Chiller is one of the most important cooling equipment used in laboratories. The main function of a laboratory chiller is to remove heat from one substance and pass it to other sources like ambient water or air. Chiller is a compressor based equipment that cools and controls the temperature of a liquid unlike the air conditioners, which cools air. Besides compressor the other components of a chiller are a temperature controller, a reservoir and a recirculating pump.

Types of Chillers

The classification of chillers can be done on various basis like portability, working, etc. Here we have classified chillers on the basis of their functioning.

• Air-cooled chillers absorb heat from process water and is transferred to the ambient air. They are mostly used in applications where the heat discharged is not a factor. They don’t need a cooling tower and condense water pump. The maintenance of air cooled chillers are less than water cooled units. However they consume 10% more power.
• In water cooled chillers, heat is absorbed from process water and is transferred to a separate water source like a river, pond, cooling tower, etc. Mainly used at the places where the heat generated by air cooled chillers pose a problem. Due to their less consumption of power they are usually preferred by those seeking optimum efficiency of power consumption.

Functioning of Chillers

The working principle of a laboratory chiller is quite simple. The reservoir is filled with a fluid, typically water or an ethylene glycol/water mix, to be recirculated. The reservoir is connected to the equipment needed and power is provided to the chiller. Chiller’s functions are regulated by the controller. Individual users can set the parameters according to their requirements like temperature, flow and pressure. An internal strainer is used to keep the harmful particles away from the system.

Applications of Chillers

Cooling equipments are used in a number of industries. Some of the most common applications of chillers are:

• Chillers are used to cool the hot plastic in the plastic industry. It cools the plastic that is injected, blown extruded or stamped. They are also used to cool down the equipment used in the manufacturing process.
• In the printing industry, chillers are used to remove the heat generated by the printing rollers. They also help cooling the paper when it comes out of the ink drying ovens.
• Sophisticated chiller are used in the high powered electronics inside the machines like MRI and PET, used in the latest diagnostic tools.
• Chillers cool down the lasers and the source of power supply used to power them.

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. ]]> http://cooling-tower-online.com/2009/06/23/water-and-air-cooled-chillers-small-variations-big-difference/feed/ 0 http://cooling-tower-online.com/2009/04/22/selecting-a-pc-tower-cabinet/ http://cooling-tower-online.com/2009/04/22/selecting-a-pc-tower-cabinet/#comments Wed, 22 Apr 2009 11:31:58 +0000 admin http://cooling-tower-online.com/?p=69

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.

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.

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.

Ever heard of a refrigerator that performs the balancing trick? Yes, a fine balance between storage space, technology and looks is what your Whirlpool Mastermind 30 Elite will give to you. It is a twin door, frost-free refrigerator that comes with technological specials like Twin Tower Cooling and Quick Ice maker and also with many user-friendly conveniences.

Key Features

Capacity: The capacity of Mastermind 30 Elite is a reasonable 280 Liters which provides more than sufficient space for a small family with a big appetite! The freezer space is 70 Liters which makes the freezer also very roomy to hold not only larger quantities of ice but also bigger bricks of ice creams! There are nine storage shelves that give you enough room to arrange your storage conveniently.

Sixth Sense Tower Cooling System: It is a marvelous technology that not only detects the changes in the climate outside but also changes the inside technology accordingly. Its Twin Cooling Towers circulate cool air uniformly in the refrigerator maintaining equal temperature and freshness.

Sixth Sense Auto Power save Mode: You left for your vacation worrying all the time about something that you’re forgetting? Was it your refrigerator that you forgot to switch off? Well not to worry. If you are the proud owner of a Whirlpool Mastermind 30 Elite, then your fridge will do the homework for you. It comes with a technology that understands your absence if the refrigerator door is not opened for more than 24 hrs and switches itself to an auto power save mode reducing the consumption of electricity and at the same time maintaining an even cooling.

Sixth Sense Ice Accelerator: Remember that advertisement where the neighbor comes for ice and it is over? Well, not any more. The Sixth Sense Ice Accelerator in this refrigerator makes ice super quick at the press of a button given at a temperature control panel on the door and even chills your bottles much quicker. Swarovski Crystal Studded Handle: A designer handle is one thing but Swarovski crystals in a refrigerator? Well that’s going a step ahead and that is what our Mastermind 30 Elite does. With Swarovski Crystals in the handle and six elegant colors to choose from this fridge is surely star studded!

Flexi Chill and Ice Twister: A convenient freezer feature, Flexi Chill enables you to manage your freezer space more efficiently by adjusting the storage compartment. A twist ice tray with a container is provided to collect ice more conveniently.

Crisper with Humidity Control: The crisper of this refrigerator is extra large to take care of your big grocery shopping. Even if you decide to store softer vegetables over here, the humidity control keeps them fresh.

