13 August 2010

Trouble shooting techniques for chillers in the plastics industry

Chiller system does not start:

1. Have all voltages and fuses checked (if system is not operating) If fuses are blown-check for shorts or grounds before new fuses are installed. There was a reason for the fuses blowing-find it first.

2. Make sure chiller has water in the closed loop reservoir tank. This can cause the flow switch to chatter or the system to ice up.

3. Check the thermostat set point and make sure the water in the closed loop reservoir is above what the thermostat is set for. If the water is cool the chiller may not need to run.

4. Keep all air, water filters and coils clean and clear for proper air flow.

5. Make sure any belts have been checked and spares are on hand.

6. Make sure that there is at least 1-2 plastics machines with open water circulation. This can be also obtained by the use of a water bypass at the end of the process water loop.

7. Safeties: Reset them 2-3 times maximum. If the system continues to trip the safety then call a chiller service technician.

Chiller-Start ups and Shut downs:

1. Do not shut off chiller by main power disconnects. Use control power switches provided on the chiller control panel.

2. First time start ups should be done by a qualified chiller service technician. Serious damage can occur if certain steps are not taken from the beginning.

3. Start ups (Daily): make sure the chiller recirculation pump is on and running before the compressors are started.

Operating Adjustments: (Plastics)
1. Sweating and Condensation: Plastics molds and rails are susceptible to sweating when the chilled water loop is too cold. Water spots form and cause deformed parts. Raise chiller set point temperature 2 F at a time, until the sweating is reduced. This will vary depending on the dew point or if the plant is air-conditioned.

2. Water too warm: Try not to run the chilled water loop supply temperature above 65F. Running the system this high will hard press the compressor and its operating limits.

3. Water too cold: Try not to run the chiller below 50F without some type of freeze protection solution in the water (Antifreeze)

Operating Adjustments: (Printing)

1. Printing rollers and Ultraviolet (UV) housings are very susceptible to sweating. Sweating of rollers or UV housings is a serious problem because the condensing water drops on the web (or paper roll) and can deform the product and break the web.

2. Temperature ranges: Keep chiller no lower than 60F to help any sweating. Some run as high as 70F. This can over load the chiller so be careful as to the operating conditions of your equipment.

3. Water flow adjustments-Sweating: On certain presses flow meters can also be adjusted to reduce the flow, raise the water temperature, which reduces the sweating on the web.

4. Water pressure: Some pressures, primarily ones with Ultra violet housings (UV) need a certain supply water pressure. These pressures are to properly remove the extreme heat that UV housings can generate.

5.  If sweating is excessive and the chiller is not designed to run at more than 70 F, add a temperature controller that can be set for the higher needed temperatures.

Operating Adjustments: (OEM equipment)

1.  OEM equipment will tell you the desired temperatures, water pressures & flows.  Go by these parameters and read the guidelines as to the operations of your specific equipment.  There are many different types of specialized equipment that can use chilled water.
 
Operating Adjustments: (MRI & Laser)

1. Temperature ranges: Laser applications has a wide range of operating temperatures ( 50- 65F). Some systems even have two separate pumps with different temperature ranges and water pump pressures. Refer to "Your" chiller manufacturers laser machine specifications for the correct temperature range.

2.  MRI units have very specific temperatures that it must maintain.  The water quality is critical.  Make sure that the Manufacturer of the MRI unit gives the necessary water temperatures that this chiller should run.  If it is not marked call them and ask.

3. Sweating concerns: Chilling laser applications can have a wide range, but what ever temperature you are asked to use try to stay with that range. If you have a sweating problem raise the set point temperature only 1F increments and see if that will make any difference.

4. Water quality: Most MRI & laser chiller water systems utilize Dionized water (D.I. water). This is done to keep the water free from mineral build up. If you presently do not have access to or used DI water in you system; I suggest that some type of chemical treatment done ASAP. Do not let the water become contaminated. Water treatment is extremely important.
Operating Adjustments: (HVAC)

1. Temperature ranges: HVAC chiller systems run relatively cold 40-50F and must use freeze protection in the circulation water loop.

2. Seasonal temperature shifts (inside conditioned areas) : Even though the chiller temperature is pre-set; changes in ambient temperatures can make a conditioned area feel cooler or warmer. Adjust the zoned thermostats to combat these seasonal changes. Don't change the temperature of the chiller- a room thermostat is much easier.

3. Stagnant air or musty smells: Make sure that the indoor air filters are changed monthly or at least quarterly. Dust and dirt reduce the efficiency of the system, increase operating costs and cause poor air quality for those who work in those areas.

4. Room's) too cold or too hot: First check the zone thermostat and adjust as needed. NOTE: If the HVAC system is not a chiller but cooled by refrigeration; generally do not set the thermostat below 68-70F. The unit may ice up and cause damage to the compressor. If the system is chiller water cooled; it does not matter what the zone thermostat is set for, only the personal comfort level of those in the rooms.

Operating Adjustments: (Air-Conditioning)

1. If conditioned area is warm: Check thermostat and make sure it is set between 70-78 F. (average temperature range).

2. If conditioned area is warm: Check all air filters. Clean them once a month or at least quarterly (once a season)

3. Still Warm: call a specialized service technician.

4.  Cold ambient conditions must have some type of outdoor fan controls (air cooled) and some type of water regulating valves ( water cooled) for the chiller to properly operate and not cause oil and slugging problems.

Air-Conditioning-Start ups and Shut downs:

1. Do not shut off air-conditioning by main power disconnects. Use the thermostat when ever possible.

2. Make sure the outdoor units main power has been on for 24 hours prior to the initial season startup. This is to engage the compressor crank case heater and boil off any liquid refrigerant that might have built up over the cold winter months.

3. Shut Down for the season: Make sure to shut off the breaker to the outdoor condensing unit for the next 6-8 months. HINT: There is no need to pay for an oil heater if the system is not going to run for some time.

4. First time start ups should be done by a specialized service technician. Serious damage can occur if certain steps are not taken from the beginning.

Operating Adjustments: (Air-Dryers)
1. Temperature ranges: While running, the condensing temperature range is from 34-40 F. If the system has a closed loop tank the water temperatures of the water solution are the same, 34-40 F.

2.Adjustments: While running there are few if any adjustments to be made and should only be done by a qualified field technician.

Air-Dryer Start ups and Shut downs:
1. Do not shut off air dryer by main power disconnects. Use control power switches provided on the air dryer control panel. (rarely done)

2. First time start ups should be done by a specialized service technician. Serious damage can occur if certain steps are not taken from the beginning.

3. NOTE: 98% of all air dryers run 100% of the time, even when there is no air going through the system. There is no need to shut down or start up an air dryer. The remaining 2% still are generally left "ON" all the time and not shut down.

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