We are getting our two 5BBL unis online this week and I'm having issues with the flow of glycol through the jackets.
We are using a Foxx 3/4 Hp beer line chiller. It has two 1/3 HP circulation pumps, controlled by Johnson Controllers, and running 3/8" clear poly line from them (the chiller) to the Unis. The tanks are dual zoned but we are running them as one zone. They have a 1" port for the send and return. They are reduced down to 3/8" at each port. The previous owner installed a ball valve and pressure gague at the IN port with the understanding that the valve needed to be manipulated until the PSI hit about 20, then the glycol would better flow.
I tested the process with one of the tanks six months ago per his instructions. No problems.
Yesterday, not so much. The chiller is working fine. The glycol is chugging in the lines. In one of the Unis the liquid is making its way all the way through, but it's spotty, lots of air in the line. In the other tank the liquid is not making it through the full loop.
Thoughts:
1. Air in the line: very possible but it's a 30 gallon reservoir and it's not pressurized, so why isn't it just being pushed into the bath. Do the reservoirs account for pressure on these units - i have to check with Foxx.
2. Gravity: the unit send is below the lowest point on the chiller, however my poly lines are a little long and curve up and down in a couple places. Do I need to elevate the chiller/pumps, or take the slack out of the lines?
3. Temperature: I started my test runs yesterday prior to the glycol hitting its set temp. Can this affect flow?
4. Frequency: the chiller has sat full of glycol for 6 months with no use. It's all new but can this affect things negatively? Should we avoid turning the unit off once its been running properly? Obviously, once production is underway this wont be an issue.
As always, any advice is much appreciated.
We are using a Foxx 3/4 Hp beer line chiller. It has two 1/3 HP circulation pumps, controlled by Johnson Controllers, and running 3/8" clear poly line from them (the chiller) to the Unis. The tanks are dual zoned but we are running them as one zone. They have a 1" port for the send and return. They are reduced down to 3/8" at each port. The previous owner installed a ball valve and pressure gague at the IN port with the understanding that the valve needed to be manipulated until the PSI hit about 20, then the glycol would better flow.
I tested the process with one of the tanks six months ago per his instructions. No problems.
Yesterday, not so much. The chiller is working fine. The glycol is chugging in the lines. In one of the Unis the liquid is making its way all the way through, but it's spotty, lots of air in the line. In the other tank the liquid is not making it through the full loop.
Thoughts:
1. Air in the line: very possible but it's a 30 gallon reservoir and it's not pressurized, so why isn't it just being pushed into the bath. Do the reservoirs account for pressure on these units - i have to check with Foxx.
2. Gravity: the unit send is below the lowest point on the chiller, however my poly lines are a little long and curve up and down in a couple places. Do I need to elevate the chiller/pumps, or take the slack out of the lines?
3. Temperature: I started my test runs yesterday prior to the glycol hitting its set temp. Can this affect flow?
4. Frequency: the chiller has sat full of glycol for 6 months with no use. It's all new but can this affect things negatively? Should we avoid turning the unit off once its been running properly? Obviously, once production is underway this wont be an issue.
As always, any advice is much appreciated.
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