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ALL YOUR REFRIGERATION

NEEDS

From Residential To

Industrial

www.ammoniarefrigerationnsw.com.au/

Copyright 2012

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Table Of Contents

What Are The Most Environment-Friendly Coolant 3 Options For Commercial Refrigeration?

Commercial Refrigeration Sydney: Types Of 4 Environment-Friendly Coolants

Coolants For Industrial Refrigeration: Ammonia And 6

Carbon Dioxide

Ammonia Refrigeration: The Pros And Cons 8

Commercial Refrigeration: Australia Companies’ 10

Coolant Options In Today’s Eco-Friendly Business World

Industrial Refrigeration: Australia Expert Tips In 11

Choosing The Right Refrigerant

Coolant Properties For Industrial Refrigeration Systems 13

Why Choose Ammonia Refrigeration Australia 15

Companies List Three Reasons Why

Why CO2 Refrigeration Works As A Good Alternative 16

How To Choose The Right Industrial Chillers 18

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What Are The Most

Environment-Friendly Coolant

Options For Commercial

Refrigeration?

The refrigerator is perhaps one of the most

useful inventions that man has ever created.

Its impact on human life is not limited to

preserving food; commercial refrigeration

has made it possible for man to make progress in the fields of science,

technology, human health, and even culture and leisure. However, all these

advances came with a price: coolants that were commonly used in the past, such

as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), have resulted in massive damage to the

environment.

The ozone layer, the protective layer of the atmosphere that helps keep harmful

radiation from reaching the earth, now has a sizeable hole because of the ozone

depleting action of early refrigerants. And as one of the biggest consumers of

energy, the refrigeration industry has also contributed to greenhouse gas

production, and consequently, global warming. Companies that wish to make use

of refrigeration systems for business should make it a point to use only the most

environment-friendly coolants. But what are the better coolant options for

commercial refrigeration systems?

There are actually two naturally occurring substances that are now being

advertised as the most eco-friendly coolants, and the first is ammonia. This

natural gas has been given a zero rating for both Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP)

and Global Warming Potential (GWP). This means that it does not act as a

greenhouse gas, nor can it destroy the integrity of the ozone layer, making it one

of the most eco-friendly coolants that can be used for commercial refrigeration.

Besides being safe for the environment, ammonia is also relatively safe for

humans to use. At low concentrations, it does not have any negative health

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effects. It can be poisonous at higher concentrations, however, but its distinct

smell makes it easy to detect before any damage to human health is made.

Ammonia as a refrigerant not only helps preserve the health of the environment

and the humans that live in it; it also helps manufacturers and users save money.

Because it is a naturally occurring substance, it is incredibly inexpensive. And

because it requires narrower pipes for it to function, it helps manufacturers save

on construction costs. Lastly, ammonia can boast of one of the most energy

efficient heat transfer profiles, resulting in less electricity needed to run the

system, and thus smaller energy bills.

Carbon dioxide, on the other hand, is

another naturally occurring

substance that is being widely used

in commercial refrigeration these

days. Although it is known as a

greenhouse gas, it only acts as such

when released into the

environment. Refrigeration systems

using carbon dioxide cannot harm

the environment so long as they do

not have leaks and are well-designed. This kind of refrigerant is also incredibly

cheap, making it one of the safest and inexpensive coolant options for industrial

purposes.

Commercial Refrigeration Sydney: Types Of

Environment-Friendly Coolants

These days, it’s quite popular among consumers to be more conscientious when it

comes to products that they support, particularly when it comes to how these

products affect the environment. Because of the growing awareness of the

human race’s effects on the Earth, more and more people are supporting natural

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alternatives to common practices. These include gardening and buying produce

from organic farmers instead of purchasing mass-produced products that utilise

harmful methods, avoiding plastic bags and encouraging the use of reusable bags

during shopping, and even choosing natural products instead of commercially

produced alternatives. Because consumers are now being more responsible with

regard to their product choices, shouldn’t major companies also do the same?

The answer is yes. For commercial refrigeration, Sydney experts suggest the use

of two naturally-occurring chemicals as coolants: carbon dioxide and ammonia.

