industrial chiller for sale

Types of Industrial Chillers​
Air – Cooled Chillers​
Working Principle​
Air – cooled chillers operate by using a fan to blow ambient air over a condenser coil. In the refrigerant cycle, the hot refrigerant gas, which has absorbed heat from the process water in the evaporator, travels to the condenser. Here, as the ambient air passes over the condenser coil, it cools the refrigerant gas, causing it to condense back into a liquid state. The liquid refrigerant then goes through an expansion device and returns to the evaporator to absorb more heat from the process water, repeating the cycle.​

Advantages​
Simple Installation: They do not require a complex external water – cooling infrastructure like water – cooled chillers. This makes them easy to set up in a factory or industrial space. You can simply place the chiller near the equipment it will cool, connect the power supply, and run the water lines between the chiller and the process equipment.​
Portability: Air – cooled chillers are relatively lightweight and compact, which allows for easy movement within a facility. This can be especially useful in situations where the chiller may need to be relocated to different production areas as business needs change.​
Lower Initial Cost: Generally, the purchase and installation costs of air – cooled chillers are lower compared to water – cooled chillers. This makes them an attractive option for small – to – medium – sized enterprises with limited budgets or those who need a quick and cost – effective cooling solution.​
Disadvantages​
Limited Cooling Capacity: Air – cooled chillers are not as efficient in removing large amounts of heat as water – cooled chillers. In high – heat – load industrial applications, such as large – scale metal processing or high – power laser cutting, air – cooled chillers may struggle to maintain the required cooling levels, leading to potential equipment overheating and reduced productivity.​
Noise Generation: The fans used for air – cooling can produce a significant amount of noise. In noise – sensitive environments, such as some precision manufacturing facilities or those located near residential areas, this can be a major drawback. Special acoustic enclosures may need to be installed to mitigate the noise, which adds to the overall cost.​
Ambient Temperature Dependence: Their performance is highly influenced by the ambient temperature. In hot climates or during periods of high ambient temperatures, the cooling capacity of air – cooled chillers decreases. This is because the air used for cooling is already warm, making it less effective at removing heat from the refrigerant.​
Water – Cooled Chillers​
Working Principle​
Water – cooled chillers rely on a secondary water source, such as a cooling tower or city water supply, to remove heat from the refrigerant. The hot refrigerant gas, after absorbing heat from the process water in the evaporator, flows to the condenser. In the condenser, heat is transferred from the refrigerant to the secondary water. The warm secondary water then carries the heat away, usually to a cooling tower where it is dissipated into the atmosphere through evaporation. The cooled refrigerant liquid returns to the evaporator to continue the cooling cycle.​
Advantages​
High Cooling Capacity: Water – cooled chillers are capable of handling much larger heat loads compared to air – cooled chillers. They are ideal for high – power industrial processes where continuous and substantial heat removal is required, such as in large – scale chemical plants, power generation facilities, and automotive manufacturing plants.​
More Efficient Cooling: Water has a much higher heat – carrying capacity than air. This means that water – cooled chillers can transfer heat more effectively, resulting in better temperature control for the process equipment. They can maintain more stable and precise temperatures, which is crucial for processes that are sensitive to temperature fluctuations.​
Less Affected by Ambient Temperature: Since they use a secondary water source for cooling rather than ambient air, water – cooled chillers are less sensitive to high ambient temperatures. They can operate efficiently even in hot and humid climates, making them suitable for a wide range of geographical locations.​

Disadvantages​
Complex Installation: Installing a water – cooled chiller requires a connection to a reliable secondary water source, which can involve significant plumbing work. If using a cooling tower, additional infrastructure for the tower, such as proper drainage and water treatment systems, needs to be set up. Complying with local regulations regarding water use and environmental impact also adds to the complexity.​
Higher Initial and Operating Costs: The purchase cost of a water – cooled chiller, along with the associated installation and maintenance of the secondary water system, is generally higher than that of an air – cooled chiller. Additionally, the cost of running a cooling tower, including water treatment chemicals, electricity for pumps, and potential water consumption, can contribute to higher long – term operating expenses.​
Absorption Chillers​
Working Principle​
Absorption chillers operate on a different principle compared to the more common vapor – compression chillers (air – cooled and water – cooled). They use a heat – driven process instead of mechanical compression. In an absorption chiller, a refrigerant (usually water in a water – lithium bromide system) is absorbed into a solution (lithium bromide solution in this case). Heat is then applied to the solution, causing the refrigerant to vaporize and separate from the absorbent. The vaporized refrigerant then goes through a condenser, where it releases heat and condenses back into a liquid. The liquid refrigerant passes through an expansion valve and into an evaporator, where it absorbs heat from the process water, cooling it. The refrigerant vapor is then absorbed back into the solution, starting the cycle again.​
Advantages​
