Chillers & Cooling Towers
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Manufacturers We Service
Our certified technicians are skilled in troubleshooting and repairing issues with chillers and cooling towers from all manufacturers. The brands listed are the most common that we deal with in the Greater Detroit Metro Area.
Water-cooled chillers are usually used in conjunction with a cooling tower. The cooling tower is a separate component that cools the water that is circulated through the chiller.
In a water-cooled chiller system, cooled water is circulated through the conditioned space or through a process, removing heat as it goes. The warmer water is then returned to the chiller to be cooled, whereby the process continues to repeat itself. To prevent the water in this system from getting too warm, it is passed through a cooling tower, where it is cooled by ambient air.
The cooling tower works by using a fan to blow air over a flow of water, causing the water to evaporate and cool. The cooled water is collected in a basin at the bottom of the tower and is then pumped back to the chiller to be circulated through the system again.
Cooling Towers
A cooling tower cools water by a combination of heat and mass transfer. Water to be cooled is distributed in the tower by spray nozzles, splash bars, or film-type fill, which exposes a very large water surface area to atmospheric air.
Two basic types of evaporative cooling devices are used. The direct-contact or open cooling tower exposes water directly to the cooling atmosphere, thereby transferring the source heat load directly to the air.
A closed-circuit cooling tower, involves indirect contact between heated fluid and atmosphere, essentially combining a heat exchanger and cooling tower into one relatively compact device.
Equipment Maintenance
It is important for cooling tower owners to follow the operating and maintenance guidelines provided by the manufacturer, which may include recommendations for specific procedures, intervals, and parts lists.
Documentation of all operating and maintenance functions is also crucial. Without proper documentation, it is difficult to ensure that all maintenance tasks are being completed as outlined in the maintenance policy.
A cooling tower that is not properly maintained will likely be unable to achieve setpoint during heavy load conditions.
Proper maintenance and inspection is critical in
preventing unexpected or extended shutdown by identifying issues prior to complete
failure.
Improper chemical treatment of cooling tower sump water
Can result in heavy sediment buildup both in the sump and on tower fill media causing components to malfunction and a decrease in the towers ability to transfer heat. Sediment also clogs tower spray nozzles and heat exchangers which result in a large reduction in cooling performance.
Malfunctioning components, restricted water flow, or improper control setpoints
Can cause increased energy usage, drastically increase water consumption, and cause unnecessary wear to fan/pump motors and bearings.
Maintenance Checklist
Clean tower sump and remove debris/sediment.
1
Remove and clean strainers to prevent a reduction of water flow.
2
Power wash or chemically remove buildup on tower fill media/tubing bundle.
3
Remove spray nozzles and clean to ensure no clogging.
4
Check operation of chemical feed.
5
Check for proper water flow through heat exchangers.
6
Check for leaks that cause reduction in water pressure to distributors.
7
Check operation of tower fill valve and ensure proper sump level is maintained.
8
Ensure tower pump and fans cycling efficiently to maintain setpoint.
9
Inspect electrical components for wear and check controller operation.
10
Check frequency drive operation and settings.
11
Grease fan and pump bearings and adjust belt tension for fans.
12
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We offer installation, repair, and replacement services for a wide range of HVAC equipment. Plus, our regular maintenance plans will help your equipment run smoothly and protect your investment. Contact us today to learn more!
Chillers
Liquid chilling systems are used to cool water, brine, or other secondary coolants for air conditioning or refrigeration purposes. These chillers can either be factory-assembled and wired or shipped in sections for field installation. They are most commonly used for cooling water for air conditioning systems, but they can also be used to cool brine for low-temperature refrigeration and to chill fluids in industrial processes.
Equipment Maintenance
Maintaining proper flow through the chiller barrel or water-cooled condenser is critical to the operation of any chiller. Condenser barrels especially require periodic disassembly and cleaning to prevent reduction of flow and performance. Leak testing should also be performed periodically to detect leakage between the water and refrigerant circuit and avoid future catastrophic failure.
Improper operation of the refrigeration side of the chiller can cause numerous issues and failures. Performing a thorough check can identify issues that can cause compressor failure, excessive runtimes, short cycling, and unnecessary lockouts.
Maintenance Checklist
Check for proper water flow through both evaporator and condenser barrels.
1
Check approach temperatures to analyze chiller efficiency.
2
Check refrigeration system operation and analyze refrigerant charge.
3
Ensure expansion devices operating properly.
4
Check compressor operation, including amp draw, oil pressure, and temperature.
5
Check compressor oil level and replace oil filter when applicable.
6
Monitor total system operation via controller, check for prior lockouts.
7
Ensure setpoints are set appropriately and compressors are loading/staging properly.
8
Verify all system sensor outputs are within parameters.
9
Inspect and test electrical components, motor starters, controls, and safeties.
10
Grease pump bearings and motors.
11
Disassemble and clean evaporator barrel and leak test as needed.
12
Periodically disassemble and clean tubes of condenser barrel and perform leak test when applicable.
13
Periodically clean condenser coils when applicable.
14
Our Work
