Chiller maintenance in water-cooled systems

Fabrication equipment like lasers and punching machines with large hydraulic circuits generate heat and need to be cooled. This is where the water chiller comes in, a critical component of the overall system. With water-cooled systems, water is cooled by a refrigeration system and circulated via pumps to cool the machine. Just like oil changes, chiller maintenance is an important aspect of preventative maintenance and helps keep your fabrication shop running smoothly.

In maintaining your chillers and keeping your machines cool and operating efficiently there are three things you want to prevent: Corrosion, biological growth, and dirt and mineral buildup.

Here’s how:
 

1. The right water

Water is the medium used to transfer heat when cooling your machines. You don’t just want to choose any water, it needs to be distilled. Making sure the water in your chiller is free of minerals and any impurities is key. Calcification in pipes reduces flow and efficiency as it clogs pipes with buildup. Distilled water ensures you’re getting the best medium for your cooling circuit.
 

2. Treat the water

Since the water supply in chillers is typically in a closed circuit it needs to be treated chemically. This treatment includes algaecide and corrosion inhibitor. The algaecide keeps the water clear much like chlorine for your swimming pool and the corrosion inhibitor helps preserve the integrity of the pump and pipes. Proper application of the water treatment chemicals will ensure a longer life for key components and stability in water quality.
 

3. Maintain the water

Make sure to change the water by fully draining and replacing it with fresh distilled water, add fresh chemicals, and change the water filter at least once a year. The filter plays a vital role in filtering out impurities and keeping the water pure. Changing the water and filter each year is imperative to maintain the integrity of both the machine tool’s cooling jacket and the chiller itself.

Chillers are crucial to your metal fabrication business and keeping them maintained is just as important. This three-step process is an easy way to make sure your machines run the way you need them to, prevent unplanned breakdowns and keep your whole shop cool.

Learn more ways to improve machine life and avoid unplanned breakdowns in our guide here.