Water and Air-Cooled Chillers – Small Variations, Big Difference

Specialised businesses require dedicated tools and resources. Yet even specialised tools can vary in process and functionality, even if they’re designed to service a similar set of tasks. Chillers pose just one example of this, offering a variation of water-cooling options by way of different designs.

When it comes to specialised business tools, variations in design – even if on a slight scale – often equate to a greater focus on details. This, in turn, enables companies to hone in on and appoint the most applicable resources for their functional needs. For instance, chillers – used by a range of industries for water-cooling purposes – come in various forms; primarily, in units that cool by air and those that cool by water. Both function towards a similar purpose; yet their actual, varying processes can make a difference with regard to a company’s unique processes.

In terms of the components that make up water cooled chillers and air cooled chillers, the two pieces of equipment are very similar.  Each product contains an evaporator, condenser, compressor, and an expansion valve. However, as their names suggest, water-cooled and air-cooled chillers differ in the way they refrigerate fluids. While air cooled chillers ‘reject’ heat into the air, water cooled chillers reject it into another water source – such as a cooling tower plant. This simple yet significant difference usually forms the basis upon which companies choose which type of chiller is best for them.

Air cooled chillers are known to be slightly less energy efficient than water cooled chillers, but they’re also less expensive to purchase and maintain – making them popular among many businesses and industries. However, water cooled chillers are often the ideal choice for facilities that have a ready water source, such as a cooling tower or plant chilled water system. Provided that the existing water system has sufficient reserve capacity to service any additional requirements placed on the system, a water chiller is the most practical choice.

Many companies are also influenced by environmental factors, such as whether or not a chiller uses non-CFC refrigerants, or durability – for instance, if a chiller can withstand harsh industrial settings. With varying attributes to each type of equipment, businesses are able to approach their water-cooling needs – whether through chiller rentals or purchases – with unique requirements and fine-tuned processes in mind.

Process Chillers – Process Chiller Basics

Water chillers are used in just about every industry where a component, be it machinery or product, needs to be cooled. Sometimes, however, simple water chillers are not strong enough, and a process chiller may be used. Process chillers differ from standard HVAC chillers in that they use refrigerant coolants like ammonia and halocarbons, and can provide a higher level of cooling capabilities than standard chillers. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the basic information regarding process chillers and how they are used in today’s industries.

Process chillers are generally made up of four parts – compressors, evaporators, condensers, and metering devices. The refrigerant is sent to a heat source by a compressor, where it absorbs the heat because of its chemical properties. It then carries this heat to an evaporator, where it undergoes a phase change – it is converted into gas form and thus disperses the heat into the atmosphere, sometimes through a cooling tower to provide extra heat absorption. The condenser then turns the coolant back into a liquid form and sends it back to the compressor, where it is pushed through the cycle again. Metering devices provide a way to regulate the amount of flow and heat being absorbed.

Process chillers are used in a number of industrial applications, such as in the plastics industry, where they are used to reduce cycle times in injection molding by regulating the temperatures there. They are used in baking and other foods, because cooler water allows dough to be mixed for longer periods and thus increases the quality of the product, and can cool various food producing processes such as the creation of chocolate, meat massaging, and vegetable processing. It is used in pharmaceuticals, where emollient vats produce large amounts of heat and frequently disperse it through a process chiller. They are even used in printing applications, to regulate temperatures in rollers and presses to reduce stretching and bleeding.

A process chiller can provide a large amount of cooling to virtually any facility, with the ability to chill up to forty tons of water or other refrigerant at a time. There are various types of process chillers available, with different types of compressors and coolant systems, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. The important thing is to know how much water you need cooled and at what rate, so that you can properly assess the type of cooling you will need.

Process chillers, chiller, & chiller and compressors.