While carbon dioxide is indeed better

known as a major greenhouse gas

contributor, its effects on the

environment are far less than those of

refrigerants used in the past, such as

chlorofluorocarbons. In addition to its

low Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP)

and Global Warming Potential (GWP),

its effects are actually only evident if it

is released into it. As such, well-

designed and leak-proof refrigeration

systems utilising this substance as a

coolant are not necessarily harmful.

Using carbon dioxide as a coolant for commercial refrigeration, Sydney experts

say, is also beneficial in that it is widely available and consequently, incredibly

cheap. The low expense that comes with using carbon dioxide as a coolant is

further enhanced by its properties. It works best under high pressures, and as

such, refrigeration systems utilising carbon dioxide have to be designed with

smaller pipes. Smaller pipes mean using less construction material, which

ultimately translates to less construction costs. These savings can be further

improved by carbon dioxide’s heat transfer qualities: it has a high volumetric

cooling capacity and heat transfer, which means that it is more energy efficient

than other coolant options and thus needs less electricity to operate. Of course,

less electricity used means smaller power bills.

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Ammonia, on other hand, is another environment-friendly coolant for commercial

refrigeration Sydney experts recommend. Like carbon dioxide, it has a very low

ODP and GWP rating — zero, in fact. This means that it has absolutely no

potential to damage the ozone layer and that it does not contribute to global

warming. Being a natural chemical, it can also be recycled by the environment.

Savings from the use of ammonia in refrigeration are also massive, just like with

the use of carbon dioxide. It also requires compact systems, which leads to less

construction costs, and it has a heat transfer profile far superior to any refrigerant

used in the past. All these qualities make ammonia and carbon dioxide suitable

for high-grade commercial refrigeration. Sydney companies who wish to

participate in the green movement would do well to use these refrigerants in

their cooling systems.

Coolants For Industrial Refrigeration: Ammonia And

Carbon Dioxide

With the green movement in full

swing, companies that use industrial

refrigeration are given the

responsibility to choose only the

most eco-friendly coolants for their

systems. Gone are the days of using

hydrochlorofluorocarbons and

chlorofluorocarbons, coolants that

are better known as HFCs and CFCs,

for commercial and large-scale

refrigeration. These days, the most commonly used refrigerants include ammonia

and carbon dioxide, two naturally-occurring substances that are gaining stellar

reputations in the field of refrigeration.

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Carbon dioxide, despite its infamy as the most prevalent greenhouse gas, is

actually a far safer coolant for industrial refrigeration than those that were used

in the past. In fact, early refrigerants, such as HCFCs and CFCs, possess Ozone

Depletion Potentials (ODP) and Global Warming Potentials (GWP) that are

thousands of times higher than those of carbon dioxide. As such, any leaks from

old refrigerators using these coolants will have worse consequences on the health

of the environment than leaks from an industrial refrigeration system that uses

carbon dioxide as a coolant.

Carbon dioxide also possesses one of the most

impressive heat transfer profiles, making it more

energy efficient than past coolants. This property

lets users save on energy bills since less electricity

is used to run the cooling system. Money savings

with using carbon dioxide as a refrigerant is also

enhanced by another property: its efficiency in

high pressure systems. This quality means that

the refrigerator system has to be designed to

create high pressures. Smaller pipes are used in

carbon dioxide systems, and smaller pipes

translate to less construction material used. Less

materials ultimately means that construction

costs for carbon dioxide refrigeration systems are

much lower than those utilising other coolants.

Ammonia, on the other hand, is similar to carbon dioxide in that it has very low

impact on the environment — in fact, with both an ODP and GWP of zero, it

actually has no impact at all. This quality makes it one of the safest, if not the

safest, coolants in industrial refrigeration systems. In addition to its low impact,

ammonia can also boast of a heat transfer profile that is superior to coolants in

the past; just like carbon dioxide, using this in commercial refrigeration boosts

energy savings. It also operates well under pressure, further reducing expenses on

construction.

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Both carbon dioxide and ammonia are considered safe for humans to work with,

especially since they both occur naturally. Of course, in high concentrations, both

can have toxic effects on human health, but there are ways to avoid these.

Ammonia is a light gas with a distinctive smell, and any leak from the system can

be easily detected because of this smell. It also rises up into the atmosphere so it

is easily dissipated. Carbon dioxide, on the other hand, is heavier than air and

tends to sink. Any leak from a system will be confined to low-lying spaces, so

companies that want to ensure safety of their personnel should take advantage of

this property.

