Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Using a heat exchanger in the chiller for cooling glycol?

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • Using a heat exchanger in the chiller for cooling glycol?

    We have an older glycol chiller with a cooling coil inside a sealed glycol reservoir (drum) and just 1 process pump. Unfortunately we've sprung a refrigerant leak somewhere inside the sealed reservoir. Removing the reservoir from the system, opening it up and repairing/replacing the coil is an option. However due to the layout of the system and the physical space around it, it's going to be tricky. And labor intensive.
    My refrigeration guy is proposing installing a braised-plate heat exchanger in place of the coil. Basically we'd just switch the piping of the glycol and refrigerant from the coil to the heat exchanger and leave the reservoir in place. Has anyone every done something like this, or seen a glycol chiller that utilizes a heat exchanger that is not inside a glycol reservoir? I haven't. Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated. If it matters at all, we're a 7 bbl brewpub with 7 7bbl tanks and 1 15 bbl. tank. Up until now the system has functioned properly and provided adequate cooling power.

    Cheers!
    Hutch Kugeman
    Head Brewer
    Brooklyn Brewery at the Culinary Institute of America
    Hyde Park, NY

  • #2
    Sure...

    I've installed a few of these for reputable equipment suppliers. They work well. If you have a coil in a hot well, you'll need a way to be sure that you have adequate flow to remove heat from the coil. Advantage with an external heat exchanger is that you can monitor and clean it better. Brazed construction is often used. Sounds like a solid call.
    Phillip Kelm--Palau Brewing Company Manager--

    Comment


    • #3
      Most of the Chiller Systems in the market today utilize an external Heat Exchanger, this is definitely an option you should consider.

      Here is a link to a pdf of an article I put together several years ago that outlines the difference between internal and external evaporators.



      As you'll read, the flow through the external evaporator is key, and be careful that system is piped in correctly. You may want your contractor install a dedicated pump to circulate from the tank through the external evaporator with a second pump dedicated to the loop that services the brewery.

      I'd also get some hard numbers on the costs involved, they can add up quickly and make an argument for simply upgrading your entire system. I ran a quick load estimate based on your fermenters listed (with no cold liquor or wort cooling), it appears a 3 HP or 5 HP would service your brewery perfectly, please let me know if you'd like a quote for a new chiller system for comparison.

      Best of Luck, hope this helps,

      Jim VanderGiessen
      Pro Chiller Systems
      jimvgjr@prorefrigeration.com

      Comment


      • #4
        Outboard heat exchangers for sale

        I have exactly 2 of those type of plate heat exchangers made by Alfa Laval for sale off of an old modular chiller system.
        One setup for R-22, and one for MP39 but this is easily changed to accomidate your refrigerant type.
        They will easily run 3 tons or more of cooling each with the right pump.
        They can be made to work just fine.
        Your glycol well is now more than likely comtaminated with refrigerant oil which mean it all has to go and your system has to be cleaned out. You will also need to change your compressor oil and system drier which your Refrigeration Tech will know once the repair is complete.

        If you are interested in these units, or want photographs or more details send email to:
        brewmoab@hotmail.com
        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


        • #5
          Thanks for all the feedback. Jim - I'll take a look at that document you posted. As it turns out we found the leak in an unusual spot outside of the sealed drum. It's still going to cost a pretty penny but we won't be needing to replace the coil as I expected. Thanks everybody!
          Hutch Kugeman
          Head Brewer
          Brooklyn Brewery at the Culinary Institute of America
          Hyde Park, NY

          Comment

          Working...
          X