How to Keep Your Portable Chiller Working Effectively

Portable chillers are often used to provide Check Fluid Levels heat removal and temperature control for lasers, metalworking equipment, The heat transfer fluid in your chiller is the machines, and other temperature-sensitive lifeblood of the cooling system; without it, equipment and processes. Yet if not no cooling can occur. Keeping the cooling properly maintained, chiller performance system full helps ensure optimum heat can gradually degrade, resulting in removal. temperature variations that adversely affect productivity and/or product quality. Even in the most tightly closed system however, some gradual fluid loss can be Fortunately, most portable chillers don’t expected. Most chillers are equipped with require a great deal of attention. By a sight glass, liquid level gauge, or other periodically performing just a few simple mechanism that allows you to quickly and straightforward preventative check the fluid level. You should maintenance tasks, you can help ensure do so weekly and added coolant as that your chillers provide years of needed. Even if your chiller is equipped dependable performance. with an automatic fluid makeup system, it’s still a good idea to visually check the fluid level periodically to verify that the fluid Inspect and Clean the makeup system is operating correctly. Air-cooled chillers rely on a steady flow of air over the coils to maintain Check Heat Transfer Fluid proper cooling performance. An air filter is Cleanliness and Properties used to cleanse this incoming air and prevent dust, dirt, and other airborne In many processes, dirt and other debris from clogging (and thus insulating) particulate can make its way into the cooling coil fins and other sensitive circulating heat transfer fluid. These components. particles can damage the pump, clog valves and filters, and otherwise impair Regularly inspecting and A dirty air filter restricts the flow of air your chiller operation. The cooling and/or cleaning the chiller’s air filters chiller needs to perform properly. It should properties of water/glycol helps ensure optimum cooling be inspected weekly and cleaned as mixtures and other heat transfer fluids may performance. required. Most filters are removable and also deteriorate over time. can be cleaned with a mild detergent and warm water or blown out using a clean, dry The heat transfer fluid should be drained air. Any dust or dirt that has gotten inside and filtered on a monthly basis to remove the chiller or on the evaporator coils particulate. If large amounts of debris are should be removed using compressed air. present, the chiller should also be flushed Never use a brush or other mechanical out with clean fluid to remove any residual device, as it may bend or damage the fins. deposits. This is also a good time to inspect and clean/replace any fluid filters.

Once last point. Before refilling your chiller Cooling fluid levels and with the cleaned/filtered heat transfer cleanliness can be determined fluid, check that the fluid hasn’t lost any of with simple visual inspections. its cooling and/or antifreeze properties. Instruments such as refractometers should be used (continued on following page) to verify that the antifreeze properties of the cooling fluid are still adequate. PolyScience ● 6600 W. Touhy ● Nile, IL 60714 ● www.polyscience.com Phone 800-229-7569 ● 847-647-0611 ● Fax 847-647-1155 ● Email [email protected]

How to Keep Your

Portable Chiller Working Effectively continued

Inspect the Physical Location Naturally, your best source for information and Condition on proper chiller maintenance will be the procedures and guidelines provided by the The environment in which a chiller is manufacturer. Performing these tasks installed is always subject to change — usually won’t take long — yet will result in sometimes even quite rapidly. Conditions years of efficient, effective, and which no longer meet the manufacturer’s dependable chiller performance. Missing, damaged, or specifications can adversely affect deteriorated insulation on performance. coolant lines can impact a chiller’s heat removal ability. Checking the process lines and The physical location and condition of the connections for leaks and wear chiller should be checked every six months should be part of your regular and the appropriate corrective actions site inspection. taken. Make sure that there’s adequate space around the chiller to provide proper air flow and that the ambient air temperature isn’t too high. Check external hoses and connections for leaks, inspect external insulation for wear or damage. If maintaining a particular pressure is critical to your process and your chiller has a fluid bypass or diverter valve, check that it’s properly adjusted. Lastly, check that the electrical power and amperage is correct and that electrical wires have not become frayed or damaged.

Routine Maintenance Frequency

Air filter Check weekly; clean as required. Fluid level Check weekly; add fluid as required. Fluid cleanliness Check monthly; clean/replace as required. Site inspection Every six months

PolyScience ● 6600 W. Touhy ● Nile, IL 60714 ● www.polyscience.com Phone 800-229-7569 ● 847-647-0611 ● Fax 847-647-1155 ● Email [email protected]