Selecting a Packaged Standalone Chiller
Appropriate Installation, Sizing, Liquid Medium and Controls are Necessary for Successful Integration of a New Packaged Chiller
— Article Written by Adam Wells of Pfannenberg USA —
Calculate Systems Size
Correct selection and sizing of the liquid chiller system for a given application can make a significant difference in reducing startup waste, achieving higher quality applications, increasing product output, and improving profitability. Calculating the size of the liquid chiller system using correct application details is critical to achieving accurate process cooling with a liquid chiller. What’s more, users should never assume that an existing installation with comparable application details has been effectively sized. Sizing parameters should be determined by performing a thorough calculation of the process load conditions to ensure the correct cooling and pump capacities are selected. It is essential to understand that the cooling loads will fluctuate depending on the materials used and complexity of the manufacturing. Therefore, the size or capacity of a liquid chiller system must be designed to accommodate the varying workloads and ambient conditions that affect the system.
Typical sizing questions required for accuracy include equipment ambient conditions, type, and size of equipment to be cooled, process temperature required, inlet/outlet quantity and size of lines, liquid medium, and control requirements. These will all influence the end cooling result.
Understanding the Liquid Medium
Control accuracy of the liquid set point within fractions of a degree is possible with the correct system. Pfannenberg offers compact and energy efficient designs that allow for control of processes in limited spaces and reduced operating costs. Cooling processes can be handled with any one of three different mediums: water, water/glycol, or heat transfer oil. Which fluid type selected depends on the temperature the system must achieve, cooling loads, and process requirements like flow capabilities, cycle times, material, etc. In cases where pure water is not a usable medium for the application, glycol and heat transfer oil can be utilized partially to create a water-based emulsion. Cooling capacity correction factors must be made if glycol or heat transfer oil will be utilized.
Determine Appropriate Controls
Liquid cooling demands accuracy and reliability for temperature stabilization, while operators need easy-to-use and highly visible controls and indicating lights. Pfannenberg chillers offer microprocessor-based controls that provide control performance, visibility to operators, and are configurable to meet specific application needs. A variety of control features including flow/pressure alarms, ambient temperature alarms and remote communication options are available to ensure optimal and desired results.
Plan System Installation Carefully
Plan to install a new chiller system is in an area that provides adequate space and ventilation, for indoor installation, or has adequate features, for outdoor installation (i.e. concrete pad, environmental coverings, etc.). Understanding the environment, the chiller will be placed in, as well as the length and size of the plumbing run, can drastically affect the overall performance of a chiller as well as disqualify it from use. High ambient and/or outdoor applications, caustic and washdown environments and electrical voltage issues are some examples of these conditions. Before installing or starting up any liquid chiller system, first read the manufacturer’s instruction manual and follow their installation/startup procedures carefully and complete an inspection of all electrical and mechanical components of the system.
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