Ammonia Refrigeration:

The Pros And Cons

The invention of cooling systems has

made it possible for man to enjoy

many advances. What’s more, the

scope of these benefits is indeed very

wide. In the field of science or

technology, for example, refrigeration

systems have enabled people to

perform delicate experiments involving live tissues from plants or animals that

may have been lost to warmer temperatures. These methods for cooling have

also been a boon to the pharmaceutical industry, allowing drug manufacturers to

create and preserve medicines to benefit human health. Even leisure and culture

have been enhanced by refrigeration systems — ice cream, wine, off season skiing

and year-round hockey and ice skating would not have been possible were it not

for these modern cooling methods.

But while refrigeration did truly improve many aspects of human life, it also came

with drastic effects on the environment. Years of damage to the ozone layer and

human health have inspired refrigerator manufacturers to seek better coolants,

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and one of the most widely used coolants these days is ammonia. Refrigeration

using this substance is touted to be one of the safest and most cost-effective.

Ammonia, a chemical that is comprised

of one nitrogen and three hydrogen

atoms, is a naturally occurring substance

that is said to have no negative effects

on the environment. It has an Ozone

Depletion Potential (ODP) rating of 0 and

a Global Warming Potential (GWP) rating

of 0. These ratings mean that ammonia

will not contribute to the damage to the

ozone layer, nor does it act like a

greenhouse gas, making it one of the

most environment-friendly refrigeration

coolants that can be used.

In addition, ammonia refrigeration requires higher pressures and narrower pipes

for it to be effective in cooling. This quality makes it possible for manufacturers to

save money on construction costs since less material will be used. This quality also

enables refrigerator makers to create compact cooling systems that can fit in

smaller spaces.

Besides requiring less material for construction, ammonia is also one of the most

inexpensive coolants. The savings that come with using ammonia as a refrigerant,

however, doesn’t stop with less construction costs: ammonia has one of the most

efficient heat transfer qualities, and being such, it requires less electricity to

operate, helping reduce energy costs overall.

Ammonia may appear to be the perfect refrigerant, but ammonia refrigeration

still comes with a few setbacks. For instance, this coolant is not compatible with

copper, and thus cannot be used for systems with copper pipes. Another

disadvantage is that ammonia can be toxic in very high concentrations. However,

it remains relatively safe because its scent is highly distinct and can be detected

even at very low concentrations.

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Commercial Refrigeration: Australia Companies’

Coolant Options In Today’s Eco-Friendly Business World

With the advent of social media and the Internet, it has become much easier for

environmental groups to share their views regarding the world. As such, more

and more people are becoming aware of the problems that industrialisation has

brought upon the environment. Because of this increasing awareness, today’s

entrepreneur is faced with major responsibilities. Companies that make use of

commercial refrigeration, Australia experts on the environment say, must make

the right choice of coolant, especially since refrigerants have played a part in the

development of two of the biggest environmental issues that Earth is dealing with

today: the hole in the ozone layer and global warming.

In the past, refrigerators used coolants such as CFC, HCFC and HFC. Unbeknownst

to most people back then, these chemicals are highly destructive to the ozone

layer, a protective layer in the atmosphere that absorbs much of the harmful

ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Ozone-depleting coolants break down ozone

and produce oxygen instead, and a single molecule of these chemicals can

actually break down thousands of ozone molecules in the atmosphere, eventually

forming the large hole in the ozone layer. On the other hand, widespread

refrigeration has contributed to global

warming because of the massive consumption

of energy by this technology. The energy used

to power commercial refrigerators, Australia

experts state, is created by burning fossil

fuels, which eventually releases greenhouse

gases in the atmosphere. These greenhouse

gases reflect heat back to the Earth, raising

global temperatures.

What are the eco-friendly coolants that

companies can use for commercial

refrigeration? Australia refrigeration

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companies have a variety of refrigerant options, and two chemicals that are fast

gaining in popularity are ammonia and carbon dioxide. These two substances

both occur naturally: ammonia, a colourless gas that has a pungent smell, is the

by-product of the putrefaction process and is present in large quantities in the

atmosphere, while carbon dioxide, a colourless and odourless gas, is a by-product

of respiration. Being naturally-occurring compounds, these two are easy to source

and thus come with very low price tags.

