is set
for 15 minutes.

Sensor Error Alarm

The SENSOR ERROR ALARM (MENU, 3,3,2) is activated if the control determines
that a problem exists with the sensor assembly. An open sensor can be
confirmed through the TEST LEVEL SENSORS option in the menu system
(MENU,2,1).

Lid Open Too Long

The LID OPEN TOO LONG (MENU, 3,3,4) error occurs if the lid is opened for a time
period greater then the value set by the user.

Thermocouple Open

The THERMOCOUPLE OPEN (MENU, 3,3,5) error occurs if a thermocouple is

enabled and the control sees an open circuit.

Interface Software
Optional software is available which allows a computer system to communicate
with the Kryos control through the serial port on the freezer. The software
provides the capability to download the logs, review control settings, change
control settings and perform system functions such as open/close the solenoid
valve, mute the alarm etc.

Troubleshooting
The key to troubleshooting your Cryo-storage system is to determine which
component in the system is the source of the problem. Determine if the problem
is occurring in any of the following sub-systems: Supply Vessel, Transfer Line,
Power, Temperature, Level Sensing, Security, Lid Switch, Solenoid Valve,
Control Display, Alarm System, Communications. After determining which sub-
system is having the problem, isolate the problem further by performing sub-
system tests. Once the problem is isolated and defined, it will be easier to solve.

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Factory Settings
To restore factory settings at any time the Kryos control can be re-initialized. Please
note that a re-initilization clears out all of the logs and the passwords and resets settings
to those listed in the table below. To reset factory settings in the control, go to the menu
choice ABOUT THIS CONTROL (MENU, 6,4) and while looking at this screen type in 1973.
The control will lead you through the process required to reset the factory settings.

Temperature: Alarms:
Thermocouple #1 Enabled LN2 Supply Alarm 30 minutes
Thermocouple #2 Disabled Sensor Error Enabled
Hi Temp #1 Alarm -100o C Remote Alarm 30 minutes
Hi Temp #2 Alarm -100o C Lid Open Too Long 10 minutes
Level Control: Thermocouple Open Alarm Enabled
Offset 0 inches Security:
START FILL Sensor 3 inches Power On Password Disabled
STOP FILL Sensor 6 inches Menu Password Disabled
Sensor Assembly 8 sensor Logging:
System: Sensor Error Log Enabled
RS-232 Enabled Low LN2 Supply Log Enabled
Handshaking CTS/RTS Remote Alarm Log Enabled
Baud Rate 19200 Open Thermocouple Log Enabled
Date & Time Central Time Hi Temp #1 Log Enabled
Brightness 100% Hi Temp #2 Log Enabled
Defog Timer 15 seconds Fill Logging Enabled
Lid Switch Enabled Lid Open/Closed Log Enabled
Auto Defog Timer 15 seconds User Access Log Disabled
Quick-chill 15 seconds Thermocouple #1 Rate Log Disabled
Temperature Control: Thermocouple #2 Rate Log Disabled
Temperature Control Disabled Freeze-Guard:
Temperature -150o C Valve Open Duration Disabled
Temperature Range ± 2o C Valve De-icing Enabled
Valve On Varies with range
Valve Off 45 seconds

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Specifications
Configurations: Designed for the Taylor-Wharton Cryostorage Systems
10K, 20K, and 38K and Kryos freezers
Power Supply: 24 VAC, 40 VA - Standard
16.5 VAC, 40 VA with Battery Backup Option

Sensor Assembly: 4-Thermistor Assembly - Optional

8-Thermistor Assembly - Standard
Freeze-guard Assembly - Optional

Thermocouples: Operates with none, 1 or 2 Type T Thermocouples

(1 piece standard)

Solenoid Valve: Any 24 VAC cryogenic solenoid valve - Standard

Optional 12 VDC solenoid valve for use on battery backup

Control Type: Liquid Level Control or

Liquid Level Control with Temperature Control

Security: Keyless entry via 4 digit password

Power On/Off Password
Menu Access Password

Alarms: Activates an audible and a visual alarm.

Description of the alarm condition displays on front panel
Activates remote alarm after user defined delay

Diagnostics: Circuit diagnostics at start-up

Sensor diagnostics from front panel
Thermocouple diagnostics from front panel
Manual Test for audible, visual and remote alarms

Temp. Calibration: Automatic calibration from the front panel.

Communications: RS-232 Serial Port for 2-way communications

Logging Capacity: System Logs (4096 events)

Alarm Logs (4096 events)
Temperature logs (32,768 events)

Battery: A CR2032 coin cell battery is used to back up time/date

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Menu System:
1. Temperature
1.1 Thermocouple Select
1.2 Calibrate Temperature
1.3 Test Temperature System
2. Level Sensing
2.1 Test Level Sensors
2.2 Set Sensors Offset
2.3 Sensor Positions
2.3.1 Start Fill
2.3.2 Stop Fill
2.4 Sensor Type
3. Alarms
3.1 High-Temp Alarm #1
3.2 High-Temp Alarm #2
3.3 System Alarms
3.3.1 LN2 Supply Alarm
3.3.2 Sensor Error Alarm
3.3.3 Remote Alarm Timer
3.3.4 Lid Open Too Long
3.3.5 Thermocouple Alarm
3.4 Test Alarms
3.4.1 Test Audible
3.4.2 Test Visual
3.4.3 Test Remote
4. Logging
4.1 Dump Logs
4.1.1 Dump System Logs
4.1.2 Dump Error Logs
4.1.3 Dump Temp Log #1
4.1.4 Dump Temp Log #2
4.2 Error Logs
4.2.1 Sensor Error Logging
4.2.2 Low Supply Logging
4.2.3 Remote Alarm Logging
4.2.4 Open Thermocouple Logging
4.2.5 High Temperature Alarm Logging #1
4.2.6 High Temperature Alarm Logging #2
4.3 System Logs
4.3.1 Fill Logging
4.3.2 Lid Action Logging
4.3.3 User Access Logs
4.4 Temperature Logs
4.4.1 Thermocouple #1 Log Rate
4.4.2 Thermocouple #2 Log Rate
4.5 Erase Logs
4.5.1 Erase System Logs
4.5.2 Erase Error Logs
4.5.3 Erase Temperature Log #1

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 4.5.4 Erase Temperature Log #2
5. Security
5.1 Power-On Password
5.2 Menu Password
6. User Options
6.1 RS-232 Settings
6.1.1 Disable RS-232
6.1.2 Set Up RS-232
6.1.2.1 Toggle Handshaking
6.1.2.2 Setting the Baud
6.2 Control Options
6.2.1 Date & Time
6.2.2 Lid/Defog Settings
6.2.2.1 Defog Timer
6.2.2.2 Lid Switch Setup
6.2.2.3 Auto Defog
6.2.2.4 Quick Chill
6.2.3 Control By Temperature
6.2.3.1 Disable Temperature Control
6.2.3.2 Temperature Control Settings
6.2.3.2.1 Control Temperature
6.2.3.2.2 Control Range
6.2.3.2.3 Valve On Time (Temporary)
6.2.3.2.4 Valve Off Time (Temporary)
6.2.4 Freeze-guard Options
6.2.4.1 Valve Open Duration
6.2.4.2 Valve De-icing
6.3 Display Brightness
6.4 About this Control

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