How to Save Money on Your Water Bill

When considering the great gift of rainwater for use, to “How to Save Money on Your Water Bill”, it must be understood what potable and non-potable water is. In order to do that, one must also look at applications. Where portable water is necessary no substitution can be made; where it’s not, a substitution can be made…

Rain can be used as non-portable water for landscape irrigation, makeup for cooling towers, and toilet flushing; so, that makes great “How to Save Money on Your Water Bill” strategy! Of course, adjustments are made to accompany this system, but the savings are worth it, especially in rain abundant parts of our country. Dual piping throughout a building will be necessary with proper supervision so that fresh water line will not be mix with rainwater. It is more difficult but noting comes without something, right? “How to Save Money on Your Water Bill” requires some small investments.

The rainwater harvesting system works by collecting water from roof and pumped, or gravity flowed, to large covered cisterns. Either it’s a large complex system or simple rain-barrel systems, this rain water can be a life saver and bring the cost down for a structure.

Landscape-Scale Storm-water Harvesting and water from air-conditioner condensate, Cooling-Tower Blow-down, Building-Scale Treated Waste-water, Municipal-Scale Treated Waste-water, and Desalination, has been used to save water–save money…

Subsurface drip irrigation delivers water directly to the root zone and significantly reduces evaporation…

Another great “How to Save Money on Your Water Bill” strategy is to have a tank-less water heater. The hotwater is available instantly, so energy is not lost keeping the hot water hot and cold water drain down is not needed. The only drawback with this system is, it might not supply all areas of the building, that’s why enough units must be installed…

“How to Save Money on Your Water Bill” Paul Peshkov is a distributor, business developer, and a general contractor. As a favorite hobby, Mr. Peshkov is extensively involved in studying Alternative Medicine. He enjoys helping people reach their full potential in life. For more info on his latest developments visit http://www.PaulPeshkov.com.

Selecting a PC Tower Cabinet

Computer tower stands/cabinets are changing. Thanks to innovations by manufacturers, they can now be found with a lot more glitz and glamor than ever before. They still primarily perform very important practical functions though and house the heart of any PC. This means there are many things people should consider before making any purchase.

The first thing to look at is the size. People nowadays usually keep their machines on computer stands that have different shelves for the printer, the cabinet, DVDs etc. If the case is set on such stand, one should first carefully measure the space allotted for the cabinet. This measurement, with a few inches taken off to allow for cooling and access, should be the maximum height of the tower.

Do not forget about the form factor. Older motherboards are not compatible with newer tower cabinets and vice versa. There are many types of cabinets available, but one should stay away from cheap imports. Press the side of the cabinet and see whether there is any give or not. If the sheeting used to fabricate the tower is of a strong gauge, it will not give way easily. Also keep in mind that the current generations of CPU’s give off a lot of heat when purchasing a new stand. For this reason, ensure that there are adequate ventilation spaces in the tower stand.

It should preferably have two or more additional cooling slots where cooling fans can be affixed. The sides of some tower stands take a lot of pushing and coaxing before they finally snap in place. Therefore, check to ensure that the sides of any case will come on and off with relative ease. They should not only slide off easily but should be affixed by large-headed, half-twist screws (a half twist clockwise should attach them to the body and a half twist counterclockwise should detach them).

If possible, opt for a cabinet that does not come with a power box. Instead, purchase one separately and go in for one manufactured by a reputable company with low noise and power consumption.

It is wise to ensure that there are sufficient numbers of empty bays on the cabinet. There is no telling when it might be necessary to upgrade the computer with extra drives or other hardware. These extra bays will insure the computer can grow and change with the times.

Computer tower stands come in various color combinations. Gone are the days when cream and dull grey were the only colors available. Since a computer stand is relatively big and very noticeable, opt in for a cabinet that has a color combination which matches the color of the room.

Before building a computer, check out Computer Tower Stand for information on selecting computer components, computer tower stand selection and other information about computers.

Water Treatments – Legionella and Its Effect

What is Legionella?

Legionella bacteria are found at the air-water interface in surface water, in ground water and in aerated biofilms. Very low numbers of Legionella enter buildings and mechanical equipment in the water supply. Legionella subsequently may multiply to high numbers in cooling towers; evaporate condensers, air washers, humidifiers, hot water heaters, spas, fountains, car wash facilities, and plumbing fixtures. Water testing laboratories have carried out experiments that Legionella bacteria can increase at the rate from less than 10 per milliliter to over 10,000 per milliliter of water sample within one month.