In addition to being inexpensive, ammonia and carbon dioxide are also highly

energy efficient. Both have truly outstanding heat transfer profiles, and thus less

electricity is needed to run ammonia and carbon dioxide refrigerators. They also

require high pressure systems for them to achieve maximum effect, and thus

systems using these two are created using smaller pipes. Smaller pipes mean that

less is expended on construction, helping companies save money.

Of course, the greatest merit of these two chemicals is that they have low

potentials for ozone depletion and global warming. Carbon dioxide is thousands

of times less destructive than fluorocarbons, while ammonia has, in fact, no

impact on the atmosphere at all. Companies that need industrial-grade

refrigeration will benefit from using either one of these two coolants; not only are

ammonia and carbon dioxide healthier alternatives for the environment, they also

help reduce power and construction expenditures.

Industrial Refrigeration: Australia Expert Tips In

Choosing The Right Refrigerant

The cooling system in a refrigerator is perhaps one of the most significant

inventions man has created. This technology, which is now a common fixture in

society, has made a great impact not only in the field of food storage, but also in

medicine, science, technology, and even in leisure and culture. Refrigerators are

used now in both small-scale applications in the home, to large-scale storage in

industrial facilities. However, it is important to note the differences between

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refrigerators for residential use and

industrial refrigeration. Australia

experts state that the choice in

refrigerant for each depends on a

multitude of factors, including the size

of the machine to be used, safety

measures, and even the area to be

refrigerated.

There are many qualities that

refrigerator owners must consider when choosing coolants for commercial

refrigeration or simple domestic use. The first among these properties is the

boiling point of the refrigerant. Generally, substances with a boiling point that is

below the target temperature are ideal for cooling, while those with a higher

boiling point are more efficient in smaller systems. The boiling point is critical

since this determines how easily the refrigerant can turn into a vapour and thus,

absorb heat and create a lower temperature. Along with a low boiling point, a

good refrigerant should also have a high latent heat of vaporisation. This quality

indicates how much heat the refrigerant must absorb before turning into vapour.

Another refrigerant quality that must be considered is safety, and this involves

two properties: toxicity and flammability. With regard to toxicity, refrigerants are

classified into Class A (no toxicity in concentrations less than 400 parts per

million) and Class B (with toxicity

detected). Flammability of

refrigerants, on the other hand, is

separated into three classes: Class 1

(completely non-flammable), Class 2

(moderately flammable) and Class 3

(highly flammable). Ideally, a

refrigerant should be non-toxic and

non-flammable. Refrigerators for

residential use generally come with

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Class A and Class 1 coolants, while commercial refrigeration can make use of

higher class refrigerants because commercial entities usually employ stricter

safety measures.

Colour and odour should also be considered when installing refrigerators.

Refrigerants are generally colourless and odourless, but users may add colour or

use a refrigerant with a distinct smell (such as ammonia) for easy detection of

leaks.

Lastly, companies that will make use of industrial refrigeration need to consider

the stability of the refrigerant to be used. A good coolant should be stable; this

means that it should not react with any component of the cooling system, nor

should it decompose under the various pressures and temperatures of the

system. Such a quality ensures that the cooling system can be used for extended

periods without frequent repair or replacement of parts and equipment.

Coolant Properties For

Industrial Refrigeration

Systems

Refrigeration involves absorbing heat

in a system to create lower

temperatures. The principle of cooling

is the same in all systems, whether it’s

in a refrigerator for domestic use or

industrial refrigeration systems for commercial purposes. However, there are

fundamental differences between small-scale and large-scale cooling systems,

such as the area to be covered and safety measures in place. And because of

these differences, a different kind of coolant should be used for each. The choice

in refrigerant depends on a lot of properties, including boiling point, latent heat of

vaporisation, toxicity, flammability, colour and odour, as well as stability.

