Lainox CYCLE DURATION

What does Lainox CYCLE DURATION mean?

The CYCLE DURATION alarm is a HACCP alarm raised when a temperature-based chilling or deep-freezing cycle does not reach its target within the maximum allowed time. The controller stores the alarm in its HACCP log and activates the alarm relay. It indicates the unit could not pull the product down to temperature fast enough, which is a food-safety concern governed by parameters r5 and r6.

Symptoms

• CYCLE DURATION alarm message appears on the controller.
• A chilling or deep-freezing cycle exceeds its maximum allowed time without finishing.
• Product has not reached target core temperature in time.
• The alarm is stored in the HACCP log.
• The alarm relay output is activated.

Common causes

• Overloaded cell or product portions too large/dense to chill in time.
• Refrigeration system underperforming (compressor, charge, or condenser).
• Warm starting product temperature beyond the cycle's capability.
• Dirty condenser or restricted airflow reducing capacity.
• Maximum-duration parameters r5 or r6 set too short for the load.

Diagnostic steps

1. 01

   Check parameters r5 and r6

   As the manual directs, verify the value of parameters r5 and r6 (the maximum cycle durations) to confirm they are appropriate for the product and load.

2. 02

   Review the load

   Confirm the cell was not overloaded and that product portion size and starting temperature were within the appliance's chilling capability.

3. 03

   Inspect condenser and airflow

   Check that the condenser is clean and airflow is unobstructed, since reduced cooling capacity slows the cycle and triggers the alarm.

4. 04

   Review the HACCP log

   Because the event is stored as a HACCP alarm, review the log and assess the food-safety status of any product from the incomplete cycle.

When to call a professional

If the load and parameters were correct but cycles still overrun, the refrigeration system is likely underperforming and needs a technician to check the compressor, refrigerant charge, and condenser. Treat affected product per your food-safety procedures, since an incomplete chill is a HACCP concern, and arrange qualified service to restore the unit's rated chilling capacity.