Energy – Efficiency in Certain Applications: Absorption chillers can be highly energy – efficient when there is a readily available source of low – grade heat, such as waste heat from industrial processes, solar – thermal energy, or natural gas – fired boilers. They can utilize this otherwise wasted heat to generate cooling, reducing the overall energy consumption of the facility.​
Low – Noise Operation: Since they do not rely on mechanical compressors like vapor – compression chillers, absorption chillers produce very little noise. This makes them suitable for applications where noise pollution is a concern, such as in hospitals, schools, and some sensitive manufacturing environments.​
Environmentally Friendly: In some cases, absorption chillers can be more environmentally friendly. For example, when using waste heat or renewable energy sources to power them, they can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional chillers that rely on electricity – driven compressors.​
Disadvantages​
High Initial Cost: Absorption chillers tend to have a higher initial purchase and installation cost compared to vapor – compression chillers. This is due to the complex design and the need for additional components related to the heat – supply system.​
Limited Cooling Capacity and Flexibility: They generally have a lower cooling capacity range compared to vapor – compression chillers. Additionally, their response to changes in cooling load may not be as rapid, making them less suitable for applications with highly variable cooling demands.​
Applications of Industrial Chillers​
Plastics Industry​
Injection Molding​
In injection molding processes, industrial chillers play a crucial role in cooling the molds. When molten plastic is injected into the mold, it needs to cool down quickly and evenly to form the desired shape. The chiller provides a constant supply of cold water to the mold cooling channels. This rapid and controlled cooling not only reduces the cycle time of the injection molding machine, increasing production efficiency, but also helps to improve the quality of the plastic parts. Uneven cooling can lead to warping, shrinkage, and other defects in the molded products.​
Extrusion​
During plastic extrusion, the polymer material is heated and forced through a die to form various shapes such as pipes, sheets, or profiles. As the extruded plastic leaves the die, it needs to be cooled rapidly to set its shape. Industrial chillers supply cold water to the cooling troughs or air – cooling systems associated with the extrusion process. Precise temperature control is essential to ensure consistent product dimensions and quality. For example, in the production of plastic pipes, improper cooling can result in inconsistent wall thicknesses.​
Chemical Industry​
Reaction Cooling​
Many chemical reactions are exothermic, meaning they release heat. In chemical plants, industrial chillers are used to remove this excess heat to maintain the reaction at a safe and optimal temperature. For instance, in the production of pharmaceuticals, the synthesis reactions often require strict temperature control. If the temperature rises too high, it can lead to unwanted side reactions, reduced product yield, or even safety hazards. The chiller cools the reaction vessels or heat exchangers associated with the reaction, ensuring the reaction proceeds as intended.​
Distillation and Condensation​
In distillation processes, which are used to separate different components of a chemical mixture based on their boiling points, industrial chillers are used to condense the vaporized components back into liquid form. The hot vapor from the distillation column is passed through a condenser, where cold water from the chiller is used to remove heat and cause the vapor to condense. This is crucial for obtaining pure chemical products. In the petrochemical industry, for example, distillation is used to separate crude oil into various fractions such as gasoline, diesel, and lubricating oils, and efficient cooling is essential for the success of this process.​
Electronics Industry​

Semiconductor Manufacturing​
In semiconductor manufacturing, precise temperature control is of utmost importance. Industrial chillers are used to cool the equipment involved in processes such as wafer fabrication, etching, and lithography. For example, in lithography machines, which are used to pattern the semiconductor wafers, the lasers and optical components generate a significant amount of heat. The chiller ensures that these components are kept at a constant temperature, as even small temperature fluctuations can affect the precision of the patterning process, leading to defects in the semiconductor chips.​
Data Centers​
Data centers house a large number of servers and networking equipment that generate a substantial amount of heat. Industrial chillers are used to cool the air or water that circulates through the data center to maintain a suitable operating temperature for the equipment. High temperatures can cause servers to overheat, leading to system failures, data loss, and reduced equipment lifespan. The chiller helps to remove the heat generated by the servers, ensuring the reliable operation of the data center.​
Food and Beverage Industry​
Brewing​
In the brewing process, industrial chillers are used at various stages. During fermentation, yeast converts sugar into alcohol, and this process generates heat. The chiller is used to control the temperature of the fermentation tanks to ensure optimal yeast activity. Different types of beers require different fermentation temperatures, and the chiller allows brewers to maintain these precise temperatures. After fermentation, the beer is often cooled further using the chiller to clarify it and prepare it for packaging.​
Food Processing​
In food processing plants, industrial chillers are used for cooling products during and after processing. For example, in the production of ice cream, the mixture needs to be cooled rapidly to the right temperature to achieve the desired texture. In meat processing, chillers are used to cool the meat after slaughter to prevent spoilage and ensure food safety. They are also used in the cooling of conveyor belts and other equipment to prevent heat – related damage to the food products.​