User-friendly Features

Door Lock and Alarm: This fridge rings a bell. Each time you or your hurried family leaves the door open, the fridge will start ringing an alarm for you to rush back and close it! Magic Rails and Wheels: The roof of the refrigerator is equipped with railings to make a space not only inside but also on the outside of the fridge to store things or even decorative items. For easier movement, wheels are given at the bottom to shift your refrigerator to whichever convenient location.

Toughened Glass Shelves: Here is a surprise – out of the total shelves in this refrigerator, three are made of toughened glass that can hold weight up to 90kgs. Go ahead, don’t think and just store it in! Drop down Chiller Compartment: The chiller compartment is a drop down one which ensures easy management of things inside.

Magic Light and Deodorizer: Magic light illuminates your Refrigerator in every nook and corner for a clearer vision and beautiful glow and the deodorizer eliminates any kind of odor keeping your food smelling nice and fresh for long.

Conclusion

A technologically advanced refrigerator, the Whirlpool Refrigerator will give you a wonderful combination of looks, convenience and science. By falling in the price bracket of medium priced refrigerators, this beauty is up for grabs. We say, don’t think, take it quick!

Pooja Lapasia is a well known author and has written articles on Apple iPods, Kitchen Appliances store, Dryer, online shop and many other subjects. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pooja_Kumari_Lapasia

]]> http://cooling-tower-online.com/2008/12/19/whirlpool-mastermind-30-elite/feed/ 0 http://cooling-tower-online.com/2008/11/11/whirlpool-iceberg-310-elite/ http://cooling-tower-online.com/2008/11/11/whirlpool-iceberg-310-elite/#comments Tue, 11 Nov 2008 11:24:29 +0000 admin http://cooling-tower-online.com/?p=58

Haven’t you already started feeling cold? I mean if a refrigerator is named ‘Iceberg’, then of course you can imagine what it specializes in! Yes, it does specialize in keeping it ultra cool at the touch of a button. The Whirlpool Iceberg 310 Elite is a premium twin door refrigerator that has excellent freezer and cooling features and also a lot of manageable space to take care of everything you mind want to hand it over with!

Key Features

Capacity: The total capacity is a decent 310 liters out of which 75 liters is the freezer capacity. The fridge space is full of adjustable shelves that not only accommodate a larger amount of stuff but also holds them neatly. With its capacity and features, it is sure to take care of a large family.

Electronic User Interface: Picture this, you have put your spatiality ice cream to set in the freezer and you do not want to open it even for ones. Now you realize that you have not changed the temperature to minimum?.what do you do? Open the door and disturb the ice cream? Well, No. With the new Whirlpool Iceberg 310 Elite all you would need to do is stand in front of the fridge and change the freezer temperature on the temperature panel given on the door! That is what technology is all about you see!

Sixth Sense Tower Cooling System: An intelligent fridge, this one would observe the temperature changes outside in the climate and accordingly change its own temperature inside. Also, the twin cooling towers ensure a smooth, balanced flow of cool air to enhance uniform cooling throughout.

Faster Cooling and Chilling: Here is a refrigerator that is unmatched in terms of cooling bottles and churning out ice faster. The Whirlpool Iceberg makes ice exactly 30% faster and chills bottles exactly 33% faster than any other similar capacity refrigerator. It wipes out all the competition when it comes to chilling – thus the name ‘Iceberg’.

Neat and Fresh Accessory Kit: tired of untidy looking poly bags in your refrigerator? Throw them away right this minute we say! The unique Neat and Fresh Accessory Kit is designed in such a way that it would maintain your vegetable accessories in a neater and eye appealing manner. Also faster to sort and pick!

User-friendly Features

Auto Cool System: The Refrigerator is equipped with a unique auto cool feature which automatically sets it in an auto cool mode according to the need.

Deodorizer: This feature takes away the entire odor from your refrigerator keeping the stuff stored in your refrigerator fresh and great smelling for long.

Magic Light: Troubled by insufficient light in your refrigerator? The Magic Lights in your Iceberg will give you a proper and clearer vision in the refrigerator with a beautiful glow to please your eyes.

Door Lock and Beautiful Finishes : The Iceberg comes in a range of exciting finishes and is also equipped with a door lock to prevent your naughty kids to lay hands on overdoses of that yummy treat hidden in you refrigerator!

Storage

The fridge is equipped with a total of 12 adjustable shelves and boxes which give you ample space to store and organize your stuff in a more convenient manner. The refrigerator has divisions like egg tray, chocolate tray, fruit box, covered vegetable box and separators in bottle and shallow bins which hold the stuff from falling off and also give you more organized storage.

Conclusion

Even though the Whirlpool Iceberg 310 L Elite emerges as a clear winner when it comes to faster bottle chilling and ice making and also provides you with very good storage solutions, it does lack a few features like the open door alarm , flexi chill, moisture control, Magi Fresh and Freshonizer technologies etc. However, it is also in the medium price range and thus justifies its cost. At the end of the day however, it is for you to decide that what your priorities are when it comes to choosing a refrigerator and select the one that suites you the most. All in all, it is a good choice.