Liquid Chillers

A liquid chiller is an industrial refrigeration device that works by transferring heat from one element into another. For example, a chiller may remove heat from water and transfer it into the air. The way a liquid chiller works is similar to the way an air conditioner works, except, as the name implies, it chills liquid instead of air. Operating a chiller is usually simple. Once your setup is complete, your chiller does all the work for you.

Functions

Liquid chillers are used in many industrial applications, but are also used quite frequently in the medical field in a hospital or laboratory setting. Liquid chillers can be used to cool plastics and the machines that process the plastics for orthotics and prosthetics. Chillers are also used to cool down lasers and their power supplies during surgical procedures. Other medical equipment such as MRI and PET scan machines need a liquid chiller to function properly.

Liquid Chiller Types

Portable liquid chillers are available for needs outside of a hospital or laboratory. These systems are usually mounted on castors and can be moved from one place to another easily. They can also cool multiple heat producing machines or equipment if necessary. These liquid chillers are useful for aid workers, EMT professionals and other health care workers or scientists in the field.

Air-cooled chillers are also available to cool heat generating devices. They are most commonly used when additional heat produced during the cooling is not a factor. These chillers work by absorbing heat from process water and transferring the heat to ambient air. These units require less maintenance but use up to 10% more energy to operate.

Another type of liquid chiller is a water-cooled chiller. This type of chiller is used only for large applications and works by transferring heat to a separate water source like a cooling tower or lake. This type of cooling system is often used for nuclear plants.

Choosing a Liquid Chiller

Which liquid chiller you use depends on the applications in which you will be using the cooling system. It is important to get the liquid chiller that best fits your needs and your equipment. Size is an important deciding factor in finding a liquid chiller. The perfect size optimizes the economy of the entire system. This perfect size is decided by the amount of heat you are generating. You will also have to factor in the power it will take to maintain the temperature you desire in any given application.

To find this information, there are a number of mathematical equations you can use based on the difference in temperature of your ingoing and outgoing elements and what kind of liquid you are using in your system. However, many people find these equations to be too confusing to employ.

The best way to find information on a liquid chiller is to ask the manufacturer. Many manufacturers have adequate literature to accompany their products. They may also have well informed representatives who can help you with any questions you may have.