5-3 Maintaining the Condenser

Dirty condenser heat exchange surfaces reduce system capacity and efficiency.

Air- and Remote Air-Cooled Chillers

Brush or vacuum light dirt accumulations off the aluminum condenser fins. Avoid bending or damaging them. Heavy dirt accumulations on the fins may require professional cleaning.

Water-Cooled Chillers

Proper water treatment will greatly reduce cleaning intervals.

Coaxial Condensers (2 to 7.5 hp chillers). Remove dirt and slime in the condenser tube water side by reverse-circulating with a mild detergent and water solution. Remove mineral deposits by reverse circulating Liquid Inhibited Acid De-Scaling Solution (Part No. A0502600) through the water side of the condenser. Follow the directions on the container.

Shell & Tube Condensers (10 to 40 hp chillers). Remove dirt and slime in the condenser tube water side by cleaning with a nylon tube brush. Remove mineral deposits by reverse circulating Liquid Inhibited Acid De-Scaling Solution (Part No. A0502600) through the tube water side of the condenser. Follow the directions on the container.

The refrigerant side is sealed and requires no routine maintenance.

Caution! Do not use steam or water over 140ºF (60ºC) to clean a condenser unless you are monitoring the refrigeration circuit for excessive pressure with gauges. Only a trained technician should use this method.

5-4 Maintaining the Evaporator

Dirty evaporator heat exchange surfaces reduce system capacity and efficiency. Remove dirt and slime in the evaporator by reverse-circulating with a mild detergent and water solution.

Remove mineral deposits by reverse-circulating Liquid Citric Acid De-Scaling Solution (Part No. A0536607). Follow the directions on the container.

5-5 Evaporator Process Piping Y-Strainer

The process piping Y-strainer requires periodic cleaning of its screen to insure the proper flow through the evaporator. To clean the strainer screen, remove the access plug and retaining cap, and pull out the screen.

Wipe, brush, or vacuum out any dirt left in the strainer body. Clean the screen and replace it in the strainer taking care to fit it squarely into the machined seat provided.

Caution! Do not forget to re-install the screen after cleaning it. Operating the chiller with no strainer screen can potentially plug the evaporator with dirt. The warranty does not cover chiller failures from a dirty evaporator.

2-40 HP Portable Chillers

Chapter 5: Maintenance

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