How is Legionella spread?

Legionella infects a person when they inhale aerosols (small particles that do not settle out of the air) containing these bacteria. Legionella dispersal can extend over a distance of at least 6 kilometers. These bacteria are regularly found to be responsible for severe, sometimes fatal, human pneumopathy epidemics. Any individual can be contaminated and legionellosis is particularly severe in at risk subjects. Legionella are widespread in the environment i.e. surface waters, lakes, waterways and the bacterial reserves are essentially water-based.. They are also found in drinking water distribution systems i.e. hot water for sanitary purposes, cooling towers and establishments receiving the public hotels, campsites, etc. Legionella does not spread from person to person.

Causes of the disease

Legionella species of bacteria cause Legionnaires ‘disease. They are gram negative (but stain poorly), strictly aerobic rods. Optimal development conditions for legionellosis combine soft water with a temperature of 35-40° C. Contamination is essentially through inhalation of aerosolized organisms.

Prevention

In addition, risk prevention involves regular monitoring for Legionella in water in all its forms in industrial environment, hospital environment, natural ecosystems, and artificial water networks.
Legionella have an intracellular development in protozoa such as amebas and in biofilms, which makes them very resistant.

Is it safe to install decorative fountain in Hospitals?

The installation of decorative fountains in hospitals is strictly discouraged. For buildings that do not have persons at risk for pneumonia, the water fountains can be treated with disinfectants such as chlorine or bromide. Ultraviolet light may also be effective. Draining and cleaning of decorative fountains is recommended at least twice a year or more often if slime or dirt is visible. Surfaces can be scrubbed with a disinfecting solution (1 part chlorine to 20 parts water may be appropriate). Seek advice from a water treatment service for guidance.

1950 Texas Natural Gas Co. Benedum Plant

Texas Natural Gas Co. came to Upton County, Texas in 1950. They selected a site to build a Natural gas processing plant 17 miles North East of Rankin. Men and equipment were brought to the site in unheard of numbers.

The Plant design was laid out in seven different stages, beginning with the engine room. The engine room floor and side wall were poured with cement mostly mixed by hand. The engine pedestals were then poured and made ready to receive the engines. Most of the engines were9 – 880 H P Clark engines with 1- 660HP and 1 440HP. The engines came unassembled, the bed section was laid first and grouted in place. The crank shaft was then added along with the block and cylinders. Pistons rods and heads were then put in place to complete the process.

The compressor cylinders were then added to the back of the engine. Not all of the engines had the same type of compressor on it. There were 4 types of compressors to be installed, low stage, second stage, high stage and propane compressors. The pressure on these cylinders ranged from 35 lbs inlet on the low stages to 800 lbs discharge on the high stage.

While crews were working on the engine room other crews were setting forms to pour the bases for the towers that were to be erected. The first tower the gas went into was the absorber, the gas went in the bottom and came out the top, as it traveled to the top of the tower lean oil or # 2 crude naphtha was flowing down wards taking all the heavy ends out of the gas, what was left was methane gas which is what we burn in our homes.

The gas then went to the de ethanizer, the same process was followed as the absorber, on this time the ethane was removed and the rest of the heavies went to the next tower.
The heavies then went to the de propanizer where he propane was removed then they went to the de butanizer where the raw gasolene went out the bottom and the butane and iso butane went out the top.

The methane, and ethane were put in different pipe lines and shipped to various places. The propane, butane, iso butane and gsaolene were pot in tanks and then loaded onto trucks and was hauled out.

The hot oil heaters were set on the West side of the plant as far away from the towers as possible. The heaters heated the hot up to be pumped back over the towers again in an endless cycle.
The generator room had 4 generators in it. There were three Coopers and one Ingersol Rand to power the generators. These were the heart of the plant, when one would go off line it usually meant the plant was going down and lots of work was ahead of every one.

