Trane TRG-TRC011-EN manual Maintenance Considerations

period four

Maintenance Considerations

notes

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◆Conduct annually or semiannually

◆Verifies corrosion inhibitor levels

◆Verifies performance additive levels

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◆Conduct annually

Figure 60

An absorption chiller requires a very deep vacuum to operate efficiently. The introduction of air and other noncondensables into the chiller will adversely affect the chiller’s performance. In a lithium bromide absorption chiller, where the absorbent is a salt, corrosion is a potential problem that must be avoided. It may not be possible to completely prevent corrosion inside the chiller, although it can be reduced or controlled by the addition of a chemical called a corrosion inhibitor.

Corrosion inhibitors are primarily intended to protect the steel components of the chiller from the corrosive action of the lithium bromide-and-water mixture. The inhibitor is added to the lithium bromide solution to promote the formation of a thin protective layer of oxide quickly and uniformly over the steel components inside the chiller. This coating is more impervious to the reaction with water, resulting in longer life for the chiller. Corrosion inhibitors also reduce the production of noncondensable gas that is generated during the corrosion process. The corrosion inhibitor, however, does not directly protect the copper components from corrosion. Corrosion protection for the copper heat transfer components primarily depends on the materials selected to assure maximum design life.

Additionally, most lithium bromide absorption chillers use a chemical performance additive to achieve and maintain design performance. This additive considerably enhances the rate at which refrigerant vapor is absorbed by the lithium bromide solution.

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