‫دائرة التبريد‬

Active Chiller Approach

Temperature Monitoring Leads
to Increased Operating Life
and Efficiency
 23 janvier 2018

 Author: Chem-Aqua, Inc

 Number of views: 19767

 0 Comments
 

In many facilities, chiller and condenser systems are the largest energy consuming

component of the plant. Operating a chiller at its peak performance saves energy, as well as
maintenance costs, and can keep the facility’s loads properly maintained. Chiller performance
varies significantly with operating conditions, and any opportunity to improve efficiency and
extended equipment life is greatly desired by any facility manager. One major indicator of
chiller performance is the historical values of the chiller approach temperatures. These
temperatures show the heat transfer efficiency and can be a precursor to a potential issue in
the system. With proper, routine monitoring of approach temperatures, the chiller’s operating
life and operating efficiency are greatly increased.
Condenser approach temperature is simply defined as the difference between the condenser
liquid refrigerant temperature and the outlet condenser water temperature. The closer these
 temperatures are to each other, the more efficient the heat transfer. Similarly, the evaporator
approach temperature is the difference between the evaporator refrigerant temperature and the
leaving chilled water temperature. Most later model chillers provide the approach
temperatures on the chiller control panel or remotely accessible.
Approach temperatures should be routinely monitored to ensure that the system is running at
the maximum efficiency. Reaching maximum chiller efficiency occurs when the facility is
producing the greatest tonnage at the lowest kilowatt usage. This typically equates to running
at 70 to 75 percent, along with the lowest entering condenser water temperature (ECWT).
High chiller approach temperatures usually mean reduced heat transfer, increased energy
consumptions, and a reduction in refrigeration capacity. High approach temperatures should
be investigated as they are usually an indication of a severe problem:
 Fouled/Contaminated tubes (biofilm, scale, sludge, corrosion, etc.)
 Non-condensable gases present (Air in the refrigerant) 
 Low refrigerant charge or altogether loss of charge
 Incorrect cooling tower operation
 Irregular water flow to chiller
It’s critical to keep approach temperatures at an operable level. This requires effective water
treatment systems that help protect equipment and manage costs. Ensuring these
temperatures are ideal leads to great efficiencies with less power consumption. Protecting the
cooling water system also eliminates many maintenance costs. Use recirculating systems,
closed loops, once through systems, as well as solid water treatment. Maintaining a good
protective program allows for optimized operations.
There are many ways to keep chiller temperatures at the normal rate like daily logging for
operating history and baselines, increasing tube cleanliness, and effective condenser water
treatment. Chem-Aqua is a leader in chiller optimization using custom water treatment
solutions. They specialize in custom designed water treatment programs for boiler, cooling,
and process water systems. These reliable and durable systems help their customers to
minimize their energy, water, and maintenance costs while ensuring safe and reliable
operation of these critical systems. Contact Chem-Aqua today to learn more about their
products to improve chiller efficiencies and how to save money by keeping condensation
systems running efficiently.
Click to learn more about Chem-Aqua’s cutting edge systems to help increase your chiller
operating life today!
 

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 A Method to Accurately
Measure System Volumes for
Cooling Towers and Closed
Loop Systems
 9 janvier 2018

 Author: Chem-Aqua, Inc

 Number of views: 8798

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Cooling towers or closed loop systems require continuous treatment. But to achieve effective
water treatment in either of these settings, the precise system volume must be known. This is
particularly essential when adding biocides to ensure the correct amount of treatment is
added. Although there are many ways to measure volumes, many are inexact and hard to
execute.
There are three ways typically used to determine system volumes. The first method is to
estimate the volume based on system tonnage (typically 3 to 10 gallons per ton depending on
the type of tower), but accuracy discrepancies may result in chemical underfeed or overfeed.
The second method is to calculate an estimate based on the dimensions of the system piping
and sump. While this approach may be more accurate, it is often difficult to measure all of the
dimensions correctly. The final method is to use a treatment addition calculation. Salt is the
traditional treatment program addition, and is not only easy to test for, but soluble and
inexpensive as well.
For the most accurate and efficient way to calculate system volume, however, it may be
preferable to use a chemical treatment product instead. With chemical addition calculations, a
measured amount of chemical is added into the system; the water is then tested for the
residual of that chemical. The product used must contain easily analyzed components which
cannot be consumed by chemical reactions occurring in the system water. The density of the
treatment product and the percentage of activity of the component being measured must also
be known. Chemical treatment products also eliminate the need to subsequently flush the
 system while reducing concerns relating to corrosiveness caused by high chloride levels
when using the salt method.
Chem-Aqua offers custom water treatment solution chemicals for use in boiler, cooling, and
process water systems that minimize energy, water, and maintenance costs while ensuring
safe and reliable operation of these critical systems. Our precise measurement calculation
process determines an accurate system volume using chemical additions that won’t impair
your system. Our goal is to keep client systems operating at peak efficiency with minimal
expense, time, and effort.
Learn more about using Chem-Aqua chemicals to estimate system volume by downloading
our Technical Bulletin, Using Chemical Additions to Estimate System Volume.

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Is Your Closed Loop System

Losing Water?
Locating Water Losses in Closed Loops
 12 décembre 2017

 Author: Chem-Aqua, Inc

 Number of views: 10429

 0 Comments

Closed heating and cooling water systems typically require little makeup water and
minimal chemical additions following the initial system charge. However, when leaks occur, it
can be costly and difficult to maintain the treatment levels necessary for corrosion and deposit
control. Routine testing of conductivity, pH or alkalinity, and inhibitor level is used to
determine if there has been any water loss. If these parameters decrease simultaneously,
water has been lost. If the water loss is significant (>1 gpm), a ¾” water meter installed on the
makeup line (on a bypass) can help quantify the rate of water loss.
 
It is necessary to identify and eliminate the source(s) of significant water loss, as this will help
improve treatment plan effectiveness, lowering operating costs and reducing the potential for
unexpected system failure. The following checklist may help you identify why a closed system
is losing water:

 
 Check all circulating pumps for leaks around the seals of packing
 Check the expansion tank to ensure it is not full of water
 Check all pressure relief valves
 Check all automatic air vents to see if they are leaking water
 Check the backflow preventer
 When fan coil units are used with a chilled water system, check the conductivity, pH,
inhibitor level, hardness, or color (if a colored treatment product or a dye is used) of the water
in the condensate drain pans
 Where steam is used to heat a hot water system (via a heat exchanger), check for
contamination in the various boiler system waters
You may think with a closed loop system you won’t have to worry too much about water loss.
However, even the tiniest leaks can result in significant water loss if you let the system go
long enough. This is why it’s important to monitor water levels and quality and, if you find any
water loss at all, locate the source of the leak.
 
Since 1919, Chem-Aqua has provided custom-designed programs that solve water treatment
problems and make boiler, cooling, and process water systems more efficient. Our success is
built on our Total System Approach to water treatment. Long ago, we recognized that good
results require a lot more than just adding chemicals and testing water. It requires a
comprehensive program of products, equipment, and services that address the unique
mechanical, operational, chemical, and people requirements of each system.
 
To learn more about Chem-Aqua’s services, including closed loop cleaning (cleaning,
passivation, filtration, and corrosion inhibition), visit us at http://www.chemaqua.com today for
more information.

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