Cooling requirements are widespread in both the industrial and commercial sectors. Cooling is generally split into two categories:
Process cooling
This type of cooling is applied when accurate and constant control of temperature within a process is required. Chillers are commonly used to remove heat from a process due to their ability to provide cooling capacity regardless of changes to the ambient temperature, heat load and flow requirements of the application.
Comfort cooling/climate control
This type of cooling technology regulates the temperature and humidity in a space. The technology is generally simple and used for cooling rooms, electrical cabinets or other places where temperature control does not have to be precise and constant. Air conditioning units fall into this technology group.
What is process cooling?
In its most simplistic form, process cooling can be defined as the removal of unwanted heat from a process. Removal of the unwanted heat is often necessary to ensure the process continues in a safe, efficient and reliable manner.
Why process cooling?
In many industrial processes, the heat load must be carefully managed. Different aspects of the overall application may require cooling.
Key cooling areas include:
- Direct cooling of a product
- Plastic during the moulding process
- Metal products during machining
- Cooling a specific process
- Fermentation of beer and lager
- Chemical reaction vessels
- Machine cooling
- Hydraulic circuit and gearbox cooling
- Welding and laser cutting machinery
- Treatment ovens
In many processes, the integrity of the final product and the process itself are reliant on precise heat management.
The key drivers for a cooling requirement are to
- Improve the efficiency of a process.
- Enhance the quality of the finished products.
- Prevent product spoilage caused by overheating.
- Increase the speed of production (reduce cooling lag time / prevent over-heating).
- Reduce wear and damage to machinery, reducing maintenance costs.
- Improve process safety.
Why use chillers for process cooling?
Process chillers, such as Parker's range of production process chillers, can be integrated with ease into most applications. A process chiller utilises a refrigeration circuit to remove the heat load passed onto the cooling fluid (water or glycol mix) returning from the application.
Watch how our Hyperchill Process Chiller for precision cooling works in this video:
The ability of a process chiller to operate across a range of ambient conditions at variable loads make them ideal for delivering efficient process cooling. Advantages of using chillers for process cooling include:
- Maintain constant and precise control of the process temperature.
- Cooling fluid can be delivered directly to the application heat source.
- Cooling is independent of the ambient conditions.
- Minimise potential contamination of the process through closed-loop water circuit.
- Cooling fluid is recirculated reducing waste and cost.
- Modular design offering expansion options.
- High heat exchange capacity.
- Water is readily available and a low-cost resource in most industries.
- Potential to integrate into existing free cooling systems.
Why Parker?
Parker Hyperchill Plus (ICEP) and Hyperchill (ICE) chillers can deliver cooling capacity from 1.7 to 760 kW. The chillers are suitable for internal and external installations. Water and air-cooled condenser versions can be supplied with a range of power supply, UL stamp for North America. The range is versatile with numerous options available delivering full flexibility to meet the exacting cooling needs in all industrial applications.
Each individual Hyperchill and Hyperchill Plus unit is extensively tested to guarantee efficient operation and reliability under all working conditions. Key benefits include:
- Stable chiller operation and cooling conditions
- Maintains the cleanliness and quality of the cooling fluid.
- Improved efficiency and productivity of industrial processes.
- Economical and environmentally friendly.
- Safe and reliable.
Conclusion
Process cooling is required in a range of industries, from food and beverage to industrial manufacturing to medical. The ability of chillers to operate across a range of ambient conditions at variable loads make them ideal for delivering efficient process cooling. 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.
Parker Purpose
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.
View the interactive for detailed information on the chilling process, chiller solutions, operation and system design
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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