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LITTLE KNOWN COMMERCIAL CHILLER MAINTENANCE TIPS YOU SHOULD TRY TODAY

By Kendall Jenkins on 2020-01-22 07:19:00

Like any other machine, commercial chillers should be operated at peak performance. This will not only keep the maintenance cost low but also minimize operational costs. So, that’s why you need to maintain your chiller properly. With proper chiller maintenance, you are sure of durability, efficiency, and productivity. So, if these are the things that you are looking for your commercial chiller, stick around. This article contains the top chiller maintenance tips you should seriously consider employing.

Keeping a Daily Log

Like any machine, a chiller requires a daily log. It’s an essential maintenance aspect of any chiller. With a daily log, you are able to build history as far as the operating condition of the chiller is concerned. Plus, it will help you understand parameters like temperatures of the chiller. With a daily log, you will update yourself on things like pressure, flow rates, as well as fluid levels. Even more, you can tap into remote monitoring technologies when it comes to monitoring the chiller. Also, daily logs allow users to generate trend reports—which makes it possible to identify any maintenance needs of the unit and source necessary chiller repair from an expert.

Keeping Tubes Clean Will Promote Efficient Heat Transfer

Chiller performance is highly dependent on heat transfer efficiency. So, if you are looking for a highly efficient chiller, consider cleaning the tubes. Don’t let contaminants like minerals, mud, algae, and scales clog the tubes. They tend to increase thermal resistance—which plays a key role when it comes to reducing the chiller’s overall performance. Keep a keen eye on approach temperatures. They will give you a clear picture concerning the heat transfer efficiency. For instance, if you notice that the chiller has higher approach temps, know that the heat transfer efficiency is quickly decreasing and something must be done. In this case, consider brush cleaning condenser tubes at least annually. It will keep your tubes free from unwanted contaminants.

Treating Condenser Water Will Prevent Scaling and Corrosion

Don’t feed any water into the chiller. Irrespective of the chiller you are using, it’s important to treat all the water that is fed into the unit. Cleaning water will eliminate things like corrosion, scales, as well as biological growth. If these impurities are left unattended, your condenser water loop system will fault and negatively affect the heat transfer in the unit. This not only affects the efficiency of the unit but also reduces its lifespan. So, the best thing to do is to inspect chilled water-based loop regularity using the remote monitoring system to ensure that the quality of water fed is good and there is no corrosion.

Lowering Inlet Water Temperature

if you want to improve your chiller’s efficiency, consider lowering the temp of water that enters the condenser. It will improve your chiller’s efficiency. Of course, certain building systems can rely on the operator when it comes to lowering the water set points. This will help overcome air-related handler deficiencies like dirty coils. This will cure the symptom. But it will also overwork the chiller to deliver a similar cooling effect.

Flow Rate of 3—12-ft per Second is ok

Another important chiller maintenance practice you should embrace is to keep the chilled water at a flow rate of between 3 and 12-ft per second. Remember, a low flow rate will lower the chiller’s overall efficiency. Consequently, this can lead to laminar flow. So, stick to the minimum flow rate of 3-ft per second. Don’t take it too high. It can cause vibrations, noise, as well as tube erosion. So, stick to the maximum recommended flow rate of 12FPS.

Maintaining Sufficient Refrigerant Charge

The amount of refrigerant that moves via the condenser is directly proportional to the cooling level any chiller can offer. Thus, maintaining the proper refrigerant level is important—it will give the desired condition. Investigate to see if there are refrigerant leaks or moisture in the system. These two issues can lead to poor efficiency and make your unit less reliable. On the other hand, a low refrigerant charge is only going to make your chiller to work harder to deliver the less cooling effect.

Preventing Inadequacies From Non-Condensables

Deal with non-condensable like air and moisture leaking into low-pressure chillers. They tend to evaporate into a vacuum—which can reduce your unit’s efficiency. So, opt for purge units. They can minimize this effect and optimize on your chiller’s performance.

Analyzing Compressor Oil

it’s important to analyze the compressor oil at least once a year. So, consider taking the lubrication oil to a laboratory. Lab experts will conduct a comprehensive spectrometric chemical analysis. Among other things, the analysis will reveal the correct condition of the oil. So, you will learn if you need to replace it or leave it.

It’s also important to note that high moisture is an indication that the purge unit has problems. So, consider sampling low-pressure chillers on a frequent basis. However, you should do this according to the purge based run hours. Also, don’t forget to check all the oil filters to ascertain the pressure drop. Consider replacing them in case you replace the oil charge.

Checking the Operating Condition of Starters and Motors

don’t ignore the starters and motors. They are important. So, consider checking their conditions at least once per year. Check all the sensors as well as safety calibrations. They are important when it comes to the motor and starter efficient operation. These are located on the microprocessor controls. If you cannot locate them, look at the guidelines from the manufacturer. Also, don’t forget checking the electrical connections, wirings, as well as switch gears. Inspect to see if there are defects or worn-out contacts. Consider testing the electrical motor windings to see if the insulation resistance is working.

The Bottom-Line

Chiller maintenance plays a key role when it comes to optimizing its performance. The above are the tips you need to maintain your chiller for optimal performance. From keeping a daily log to examining the starters and motors—these tips will help you maintain your chiller in the best possible way. So, if you are looking for efficiency and performance, the above are top maintenance tips to follow.

 

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