Chiller or water cooling systems are used for temperature control in many applications, from industrial manufacturing to food and beverage to commercial applications for hospitals and medical. In many cases, the integrity of the final product and the process itself are reliant on precise heat management to ensure quality as well as safe, efficient and reliable operation. Operations managers and engineers will select and install a process chiller system for precision cooling of low viscosity and industrial cooling fluids.
Featuring a unique design, Parker's range of Hyperchill water chillers provide precise and highly accurate temperature control of cooling fluids (water, water-glycol mixture, low viscosity fluids). High-quality components in the hydraulic and refrigerant circuits ensure continuous operation and deliver energy efficiency, even at partial loads, resulting in cost savings and carbon footprint reduction for an improved environment.
When designing a cooling system, a number of variables must be evaluated. The chiller location, positioning and distance from the application are important considerations. The application type and the number of chillers needed to serve a process also have a bearing on the system design.
Parker's engineers share the following key points that facilities managers should consider for the successful installation and performance of a chiller and cooling system:
The location and positioning of the chiller is critical for achieving and maintaining the correct cooling performance. In general, most of the chiller range can be located both internally or externally. Parker's Hyperchill and Hyperchill Plus range of precision water chillers offer a robust and reliable cooling solution whether internal or external locations. Reviewing rating is part of our recommended guidelines:
Chiller models ICEP002, ICEP003 & ICEP005 have an Ingress Protection (IP) rating of 33 and must be located and installed internally.
Hyperchill Plus models from ICEP007 and above possess an IP54 rating and are suitable for installation both internally and externally. This is also the case for the Hyperchill product range.
Ventilation around the chiller is essential for maintaining system performance. The fundamental purpose of the chiller is to remove a heat load from the water circuit to the local atmosphere. If the local environment is inadequately ventilated, heat will build up in the circuit and the chiller will sound an alarm. Consider the following:
Exposing a water-cooled system to low temperatures can result in frost damage to the chiller and water circuit. Frost protection should be considered in the following circumstances:
1. Include the antifreeze heating option in the chiller specification.
2. Addition of antifreeze (ethylene glycol) solution to the cooling water.
In instances where a chilled water temperature of < 7oC (45oF) is required, an antifreeze solution must be added to the cooling process water.
The table below provides guidance on the glycol % required to meet specific outlet water temperatures:
When using ethylene glycol in the chilled water system, it is important to consider these 6 key factors:
When designing the complete chilled water circuit, these points should be followed:
The appropriate water fill kit should be selected based on the chiller installation requirements. The following options are available:
This option allows for the installation of the chiller in a closed water circuit. The kit contains an expansion vessel, pressure relief valve, pressure reducing valve, pressure gauge and drain cock.
The chiller can be configured with the water fill kit already installed. Alternatively, the kit can be supplied separately to the chiller.
NOTE: After commissioning, the main water supply can be isolated locally.
The ambient water fill kit can be used in open water circuit systems. The fill options are:
Electrical work should be undertaken by a qualified technician. Please review the manual prior to completing the electrical commissioning of the chiller and follow these guidelines:
The Hyperchill range has the option to include remote control. The chiller can be controlled remotely through two control levels:
Please consult the operation and maintenance guide and follow the appropriate steps. Fundamental checks include:
Parker Hyperchill water chillers maintain maximum quality and cleanliness of the cooling fluid, resulting in improved process efficiency and productivity as well as reduced maintenance costs and downtime. Following the above recommendations from Parker's engineers will ensure the successful installation and performance of a Hyperchill water cooling system.
After more than a century of experience serving our customers, Parker is often called to the table for the collaborations that help to solve the most complex engineering challenges. We help them bring their ideas to light. We are a trusted partner, working alongside our customers to enable technology breakthroughs that change the world for the better.
This post was contributed by James Brown, compressed air and gas treatment/analytical gas sales manager and Filippo Turra, product manager, Parker Gas Separation and Filtration Division EMEA
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