The Compressed Air Blog | Compressed Air and Gas Tips from Atlas Copco

Discover the Cool World of Industrial Chillers!

Written by Atlas Copco Compressors | Aug 24, 2023

If you're no stranger to the compressed air and gas industry, you've probably crossed paths with industrial chillers (or process cooling chillers) at some point. These unsung heroes, while not directly related to compressed air, play a vital role in various industrial processes, from food and beverage to medical, plastics, and printing.

What Exactly is an Industrial Chiller?

At its core, think of an industrial chiller as your kitchen refrigerator's industrial cousin! These remarkable machines excel at moving heat from one place to another, safeguarding equipment, product quality, and applications.

An industrial chiller houses a pumping system that circulates cooling water (or a water/glycol mixture) from the chiller to the process. This liquid is like the heat-absorbing superhero, whisking heat away from the process. Once it's done its job, the now-warm liquid heads back to the chiller, and the cycle begins anew!

Industrial chillers consist of four key components, alongside the trusty refrigerant: an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, and an expansion unit. These components dance in harmony to chill your process, following these steps:

  • Refrigeration: A sealed system within the chiller circulates refrigerant, sucking heat directly from the returning process cooling water. This cools the water down to the desired temperature.
  • Evaporation: The liquid refrigerant's pressure drops, lowering its boiling point. It then boils in the evaporator, absorbing energy from the water.
  • Compression: The refrigerant, now a cool gas, returns to the compressor, where it gets a pressure and temperature boost.
  • Condensation: The compressed hot vapor journeys to a condenser, shedding heat and turning back into a liquid.

Chilling Benefits for Your Business

Process cooling chillers bring a wealth of advantages to industrial processes. One standout perk is precise temperature control, crucial in sectors like food processing and injection molding, ensuring product quality and integrity.

Another advantage is the removal of excess heat, preventing equipment shutdowns and reducing production downtime. Plus, by recirculating cooling water, chillers reduce water consumption, minimizing environmental impact and cost.

Curious to delve deeper into the world of process cooling chillers? Explore more at www.atlascopco.com/industrial-chillers!