Drake Glycol Chillers - Who has one?

[MatthewS]

Just a quick question about people's experience with Drake Chillers.

Operational Issues?
Customer Service?
Cost?
Maintenance?

We have one in our brewery and have had many problems. We purchased this chiller new and have had almost every piece replaced or repaired since we started her up on January 3, 2008.

Not to happy with Drake so far... anyone have any info??

Thanks
Matthew

[jimvgjr]

Hi Matt,

What kinds of problems have you been having? I am familiar with Drake and although they primarily build higher temp process chiller systems, I am surprised to hear you're having the level of issues you describe. I suspect there might also be some issues with the installation that could be adding to this.

I'd be happy to review the installation (remotely) and see if there is anything I can identify that might be the cause.

You might want to download the articles on "troubleshooting brewery chiller systems" and also the "Everything you wanted to know about glycol" article posted in the refrigeration section of this sight- these cover some of the common issues and might also help identify causes. Perhaps also provide copies to your installation contractor or company that sold you the Drake Chiller System- there's a big difference with operating at higher AC or Process Water Temperatures and operating in the 25 to 28 F range breweries require.

We'll be in Boston for the CBC, if it works out schedule wise, Id be happy to come down and take a look. In the mean time, email me some images of the installation, information on the system you purchased, and any info on the failures. I know as a new start up the last thing you need to be dealing with are these issues.

Thanks and Good Luck.

Jim


Jim VanderGiessen Jr
GM Pro Refrigeration Inc.
T 253-735-9466
F 253-735-2631

https://www.prochiller.com

jimvgjr@prorefrigeration.com

[MatthewS]

Hi Jim
Thanks for the reply. We are now happily running well and the Temp Sensor Inlet problem seems to be solved. Funny thing though... now the Red Hat Solenoids on ONLY some of our tanks are sticking open.

We figure this is a differential setting issue and we will work on it on Monday. Any ideas of the 5 pound min. of differential? How high can I go?

And I look forward to meeting you in April at the CBC

Thanks
Matthew

[jimvgjr]

Glad to hear things are up and going.
The most common solenoid valves used out there, including the Jefferson Valves we offerm do require a pressure differential between the inlet and outlet in order to not only open, but close, correctly. Occasionally this does result in problems, especially on system operating at low supply line pressure. We do also offer 0 PSI Valves, that do not require the pressure differential, but they can be as much as 2X the cost. I think I'd consider the electric or pneumatic actuated ballvalves at that point.

Look forward to meeting you Matt.

Best Regards,
Jim