The cooling tower was 50 foot tall and 300 foot long had 5 large fans in to cool the water. The hot gases were pumped through coils to cool them down and bring them back to a liquid stage.

There were 4 boilers at the plant to serve as a heat source during the winter to keep the pipes from freezing and heat some of the water and products up before shipping.

The train rack was on the East side of the plant. The train rack could hold1 small tank cars and 8 jumbo cars. The regular cars held about 13,000 gallons of butane or propane while the jumbo cars held 30,000 gals. At one time the plant was shipping over 300,000 gallons of propane a day out of the Benedum plant.

There were 5 storage wells at the site which were used to store propane under ground. These wells were the fist in the world to store products in this way. The wells had a combined capacity of 65 millions gallons, At one time there was no demand for propane
And there were over 300,00 gallons of propane a day being burnt through the flare at the plant, the flare could be seen for miles.

The company built housing for the men and their families working there. They were mostly 2 bedroom homes with a garage and 6 3 bed room homes. All together there were 24 homes built at the site. A local contractor out of Rankin was given the contract to build them. In 1967 the company sold the houses to the employees living in the houses for $250.00. The employees had to buy a lot in the place of their choice and pay to have them moved to their new location. Sixteen of the families moved their houses to Rankin, 8 went to Big Lake.

The families quickly became involved in their communities and wound up making a difference. Some became, fireman, city council members, school board members, mayors, hospital board members, and Lions Club members.

The Benedum Plant is still in operation but owned by a different company, it no long has the hot oil system but a Cryo system That uses cold instead of heat and a turbine that rotates at 85,000 RPM to separate the product. It is a skeleton of what it use to be but it still stands proud.

We live in a small town in West Texas close to Midland and Odessa. We have been married 47 years, have two daughters, four grandchildren and a spoiled dog. We visit the area nursing homes to check on the elderly and make sure they are taken care of. We have gathered a mountain of hugs and smiles doing this. My wife likes to work in her flower beds and cook, while I pass the time in my shop or doing work for the elderly that they can’t afford to hire someone to fix for them. We stay active in our community and church.

My wife and I have started a new web site. ( http://www.wesellnmail.com ) We are new at this but we are having a great time learning. We have Bulova, Casio, Seiko, Invicta, Pulsar and Timex watches on our web site at this time. You can also sign up for a free new letter that has a new Pecan recipe in it each month. We have tried to make it a family web site so every one can enjoy it.

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McQuay Heating Coil

Energy saving without sacrificing efficiency is crucial when you plan to replace absorption type of chiller with a chiller that is mechanically driven. Chillers that are mechanically driven let you save the amount of water needed to evaporate heat. You can save as much as 40% to 55% of the required amount of water needed for the evaporation process inside the cooling towers when you replace your absorption chiller with an electric rotary screw or a centrifugal chiller. You can tell the difference later when you see your water consumption bill and all cost associated with it as well as your sewer charges. An inefficient water-cooled chiller wastes about 15,400 Btuh while the highly efficient ones wastes only 13, 500 Btuh per ton of cooling produced. A water-cooled chiller with McQuay heating coils typically operates at given flow rate and at desired temperature to meet given building load requirement. You can lower your unit’s energy consumption and electrical demand using ice or chilled water during peak time to offset peak loads.

Tankless McQuay heating coils are indirect water heaters usually applied as residential space heating system for heating water. The McQuay heating coils are part of the recent technology about combined space and water heating system. The tankless coil uses a McQuay heating coil in the main furnace or boiler. The water passes through the McQuay heating coil when you turn on the hot faucet. However, tankless coil proves to be more efficient during cold season when you use your heating system because they rely on the furnace for directly heating the water. Indirect water heaters save more energy because they utilize the heat generated by the furnace and minimize turning on and off the furnace. The well-insulated storage tank and high efficiency furnace are two of the most cost effective approach to providing hot water.

