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  • Chill Star Low Pressure Freeze Issue

    Good day,

    I'm in need of a little assistance with my Pro Refrigeration Chill Star (3HP) chiller (Model PE103DIR420-A-VC).

    First off, we are a brewery based in Michigan where the winter ambient temps can drop below 0 degrees F. We need to be able to chill at least three 7BBL unitanks, and two 7BBL brites to 32F. We are currently on trying to crash two 7BBL uni's. Our original set point was at 28F, and we started with a 50/50 glycol/water solution. The glycol was purchased directly from Pro Refrigeration.

    Our problems started about two months ago when it started getting cold. We had also dropped out set point to 24F. Our low pressure freeze alarm kicks on, and stops the flow of glycol through the condenser. The glycol continues to run through the pump, and heats our fermenters. We called Pro, and they advised us to dilute our glycol solution. We dropped it to about 30 Brix, and bumped the set point back up to 28F. We had the LPF kick on again this week, and I now have to dump ANOTHER 7BBLs of product. Needless to say, I need help solving the issue.

    Any suggestions?

  • #2
    Is the unit outside or inside?

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    • #3
      I have Pro Chiller for couple of years with good results. If you have it outside you should have purchased outdoors pack with it. Other then that pro chiller tech support is better option to my opinion.

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      • #4
        Real sorry to read of you having continued issues with your system, especially with lost product. It sounds like the initial diagnosis by our Tech Team was obviously not the resolution and there's something else going on that needs to be identified and corrected.

        I've submitted a link to this post to the head of our a Technical Operations Team, Damon Reed, and requested that he follow up with you directly this AM. If a resolution isn't found, don't hesitate to contact me directly.

        Again, I'm sorry for this situation and hope we can help get resolved quickly.

        Sincerely,

        Jim VanderGiessen
        Pro Chiller Systems
        Jimvgjr@prorefrigeration.com

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        • #5
          More Information Needed

          Big Lake I can assist you but I'll need more information.
          First thing on Glycol concentration....its a very sensitive matter and too strong is just as bad as too weak.
          Both will cause trips but for different reasons. Too much glycol will actually cause a loss of heat transfer in the chiller HX and you will trip when it " seems " like you should not.
          29 BRIX seems to be a good target, but your outdoor ambient will have to be considered.
          The way to set BRIX is to start strong and dilute within the possible range that your well volume allows. This is of course tricky if you have a small system.
          If all is correct you should not need to run 24F setpoint, consider 26F instead.
          I'd like to see some photos of your setup which include the chiller and your usage points and anything in the loop that may not be metioned.
          I need to then know what kind of controls the unit has for low ambient if any. This will involve 2 types if the machine is older vintage which will be known as Fan cycling and or Headmaster [flooding control] style. I need to know how many condenser fans there are and the refrigerant type.

          Also with correct communication lines open.... Pro should be able to help you solve the matter as well, but I am willing to assist you remotely if that helps. There should be no reason this cannot be solved without much difficulty but it will need a Refrigeration savvy Tech person with hands on the system until adjustments are gotten closer. This will require refrigeration manifold guages which may also be built in and temperature measurements etc.

          I can be reached at brewmoab@hotmail.com


          All the best.
          Last edited by Starcat; 11-26-2014, 06:34 AM.
          Warren Turner
          Industrial Engineering Technician
          HVACR-Electrical Systems Specialist
          Moab Brewery
          The Thought Police are Attempting to Suppress Free Speech and Sugar coat everything. This is both Cowardice and Treason given to their own kind.

          Comment


          • #6
            You probably have this straightened by now, but if not:

            If unit outside, and the problem is when it is cold outside, it sounds like their is no low ambient system on your unit or it isn't working properly. Try restricting the condenser air flow with cardboard and some duct tape. Cover 50-75% of it with card board. Without refrigeration gauges your kinda just doing trial and error. Not enough air flow reduction and it will trip again on LP, too much and it will go the other way and trip off on high head.

            Sounds mickey mouse but will keep you running short term.

            Good luck.
            Johnson Thermal Systems
            sales@johnsonthermal.com
            Johnsonthermal.com
            208.453.1000

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