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Boiling point is a particularly important quality since it will determine how well

the refrigerant can absorb heat and be converted into vapour. Generally, the ideal

refrigerant for both domestic and industrial refrigeration should have a boiling

point that is a little below the target temperature. However, the boiling point is

not necessarily the only quality that determines how well a refrigerant works at

cooling the system — the latent heat of vaporisation is also critical. This quality

refers to the amount of heat that the refrigerant has to absorb for it to turn into a

vapour; a coolant with a low latent heat will only absorb a little heat before it

changes from a liquid into a gas, and thus makes for an inefficient cooling

substance. On the other hand, substances with a high latent heat can absorb a

great amount of heat and thus create much lower temperatures, making them

ideal for refrigeration.

Refrigeration systems also need to

make use of the safest refrigerants

possible to ensure the health of the

users. Basically, toxicity of coolants

is classified broadly based on the

identification of toxic substances at

concentrations below 400 parts per

million: Class A (non-toxic), and

Class B (toxicity identified). With

regard to flammability, coolants are classified as follows: non-flammable (Class 1),

moderately flammable (Class 2) and highly flammable (Class 3). To maintain the

safety of home users, coolants for domestic refrigeration systems are generally

Class A, Class 1 substances. Commercial refrigerator users, on the other hand,

tend to employ more stringent safety measures, and thus are allowed to use

higher class refrigerants for their cooling systems.

In general, coolants are colourless and odourless. An odourless coolant is

preferable to keep the machine from having a chemical smell at all times.

However, coolants with distinct odours, such as ammonia, may serve as a self-

alarming system for critical leaks. Colour may be added to the coolant to make it

easier to detect a leak.

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Lastly, users of refrigeration systems should take into account the stability of the

coolant to be used. Ideally, a refrigerant should be stable. It should not corrode

any part of the system or react with any chemical, oil or lubricant in the pipes. It

should also not be highly expansive, and it should not decompose under the

changing pressures and temperatures.

Why Choose Ammonia Refrigeration: Australia

Companies List Three Reasons Why

Refrigeration systems represent one of the most important creations of man.

These machines have had a massive impact on many functions in society, such as

enabling long-term food storage and manufacturing and storing important

medicines. There are now many different types of cooling equipment, and these

range from small air conditioners and refrigerators for domestic use to

refrigeration systems for industrial purposes.

There are also different refrigerant options for

each kind of system, and one of the most

recommended for commercial use is ammonia

refrigeration. Australia companies that make use

of this type of coolant cite three reasons why it’s

best for large-scale applications:

Cheaper - Ammonia is a by-product from the

putrefaction or decay of nitrogenous matter,

such as plants and other living creatures. As

such, it is easy to source and thus costs much

less than synthetic refrigerants that have to be

manufactured or processed first. In addition to

the low cost of producing or sourcing ammonia,

cooling systems that use this substance are also much cheaper to construct. This

is because an ammonia-based refrigeration system is built using pipes with

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narrow diameters, and using such pipes mean that less material is used for

construction, thereby reducing the cost of construction.

Efficient - Another reason why ammonia is a good choice for industrial

refrigeration is its efficiency as a coolant. Ammonia possesses heat transfer

qualities that are superior to other commonly used coolants. For instance, its

mass flow rate is actually just one-seventh that of HCFC-22 (or

Chlorodifluoromethane, a coolant that was commonly used in the past). This

means that only this small amount is needed to be pumped into the system to

achieve the same cooling effect as HCFC-22. Of course, ammonia’s higher

efficiency eventually leads to less power needed to run the machine, ultimately

saving companies money on their power usage.

Eco-friendly - Among all the coolants that are being used for domestic and

commercial refrigeration, ammonia is touted to be one of the safest for the

environment. For instance, it possesses an Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) of

zero, meaning that it cannot break down ozone molecules (unlike refrigerants

used in the past and thus has no effect on the ozone layer at all. In addition to

having an ODP of zero, ammonia also was given a Global Warming Potential

(GWP) of zero. This means that it has no capacity to act like a greenhouse gas and

trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere. As mentioned previously, ammonia is

produced from the putrefaction process; since it is a part of the nitrogen cycle, it

can also be decomposed by natural processes.

Why CO2 Refrigeration Works As A Good Alternative

A lot of exciting developments in the world are making it possible for industries

and businesses to operate better. From using sustainable raw materials to

implementing solid eco-friendly policies, numerous concepts are being pursued in

order to combat the effects of global warming and climate change. One area

wherein businesses and industries are instituting change is in refrigeration. And

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carbon dioxide (CO2) refrigeration is fast becoming an appealing option when it

comes to addressing environmental as well as safety issues.

