Process Chillers

Process Chillers

A process chiller is a refrigeration system using halocarbon or ammonia refrigerants that provide cooling for a process or industrial application. Since Cooling Technology, Inc only offers refrigeration systems, we will describe that type only. A refrigeration circuit consists of compressor(s), condenser(s), thermal expansion valve, and evaporator(s), at a minimum. Together, these components remove heat from a process load to provide consistent setpoint temperatures 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Process chillers are designed for the most rugged environments and conditions unlike commercial or HVAC chillers.

Process chillers are used in a variety of industrial applications:

  • Plastics Industry:  The plastics industry uses process chillers to reduce cycle times in injection molding and blow molding by regulating temperatures
  • Baking Industry:  The baking industry may use process chillers in their process of mixing.  The chilled water from a water chiller may be used to allow longer mixing times which improves the final quality for any grade of flour.
  • Food Industry:  The food industry uses process chillers to cool any process such as chocolate manufacturing, vegetable processing, meat massagers/injectors and confectionary manufacturing.
  • Pharmaceutical Industry:  The heat from emollient vats needs to go somewhere.  This is where a Cooling Technology, Inc Process Chiller helps pharmaceutical companies save money by reducing the total manufacturing time, leading to cost savings in labor costs.
  • Printing Industry:  Process chillers can be used to regulate temperatures in presses and rollers which leads to reduction of stretching and bleeding.  This in turn decreases the time needed to print which improves efficiency and leads to higher quality products at a cost savings.
  • Other industries that benefit from the uses of a process cooler include boat & airplane manufacturing, metal finishers, skating rinks, chemical industry, composite manufacturers, laser cutting machines, dry cleaners, and the United States government uses many for military applications.
At Cooling Technology, Inc, we separate our process chillers into two main categories: central and compact.   Central process chillers have an operating range of -30°F to 65°F and handle from under ten to over 200 tons.  To learn more about our central process chillers, view our list of products or contact a Cooling Technology, Inc. representative.

Compact process chillers are smaller versions of our central chillers and are very versatile ranging from one to 40 tons.  These chillers are fully integrated turn key solutions.  If physical space is limited, this is an ideal choice.  To learn more about our compact process chillers, view our selection of compact process chillers or contact a Cooling Technology, Inc. representative.
Process chillers are made up of many different parts depending upon the design.  Each process chiller incorporates a compressor, condenser, evaporator, pumps, pipes, high pressure refrigerant relief valves, and possible cooling towers, tanks, filters, and fans.  Contact Cooling Technology, Inc and one of our technical engineers will help you design one to meet your custom needs.

A process chiller may use  an air or water condenser in its cooling process.  As the subcooled liquid refrigerant passes from the condenser to the evaporator, a thermostatic expansion valve causes the pressure and temperature to drop.  The refrigerant then picks up the heat from the fluid flowing through the evaporator, changing from a liquid to a vapor.  It flows in a continuous cycle continually cooling the process.

Please click here for a recommended maintenance schedule or contact a Cooling Technology, Inc representative to learn more about our maintenance packages.
Depending upon your application and the size of your process chiller, this system may be placed directly beside your process, in a separate room, or even outside.  A Cooling Technology, Inc. representative will be happy to work with you to determine which will best fit your requirements.