Low-temp chillers are among the most complex industrial process cooling systems. A chiller in this category must successfully navigate the many challenges that impact such performance and efficiency factors as fluid viscosity, pump selection, and oil flow parameters. It’s for this very reason that low-temp chillers come with many options that you can customize to a specific application – low-temp chillers are not one-size-fits-all! In this article, we’ll guide you through some of the low-temp chiller options to help you determine the best process chiller for your unique application.
The category options for low-temp chillers include
- Systems
- Redundancy
- Oil management
- Heat exchanger and tank
- Controls
- Energy-efficiency
- Other options
Within each category, you’ll find several ways to select and customize the ideal solution for your needs.
System options
Scroll
Scroll low-temp chillers can have air- or water-cooled compressors that range from 2-34 HP. Using a set of interlocking scrolls to pressurize the compressor’s refrigerant, scroll chillers work well for small or single equipment low-temp cooling needs. If you have a low-temp sporadic process application that runs less than 24 hours per day, a scroll chiller may be the best low-temp option for you.
Semi-Hermetic
Air- or water-cooled semi-hermetic low-temp chillers are ideally suited for larger low-temp processing needs. With this option, the compressor power ranges between 25-100 HP, lending a heavier duty performance for more rugged low-temp applications.
Screw
As the name suggests, low-temp screw chillers compress refrigerant using the movement and force of screws. With 38-214 HP compressor power, these systems offer the versatility to take on light- or heavy-duty applications that require efficiency and precision.
Beyond deciding between a scroll, semi-hermetic, and screw low-temp chiller, additional system options include remote condenser systems and tank and pump packages in 30-30,000-gallon polyethylene or stainless-steel tanks.
Redundancy options
Now that you’re familiar with the types of low-temp chillers, the next factor to consider is redundancy. This category includes a choice between partial and full redundancy, with the following options:
- Full capacity redundancy
- Full electrical isolation
- Dual or multi-circuit units
- Auto-changeover redundant pumps
Oil management
An oil management system ensures that the proper amount of oil stays in the compressor even at lower fluid temperatures and lower mass flow rates. Without an oil separator, the oil can leave the compressor and migrate to the coldest spot of the refrigeration circuit. Eventually, the pressure will accumulate, causing the migrated oil to rush back to the compressor and wash out the bearings.
Our oil management systems help ensure the proper amount of oil always remains where it should — in the compressor. The components that make up the oil management system include:
- Oil separator
- Oil filter
- Solenoid valve
- Ball valves
- Oil pressure sensor
Heat exchanger and tank options
When it comes to the heat exchanger and tank options for low-temp chillers, there are several choices to consider for managing and customizing your system, including:
- On-board or remote tank and pump packages
- Fluid level sight glass
- Tank low-level indicator with alarm
- VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) available for pumps
- Custom tank fittings
Control options
Controlling your low-temp chiller is another factor to consider before making a selection. When you have the benefit of engineered solutions in your corner, a whole world of control options open to suit your preferences and budget, including:
- Custom programming for unique application control
- MCS microcontroller upgrade available for tighter process control and remote login access
- Central control for multiple units
- On-board or remote touchscreen options
- Email and text alerts available in case of alarm
Energy efficiency options
If reducing your company’s energy consumption and improving performance is a corporate priority, look for energy-efficiency options for low-temp chillers that offer such environmentally friendly choices as:
- EC condenser fan motors for energy savings and more stable refrigerant temperatures
- Floating head pressure for extremely efficient chillers in environments below 95°F ambient
- Heat reclaim options for hot water loop
- VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) on pumps to minimize energy consumption
Other low-temp chiller options
Beyond the system, redundancy, heat exchanger and tank, controls, and energy efficiency, there are still several other low-temp chiller options to keep in mind, including:
- Digital flow meters
- Circuit breakers for electrical components
- Low ambient protection
- Phase monitor
- Fused disconnect
- Corrosion resistance options
Whether you’re launching a rocket into space, cooling an ice rink, and everything in between, there are plenty of affordable, dependable, and efficient low-temp chiller options available – many with short turnarounds. To find your ideal engineered solution, request a quote online, email us, or call (888) 289-7299 today.