Replacing your current cooling and heating system requires accurate selection of the new system’s efficiency rates. If you want to upgrade your heating and cooling system, you need to consider first the limitations of your current system, which greatly affects limitations on your choices. Thermostats, McQuay heating coil efficiency, and ducts provide wonderful opportunities for you to save energy consumption. The pressure drop difference between the McQuay heating coil and the air or water flow arrangement is crucial for unit design optimization. Contact your McQuay heating coil agent and ask for the right unit specifications that will meet your requirements.

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List of Cooling Tower Companies

There are many cooling tower companies around the globe. This list is maintained and updated regurlarly in order to keep related people such as process engineers, facility engineers, plant managers and others to know about the existence on other cooling tower related companies. It will be easier if such database is made easily accessible and available.

1. International Cooling Tower (www.ictower.com).
Email: office@ictower.com or phone: 1 800 661–3645 (USA/Canada).

Description of service provided:

  • Cooling tower engineering services
  • New cooling towers & erection services
  • Performance upgrades
  • Reconstruction
  • Preventative maintenance
  • Inspections
  • Replacement components & parts
  • Turnkey solutions

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2. Baltimore AirCoil (www.baltimoreaircoil.com).
Email: info@baltimoreaircoil.com (served worldwide).

Description of service provided

  • Manufacture/marketer of heat transfer & ice thermal storage products,
  • Serving air conditioning, refrigeration, industrial process, power generation.
  • Products include: cooling towers, closed circuit cooling towers, evaporative cooling towers, Aircoil evaporators, Ice Thermal Storage System and Equipment control.

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Notes: For cooling tower companies and cooling tower service provider companies, to list your company here, please contact the administrator of this site and submit your company name, address, service, email, website and contact number. Thanks.

Clean Your Cooling Tower – The Smart Way

Every process or facility engineers know that it is not easy to maintain a clean cooling tower water basin. Well, now you can with the cool robotic cleaning cooling tower machine. Check out this video.


Air Conditioning

When the days get longer and the thermometer starts to climb, there is only one thing on most people’s minds, besides bikinis. We are talking, of course, about air conditioning. Like most modern appliances that make our lives easier and more comfortable, air conditioners are something we tend to take for granted.

In this article we are going to take a much closer look at these invaluable machines. We will be paying particularly close attention to how they operate.

Types of Air Conditioners

As you may know, air conditioners are available in various sizes, cooling capacities and prices. Probably the most common kind is the standard window air conditioner. These models are often easy to install, but their cooling power is somewhat limited and so is their overall efficiency.

On the other hand, window air conditioners are still the best way to cool a small space, like a studio or a one bedroom apartment. That is you see them sticking out of the windows of most small apartments.

While window air conditioning units are primarily urban machines, when you pass through the suburbs you will likely find a different kind of cooling device. These are called condenser units, and they are used to run a central cooling system. They are often installed in the backyard and they are far more efficient and thus more inexpensive than window units.

Condensing units are also used to cool most businesses and office buildings. However, instead of installing them in the backyard, there will often be banks of condenser up on the roof.

The final type of air conditioning unit is a cooling tower, which is often only used at enormous office complexes or colleges. These towers are connected to the in house air conditioning system and greatly improve their power and efficiency.

How They Work

In spite of the differences in size and power, all air conditioners follow the same basic rules of operation. And contrary to popular belief, they do not simply pump cool air into your home, office or apartment. What is actually happening is that warm indoor air is removed, cycled and returned as cooler air. This process continues until the room or home reaches the right temperature.

If you need a reference, an air conditioner is really nothing more than a refrigerator without the room to store your food. It relies on the evaporation of common refrigerants, like Freon, to cool warm air. A refrigerator does exactly the same, except, of course, it is used to cool food.

But how does air conditioning actually work? First, the compressor inside the machine compresses cool Freon gas, which causes it to get hot and increases the pressure. The hot gas then passes through a series of coils in an attempt to reduce heat, and afterwards, it condenses into a liquid. The liquid then moves through a special valve where it evaporates and becomes extremely cold Freon gas. Finally, this cold gas moves through another series of coils and in the process it absorbs the indoor heat and cools down the room.

To find out more about air conditioning visit http://www.ceilite.com