CHILLERS
hazards and necessary safety procedures. 1. Dust, dirt and grime Windblown dust and dirt can permeate every nook and cranny on the chiller, including its panels and the air-cooled condenser coil(s). Remove any waste, rubbish and general debris from the surrounding area and inside the chiller. This prevents debris from being drawn into the condenser air intake fi lter or the condenser coil itself. 2. Condenser
Any accumulation of dirt, dust and grime can lead to progressive underperformance. As dirt builds up on the condenser coils, it becomes harder for them to transfer the heat from your process to the outside air. This forces your chiller to work harder, reducing its cooling capacity and increasing energy consumption. Additionally, the dirt imposes a greater load on the fans, resulting in decreased performance and effi ciency.
Dirty coils can lead to higher energy bills, increased Climate Change Levy charges (where applicable), and a shorter lifespan for the system and its components. Use a soft hand brush or a purpose-made narrow coil brush to clean the condenser fi ns and coil. If the condenser is heavily fouled or the dirt is diffi cult to remove, contact us to arrange a full chemical wash and straighten any fi n damage. 3. Condenser intake fi lter If an air intake fi lter panel is fi tted, it should be removed, examined, and cleaned. Accumulated dirt and/or dust will have the same impact as a dirty condenser coil. 4. Protective condenser fi n/coil coating Once the fi ns and coil have been cleaned, examine the fi n coating. If it appears to need patching or recoating, you should
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arrange for a complete examination and re-treatment advice. 5. Panels and steelwork Wash down all panels and steel work and repair or treat, as necessary. Check for water accumulation around and under any supporting structures. Inspect the condition of all supports and structures, and repair or treat as needed. Untreated dirt or mould can quickly become permanent and potentially corrosive. 6. Leaks
Inspect the chiller for leaks. Water leaks are usually self- evident and should be repaired immediately. Refrigeration leaks are much more diffi cult to detect and generally require examination and leak testing by a qualifi ed refrigeration technician. However, small leaks can sometimes be identifi ed by traces of oil directly under the source. Do not try to repair refrigeration leaks yourself – contact us to arrange an examination and leak test. 7. Insulation
Examine the condition of the thermal insulation. Ensure it is in good condition, properly fi xed to the vessel/pipework, and free of condensation seepages. Repair or replace as necessary. 8. Gauges
Check all gauges and displays, and clean them as needed. Keeping a daily or weekly log of all gauge readings can help assess the systems’ continued proper operation.
Chiller servicing and planned maintenance are preventative measures that ensure your chiller equipment remains operational and effi cient throughout its maximum lifespan.
www.icscoolenergy.com
www.acr-news.com • June 2025 29
Dirty coils can lead to higher energy bills, increased Climate
Change Levy charges (where
applicable), and a shorter lifespan for the system and its
components.
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