What is an Industrial Water Chiller?
Industrial water chillers are used for a variety of small and large scale industrial applications to chill equipment, machinery, food and other items.
Using a heat exchange process, they circulate water or air through a process cooling system which transfers heat from one location to another. The heat is typically transferred from the equipment or product to the air outside the factory, warehouse or manufacturing plant.
Air Cooled Vs. Water Cooled Industrial Chillers
Industrial chillers are available in both air cooled and water cooled models.
Water Cooled Chillers
Water cooled chillers typically work on the principle of vapor compression or absorption. As the heat is transferred, the refrigerant evaporates and changes from a low-pressure liquid into vapor. As this occurs, the process coolant reduces in temperature and the refrigerant is transferred to a compressor that can perform various tasks.
Water cooled chillers include a cooling tower allowing them to be used for larger scale industrial applications. They are also more compact and efficient than air cooled chillers.
Air Cooled Chillers
On the other hand, air cooled chillers absorb heat from processed water and recycle warm air back into the chiller, whereby the heat is relocated away from the water using an evaporator.
Air cooled chillers are typically used for smaller scale operations.
Who Uses Industrial Chillers?
Industrial water chillers are used by a variety of industries including but not limited to the following –
Manufacturing
Chillers are used in manufacturing plants and factories for a variety of applications including the cooling of equipment and machinery.
Food Processing & Storage
Commonly used in food processing plants and storage facilities to control the temperature of food and drinks.
Breweries & Wineries
Industrial chillers are popular in breweries and wineries, where they are used to maintain the temperature of beer and wine while being distilled.
Pharmaceutical
Cooling of small scale pharmaceutical manufacturing and analytical equipment
Mining
Chillers are used for various mine site applications including safety showers for treating burns, high volumes of drinking water and cooling of air.
What To Consider When Buying a Chiller?
There are several factors you should consider when looking to purchase an industrial water chiller for your business –
Factory Testing
The manufacturer should conduct vigorous factory testing under maximum design conditions of all machines before they arrive on site.
Warranty
The chiller should be accompanied with a long term warranty supplied by the manufacturer – aim for chillers with at least a 5 year warranty.
Conditions
The machine should be able to easily withstand the climate and weather conditions of where it will be situated. Look for chillers with frames and panels built from galvanised carbon steel sheet with epoxy polyester powder coating to prevent corrosion and provide exceptional weatherproofing.
Usage
Consider whether the chiller will be used indoors or outdoors and the applications it will be used for. Industrial chillers range from small scale 50 kW units right through to 2,000+ kW units for large scale applications. Depending on your requirements, you may also require a custom designed chiller to your specifications.
Servicing, Maintenance & Repairs
The manufacturer or agent should provide regular servicing and maintenance, along with prompt and reliable emergency repairs. The chiller should also include sheet panels that can be easily removed for maintenance and repairs.
Trusted Brands / Suppliers
Aim for suppliers or manufacturers that have significant experience within the industry. Where possible, ask to speak with a customer from your industry that has purchased a similar style chiller from the company you are looking to engage.
Industrial Water Chillers from IRS
Industrial Refrigeration Solutions (IRS) are a supplier of high performance Italian-made industrial water chillers across Australia and New Zealand.
With a showroom located in Wangara, Western Australia, their series of IPC Process Cooling Chillers include state of the art flow simulation software and are built to withstand the harsh Australian climate.
The IPC Series are available as a water cooled chiller up to 2240 kW and optional air cooled chiller up to 440 kW.