Process Chiller Basics
In a US manufacturing study, 71% of respondents invested in product innovation to boost revenue.
How can you create product innovation in the manufacturing industry? A process chiller can help you optimize production and make high-quality products.
What is a process chiller and how can it affect your business? If you've been looking into a refrigerant system for your industry, we've outlined some key points about process chillers in Texas.
This type of machinery can handle large loads and quickly remove heat. If it sounds like something you need, read on to learn about the benefits of a process chiller in Texas.
What Is a Process Chiller?
A process chiller is a refrigeration system that's designed to handle more than standard commercial or HVAC chillers. They use halocarbon or ammonia refrigerants to offer cooling to industrial processes.
A process chiller's refrigerant circuit is made up of a compressor, condenser, and evaporator. It also needs a thermal expansion valve and various pipes, filters, and fans. These elements work together to remove heat from large loads at a constant rate.
Depending on your chiller's capacity and design, you might need to get creative with its location. Smaller chillers might fit directly beside your process machinery. Larger models will need to be installed outside.
Remember that your process chiller requires regular maintenance to function properly. You'll need to check with your maintenance professional to know what's needed for your machine and how often to schedule servicing. You can also check out our website for tips on maintaining equipment.
Get Local Knowledge
If you're feeling overwhelmed about these chiller system basics, don't worry. You can work with a professional to design a process chiller that meets your industry-specific needs.
Your local service specialists will be able to talk with you about industrial and commercial refrigeration. This will help you understand which type of system will benefit your business. Try searching "industrial and commercial refrigeration repair near me" to find help nearby.
How Does a Process Chiller Work?
A process chiller will use an air or water condenser to maintain its cooling process. It will need either halocarbon or ammonia refrigerant to pass through its system. As the sub-cooled liquid refrigerant flows from the condenser to the evaporator, an expansion valve makes the pressure and temperature drop.
The refrigerant then picks up the heat from the fluid that flowed through the evaporator. It changes from a liquid to a vapor and back to a liquid.
Every piece of a process chiller is essential to remove heat and cool down a process. Process chillers are designed for rugged environments. This means you can rely on a process chiller to maintain even the most intense environment.
Who Benefits from a Process Chiller?
Many industries need some sort of chilling system. Only some need the capacity of an industrial chiller though. Here are some industries that need process chillers for quick and safe production.
Plastics
The plastics industry needs process chillers to help with the molding process. They use industrial chillers to lower cycle times during the injection process and to increase the efficiency rate.
Many food industry products need a process chiller during production. Food items like chocolate and confectionery all need regulated temperatures during manufacturing.
Sometimes the baking industry needs process chillers to help with mixing. For large amounts of bread, businesses need a chiller that can handle large loads. They might use their process chiller for water that can maximize mixing times and improve product quality.
In the pharmaceutical industry, emollient vats get extremely hot during the manufacturing process. To quickly reduce heat and boost production rate, a process chiller can be used to remove heat. This allows workers to package products sooner, which makes the entire process quick and efficient.
Printing
Process chillers are used to lower the hot temperatures of presses and rollers. This lessens stretching and bleeding, which makes the printing process more efficient. Businesses in the printing industry can expect to save money on costs while also producing high-quality products.
Dairy and Wine
Both the dairy and wine industry will use a process chiller to help during production. A process chiller can cool either wine or milk to maximize quality during the lengthy production process.
Other Industries
Process chillers also benefit industries like airplane manufacturing and laser-cutting. Some boat manufacturers and chemical industries will also use process chillers in Grapevine, Texas.
While you're looking into which chiller is best for your needs, you'll come across different categories of process chillers. A central process chiller has greater capacity and can handle up to 200 tons. It operates within a range of -30 degrees Fahrenheit to 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you have smaller chilling needs, you can opt for a compact process chiller. They are smaller than their central counterparts but still have a flexible range. They can handle up to 40 tons and make a great option if you're limited on space.
Buying a process chiller for your business can be a hefty cost, but it's an investment that's worth it in the long run. As you begin shopping, consider these two questions to help you make the best choice.
Your first consideration should be what you need to cool with a new chiller. Different products will need different cooling systems. You don't want to make the mistake of buying the wrong type of chiller.
You should also consider the growth rate of your business. If you think you may need more chilling capacity down the road, it might be smart to double the capacity of your chiller from the start.
Your spending budget will directly affect your chiller decision. Before you assess costs, look at your long-term revenue to analyze how much you can invest. Remember that a process chiller can greatly decrease production time, which will save you labor and production costs.
There are many different kinds of refrigerant systems that can fit a wide variety of professional and personal needs. The perfect process chiller for your production process offers long-lasting benefits. No matter which industry you work in, we have the machinery that can help you optimize and boost your business.
Want to talk with one of our service professionals about your refrigerant options?
Schedule a consultation today and let us help you with your refrigerant and HVAC needs.
