Do you know about the classification and daily maintenance of chillers?
Release Date:
2019-11-28
Do you know about the classification and daily maintenance of chillers?
Chillers are widely used in industries such as plastics, metalworking, and chemical processing. With many types available, selecting the right chiller for your needs and understanding its various models and maintenance requirements can help optimize your production. Below, we’ll outline the different categories of chillers and provide guidance on their daily upkeep.
I. Classification of Chillers
1. Classified by enclosure type: there are two types—open‑type and sealed‑type chillers.
(1) Open-ended
They are typically installed outside the workshop for ease of maintenance, but their aesthetic appeal is limited.
(2) Sealed type
The cabinet design is easy to install and use, with an attractive appearance, making it quite popular among today’s customer base.
2. Classified by condensation method: There are mainly two types—water-cooled chillers and air-cooled chillers.
(1) Water-cooled type
The chiller is connected to an external cooling water system, which removes the heat from the refrigerant in the condenser.
(2) Air-cooled type
The chiller is equipped with a cooling fan that removes heat from the refrigerant in the condenser.
3. Classified according to the type of evaporator: there are two types—submerged‑type and shell‑and‑tube‑type.
(1) Submersible type
The evaporator is immersed in the water tank to achieve cooling, while a water pump circulates the water from the tank.
(2) Shell-and-tube type
The evaporator is designed as a long cylindrical tank, and a water pump draws water from the reservoir and injects it into the evaporator to achieve cooling.
4. Classified according to compressor type: there are piston chillers, screw chillers, and centrifugal chillers.
(1) Piston-type refrigeration
Piston-type refrigeration compressors offer advantages such as multi-cylinder configuration, high speed, variable capacity, and high thermal efficiency, making them suitable for a wide range of refrigerants. However, they also have drawbacks, including a relatively complex structure, numerous wear parts, short maintenance intervals, pulsating vibrations, and poor operational stability.
(2) Screw-type
It employs original imported-brand screw-type refrigeration compressors, which feature a simple structure, few wear parts, compact size, light weight, high single-unit compression ratio, and high cooling capacity. These compressors also offer extended maintenance intervals, smooth operation, and a long service life.
(3) Centrifugal type
Centrifugal compressors are used, with electricity as the power source. The refrigerant, typically Freon, evaporates in the evaporator, absorbing heat from the chilled water to achieve cooling. These compressors feature high impeller speeds, large air delivery rates, and substantial cooling capacities per unit.
5. Based on operating temperature, chillers can be classified into standard water chillers (5–35°C), low-temperature water chillers (−20 to −35°C), and low-temperature oil chillers (−60°C).
Different industries have varying requirements for chiller operation, and the wide range of chiller types available can meet the procurement needs of each sector.
II. Daily Maintenance of Chillers
1. We recommend using distilled or purified water. Tap water has a high calcium and magnesium content, making it hard and prone to forming sediment.
2. Ensure adequate ventilation in the environment and keep the inlet and outlet vents of the chiller unobstructed to maintain smooth heat dissipation.
3. Ensure that the power supply frequency is compatible and that the power supply is functioning properly, including stable voltage and current levels.
4. Regularly inspect and replace the cooling water to ensure the chiller operates only when water is present.
5. Perform regular oil maintenance to ensure the smooth operation of mechanical components such as wheel axles.
6. Regularly remove and clean the cold-water dust filter and the condenser to ensure optimal heat dissipation.
7. Conduct regular data logging; the data can provide a clear indication of whether the machinery is operating normally or not, and any anomalies should be reported promptly.
The above outlines the classification and routine maintenance of chillers; we hope this information proves helpful.
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Zhejiang Loda Refrigeration Technology Co., Ltd.
Phone:0571-88587986 88543696 88543697
Address: Xiayang Village, Xiazhuhu Subdistrict, Deqing County, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province
Fax: 0571-88526093