Chillers are machines that remove heat from a liquid via a vapor-compression or absorption refrigeration cycle. This liquid can then be circulated through a heat exchanger to cool air or equipment as required. As a necessary byproduct, refrigeration creates waste heat that must be exhausted to ambient or, for greater efficiency, recovered for heating purposes. Concerns in the design and selection of Laboratory chillers include performance, efficiency, maintenance, and product life cycle environmental impact. You can see our products: Recirculating chillers, recirculating coolers, Water Cooler. The main purpose of a chiller is to remove heat from one area and pass it to sources like ambient air or water.
Important specifications to consider when searching for industrial chillers include:
Process pump selection Industrial chiller selection
Process flow Total life cycle cost
Process pressure Power source
Pump material Chiller IP rating
Elastomer & mechanical shaft seal material Chiller IP rating
Motor voltage Chiller cooling capacity
Motor electrical class Evaporator capacity
Motor IP rating and pump rating Evaporator material
If the cold water temperature is lower than the Evaporator type
−5°C, then a special pump needs to be used Condenser material
to be able to pump the high concentrations of Condenser capacity
ethylene glycol Ambient temperature
Internal water tank size Motor fan type
Full load current noise level
**Control panel features that should be Internal piping materials
considered when selecting between industrial Number of compressors
chillers include: the local control panel, Type of compressor
remote control panel, fault indicators, Number of fridge circuits
temperature indicators, & pressure indicators. Coolant requirements
Additional features include emergency Fluid discharge temperature
alarms, hot gas bypass, city water COP (the ratio between the cooling capacity
switch over, and casters in RT to the energy consumed by the whole chiller in KW). For medium, to large chillers, this should range from 3.5 to 7.0, with
higher values meaning higher efficiency. Chiller efficiency is often specified in kilowatts per refrigeration ton(kW/RT).
Choosing a laboratory and industrial chiller
The choice of chiller is made according to the requirement of the hot system, to what temperature it is necessary to lower it, and what the cooling power and flow are needed to flip the heat. The choice of the chiller is made according to the cooling power, cooling temperature, flow and pressure
How Laboratory Chillers Work
Basic Working Principles
At its core, a laboratory chiller works by transferring heat from one substance to another. It operates on a refrigeration cycle that includes components like a compressor, condenser, and evaporator to remove heat from the process.
The Refrigeration Cycle Explained
The refrigeration cycle begins with the compressor, which compresses refrigerant gas, raising its temperature. The gas then moves through the condenser, where it's cooled and turns into a liquid. Next, the refrigerant passes through an expansion valve, reducing its pressure and causing it to cool even further. Finally, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the lab process in the evaporator, removing unwanted heat from the system.
Importance of Maintaining Temperature Control
Temperature control is vital for many lab applications. Inconsistent temperatures can result in faulty experimental results, malfunctioning equipment, or failed chemical reactions. Laboratory chillers provide the precise control needed to ensure that temperatures stay within set parameters.Key Applications of Laboratory Chillers
Pharmaceutical and Biotech Industries
In the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors, maintaining precise temperatures is crucial for drug development, storage, and production. Chillers help keep equipment and processes stable, ensuring the highest levels of accuracy.
Research Laboratories
Laboratories conducting research on temperature-sensitive materials or reactions rely on chillers to maintain consistency, allowing for precise and repeatable results.
Chemical Processing
In chemical processing, uncontrolled temperature can lead to dangerous reactions or spoiled batches. Laboratory chillers offer the control needed to maintain safety and product quality.
Medical Devices and Healthcare
Chillers are used in medical device testing and healthcare settings to ensure equipment like MRI machines and lasers run efficiently and safely.
Features to Look for in a Laboratory Chiller
Temperature Range
Ensure the chiller you choose can achieve the necessary temperature range for your specific application.
Cooling Capacity
The chiller's cooling capacity should match the demands of your lab's equipment. Undersized chillers may not provide adequate cooling, while oversized chillers can waste energy.
Energy Efficiency
Look for energy-efficient chillers that can reduce operating costs and are better for the environment.
Portability and Size
Consider the size of the chiller and how much space it will occupy in your lab. If you need a mobile solution, opt for a portable chiller.