How to Take Care of Your Industrial Chillers

Posted by Rob A on December 3rd, 2019

Any equipment can last a long time once you get into the habit of doing regular maintenance and proper care. For industrial chillers systems, it will involve simple processes that you'd have to prepare for in advance. Here are 4 steps you should follow if you want your apparatus to keep working efficiently.

Keep a Daily Log

An essential practice in taking care of your chiller is keeping a daily log of its operations. It will help you and your employees monitor their performance, allowing you to proactively maintain your equipment. You'll be able to compare the data you get every day to find out if there are inefficiencies in the controls or other parts of the machine. The analysis may offer information that can act as an advanced warning for potential problems.

Keep the Tubes Clean

Since the chiller's performance is directly related to its ability to transfer heat, you must ensure that the pipes are clean at all times. Manufacturers recommend that condenser pipes are washed annually. This is because it's an exposed part of the machine, making it more susceptible to dirt and debris.

There are two primary methods for cleaning chiller tubes:

• Mechanical Cleaning – This removes mud, algae, sludge, and any loose materials from smooth-bore tubes. It consists of removing the water-box covers, thoroughly scrubbing the pipes, and rinsing it with clean water. For internally enhanced lines, it's best to consult the manufacturer for their recommendations on mechanical cleaning.

• Chemical Cleaning – Most manufacturers recommend consulting a local water-treatment supplier to find out the right chemical solution the tube needs.

Remember that after a thorough mechanical cleaning, it should always be followed by a chemical one. 

Look for Leaks

If you notice that the floor under the machine is wet or that there's significantly less process fluid, this means that there's a leak. Before looking for the source, turn off the chiller, and disconnect the power. After that, start checking the fittings, hoses, and connections. Once you confirm that there's an outflow, call an expert immediately.  The equipment should not be put back into operation until this issue is resolved.

Consult a Professional Regularly

Most of all, it's essential to have it regularly checked by a professional to ensure that it's still working properly. They can bring their technical knowledge about chillers and provide maintenance service, tasking adjustments, and repairs. Doing this will maximize the equipment's efficiency and save operating costs.

Going through these basic maintenance tasks should not only increase your equipment's performance, but also ensure its longevity. If you need professional repairs or some parts to be replaced, there are plenty of industrial chillers manufacturers who can help you with the issue and keep your machine operating efficiently.