Future Expansion​
It is advisable to consider future growth and expansion plans for your business when choosing an industrial chiller. If you anticipate adding more process equipment or increasing the production capacity in the future, it may be wise to select a chiller with a slightly higher cooling capacity than your current needs. This can save you from the cost and inconvenience of having to replace the chiller prematurely when your cooling requirements increase.​
Water Quality and Flow Rate​
Water Quality Requirements​
The quality of the water used in the chiller can significantly impact its performance and lifespan. Some industrial processes require the use of distilled, deionized, or treated water to prevent the buildup of minerals and impurities in the chiller’s heat exchangers and piping. Minerals can cause scale formation, which reduces the heat transfer efficiency of the chiller and can eventually lead to equipment failure. If your process requires high – quality water, you need to ensure that the chiller you choose is compatible with such water sources and may need to invest in additional water treatment equipment.​
Water Flow Rate​
The water flow rate through the chiller is also an important consideration. The required flow rate depends on the design of the process equipment being cooled and the cooling capacity of the chiller. A proper water flow rate ensures efficient heat transfer. If the flow rate is too low, the heat transfer will be inefficient, and the chiller may not be able to cool the process water effectively. On the other hand, if the flow rate is too high, it can cause excessive pressure drops in the system and may put additional stress on the chiller’s pumps and components. The manufacturer of the process equipment or the chiller will usually provide guidelines on the recommended water flow rate.​
Temperature Control Accuracy​
Application – Specific Requirements​
Different industrial applications have varying requirements for temperature control accuracy. In precision manufacturing processes, such as semiconductor production or high – end optics manufacturing, a high – accuracy temperature control, often within ±0.1°C or even better, is essential. In these applications, even small temperature fluctuations can lead to product defects. In contrast, some less – sensitive industrial processes, such as general plastic processing or certain food – and – beverage applications, may be able to tolerate a temperature control accuracy of ±1 – 2°C. When choosing an industrial chiller, you need to select one that can meet the temperature control accuracy requirements of your specific application.​
Control Systems​
The chiller’s control system plays a crucial role in achieving the desired temperature control accuracy. Modern industrial chillers are equipped with advanced control systems, such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs) or microprocessor – based controllers. These control systems can monitor the temperature of the process water and adjust the chiller’s operation accordingly. Some control systems also offer features such as remote monitoring and control, which can be useful for large – scale industrial facilities or for facilities where the chiller needs to be monitored and adjusted from a central control room.​
Size and Space Requirements​
Physical Dimensions​
The physical size of the industrial chiller is an important factor, especially if you have limited space in your industrial facility. Air – cooled chillers are generally more compact compared to water – cooled chillers, but the size can still vary depending on the cooling capacity. Water – cooled chillers, especially those with large cooling capacities, can be quite large and may require a dedicated equipment room or a significant amount of floor space. You need to measure the available space in your facility and choose a chiller that can fit comfortably. Additionally, you should also consider the space required for maintenance and access to the chiller’s components.​
Installation Location​
The installation location of the chiller is also important. Air – cooled chillers need to be installed in an area with good ventilation to ensure proper heat dissipation. Placing them in a confined or poorly ventilated space can reduce their cooling efficiency. Water – cooled chillers need to be installed near a reliable water source and may require additional space for the installation of a cooling tower or other water – cooling infrastructure. You also need to consider factors such as noise levels, as some chillers can produce significant noise during operation, and you may need to install them in areas away from noise – sensitive operations or work areas.​
Noise Level​
Impact on the Workplace​
The noise level of the industrial chiller can have a significant impact on the workplace environment. As mentioned earlier, air – cooled chillers, in particular, can generate noise from their fans. In a factory or industrial setting where multiple pieces of equipment are operating, excessive noise from the chiller can contribute to a noisy and uncomfortable working environment. High noise levels can also be a safety hazard, as they can make it difficult for workers to communicate effectively or hear warning signals. In some cases, local regulations may also limit the noise levels allowed in the workplace.​
Noise – Reduction Options​
If noise is a concern, there are several options available. Some industrial chillers are designed with low – noise features, such as specially designed fan blades or acoustic insulation materials. You can also consider installing acoustic enclosures around the chiller to reduce the noise levels. These enclosures are typically made of sound – absorbing materials and can be custom – designed to fit the size and shape of the chiller. However, it is important to ensure that the installation of an acoustic enclosure does not impede the proper ventilation and heat dissipation of the chiller.