Refrigerant gases are used in air conditioners,

freezers, and refrigerators. When condensed

under pressure, refrigerants are able to chill

the air. Decades ago, chlorofluorocarbon

(CFC) was predominantly used as a refrigerant

because it was non-flammable and non-toxic.

Unfortunately, sometime in the ‘70s,

scientists discovered that when the gas leaked

into the atmosphere, the ultraviolet rays from

the Sun created a chemical change that

affected the ozone layer. With its global phase

out, alternatives are naturally sourced.

Carbon dioxide (CO2), thought to have zero ozone depletion effect, is non-toxic

and non-flammable. Many industries that require refrigeration are now

recognising its advantages.

In the area of safety, CO2 systems are seen

as stable since the gas is classified as the

safest refrigerant. In the area of efficiency,

CO2 cascade systems (used for sites that

need to use ammonia at very minimal

amounts) are ideal for low temperature

applications and consume less energy than

conventional systems. In the area of cost,

CO2 systems are considered to be a good

investment.

It’s critical to get a design and construction that is as energy efficient as possible

in order to fully benefit from CO2 refrigeration. Aside from the design,

construction and installation, industries and businesses should also take into

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account the maintenance required to keep it running smoothly. It takes a skilled,

experienced, and expert company to carry this out so it’s important to go with an

industrial refrigeration specialist that can offer design and engineering as well as

service and maintenance.

Carbon dioxide refrigeration can be used in many industrial and commercial

applications. It can be used in ice rinks (the rink in Saint-Gédéon-de-Beauce,

Canada is said to be the world’s first ice hockey rink that uses carbon dioxide

refrigeration), meat and fish processing plants, food storage facilities,

supermarkets, and for various light commercial applications such as vending

machines. When designed and configured according to its application, the

environmental benefits along with the safety advantages can keep industries and

businesses operating at their very best.

How To Choose The Right Industrial Chillers

A lot of thought and consideration goes into

capital investments made in a business. Such

careful attention can prevent overspending,

inefficient processes, and even profit losses.

From the plant to the employees, from the

equipment to the facilities, every industrial

company needs to consider all aspects of its

business before making a commitment when

it comes to hiring and purchasing. For

operations that require the use of chillers, it’s

crucial to think about certain factors and

specifications required before getting one.

An industrial chiller is a compressor-based cooling system that takes out heat

from a liquid, controlling and chilling it. Components include temperature

controller, reservoir, and a recirculating pump. It comes in different types:

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portable, air-cooled and water-chilled. Industrial applications for a chiller involve

die-casting and machine tooling, food and beverage processing, chemical

processing, paper and cement processing, welding equipment, pharmaceutical

formulation and X-ray diffraction. A chiller is also used to cool high-powered

electronics inside diagnostic machines like PET scans and MRIs.

Choosing an industrial chiller requires more than just knowing the cooling

requirements, the reservoir or internal water tank size, and the chiller cooling

capacity. Every business must also consider the power source or if there is a need

to get additional power to stabilise temperature for differing loads; the total life-

cycle cost, whether a new system will eventually be required to increase

performance or an existing unit’s repair or maintenance cost will be minimal;

condenser capacity and material, which can affect efficiency, and chiller design.

A chiller’s design can be as significant as its

components. Some designs support high rates

of fluid while others are meant to use specific

fluids - for instance, a chiller with no brass or

copper when the fluid being cooled is distilled

or demineralised water. Both can actually cause

metal corrosion, which is why plastic or stainless

steel components are used in the chiller.

Other considerations to think of when getting a

chiller are ambient temperature, evaporator capacity and material, chiller IP

rating, pump specifications, control panel features (e.g. fault, pressure, and

temperature indicators, etc.), noise level, internal piping materials, and a host of

other factors that should correspond to future cooling needs.

Making investments in business, no matter what industry is involved, requires

careful examination before arriving at any decision. When it comes to choosing

highly specialised equipment, it pays to dwell on the specifications required and

relevant factors. Doing so will prevent costly mistakes in the future.