Manual
58
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CHILLER OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
Pressure and Temperature Log
A log of temperatures and pressures should be taken regularly
Periodically conduct a visual inspection of the chiller to identify
problems before they reach the point of failure As with any
mechanical system, it is necessary to conduct a series of checks to the
ClimaCool chiller to conrm correct operation
HEAT EXCHANGERS
Back Washing
It may become evident from the recorded daily log data that the
performance of the chiller is gradually degrading This could be
due to a buildup of debris or sludge obstructing the free passage of
ow through the heat exchangers This debris can be removed by a
“back washing” process, which involves the introduction of a forced,
violent, backwards ow through the heat exchanger, using a carefully
formulated ushing solution To be effective, this back ow should
be slightly higher than the normal ow, and, in the opposite direction
The difculties and practicality of this method depends on the back
wash pumping system itself Another method would be to back ush
each heat exchanger using city water as opposed to system water
(see Fig 1 page 59, City Water Cleaning Arrangement) Note: Check
city water pressure meets requirements for back washing The back
washing procedure is accomplished by isolating each individual heat
exchanger, and introducing the city water using a connection hose
to the 3/4” service port to ow in an opposite direction from the
“normal” heat exchanger ow direction On the opposite 3/4” service
port, connect a drain hose to run to a suitable oor drain Continue
back ow until all debris is removed
Chemical in Place Washing
“Chemical Clean In-Place Washing” will typically provide the best
debris removal, even from severely clogged heat exchangers It is
only necessary to mechanically and electrically isolate one chiller
module at a time which undergoes the “Clean In-Place Washing”
The rest of the chiller modules can continue to operate to satisfy the
cooling load required The cleaning tank, pump and pump strainer
should be arranged in the manner shown in Fig 2 page 59, In Place
Cleaning Arrangement The ow of the cleaning is arranged in the
opposite ow to the normal operational direction Connection points
are provided using the 3/4” service ports at each heat exchanger
The cleaning solution used can be either a detergent or hot water to
remove particles and simple cleaning If correct water treatment has
been implemented this should provide adequate cleaning for most
situations The solution can be pumped through the heat exchangers
and allowed to “soak” for a time and then pumped again
If it is required to remove carbonates, then an acidic wash should be
used A 2% solution of phosphoric or sulfamic acids in pure water are
generally acceptable These acid solutions should only be allowed
to circulate within the heat exchanger for 10 to 15 minutes, followed
by a thorough pure water ush for 10 to 15 minutes Hydrochloric or
sulfuric acids must not be used In any case, you should consult the
chemical supplier to establish the correct formulation and handling
process The materials, which will be exposed to the wash, are stated
on page 16 - Water Treatment
Once the washing is complete, the solution should be ushed out
completely by pumping clean, fresh water through the chiller To
achieve a reasonable level of dilution, it may be required to change
the water several times After cleaning, the water quality and water
treatment should be conrmed
If you have questions related to the suitability of a solution, please
contact ClimaCool for more information
Chiller Operation and Maintenance