How to Prevent My Shell & Tube Chiller from Clogging?
Regular maintenance keeps a commercial HVAC system running smoothly, but every unit relies on parts that operate at peak performance 24/7. One of the most important components is the chiller, and its upkeep is vital to the cooling integrity of the entire system.
Efficient Cooling
According to the U.S. General Services Administration, chillers in large buildings cool more than 30 percent of the country’s commercial floor space and account for 9 percent of those structures’ energy consumption. Compared to all-air units, chilled water systems are more economical for cooling multiple stories, and they’re very effective in manufacturing and warehouse settings. These systems also take up less space because piped water is a more efficient heat transfer medium than forced air. However, when the tubing inside a chiller becomes clogged, HVAC components have to work harder, and that drives up energy costs.
Expensive Problems
The design of a chiller varies from one unit to another, but its basic structure is composed of tubing that circulates water through the system. Over time, the interior of these conduits become coated with debris that affects crucial water flow rate. Rust, lime and algae are natural results of the process, but grease and oil also seep into the tubes. Inefficient circulation throws off temperature set points which forces the unit to consume more energy, and the buildup eventually contaminates other operating components. Without proper cleaning, the chiller fails and brings down the entire HVAC system
Professional Solutions
Water treatments are often considered a solution to clogged tubes, but the process is expensive and requires ongoing maintenance. By themselves, water treatments can’t remove the calcium scaling that naturally accumulates and interferes with the chiller’s efficient performance. Professional tube cleaning products flush the buildup that leads to corrosion, and they also emulsify oil and grease. Industrial tube cleaners are specially formulated to treat clogged chiller problems with different solutions that range from acidic bases to heavy-duty cleansers. These products safely remove organic, mineral and industrial contaminants from all types of chillers and tubing.
Gur Technologies Ltd. offers chiller and tube cleaning treatments and solutions that add years of life to efficient HVAC performance. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, inefficient chiller operations increase a building’s cooling cost by as much as 30 percent. The dollar and equipment cost of a clogged chiller are easily avoided with professional attention and products, and Gur Technologies Ltd. has proudly provided both for more than 50 years.