What is a Chiller?

What is a Chiller?

A chiller is a device used to cool liquids in industrial processes, playing a critical role in many production environments. It works by removing heat from a liquid (usually water or a glycol solution) and releasing it into the environment to maintain a stable temperature.

Industrial chillers are commonly found in plastics, beverage, food, pharmaceutical, and hospital sectors.

How Does a Chiller Work?

A chiller operates through a refrigeration cycle, including:

Compressor: compresses the refrigerant, increasing pressure and temperature
Condenser: releases heat, turning refrigerant into liquid
Expansion valve: reduces refrigerant pressure
Evaporator: absorbs heat from the process liquid

This cycle repeats continuously to ensure optimal temperature control.

Types of Chillers

Two main types of chillers:

1. Air-Cooled Chiller

Uses ambient air to dissipate heat. Ideal for outdoor installations.

2. Water-Cooled Chiller

Uses a cooling tower for heat exchange. More efficient in indoor environments with high thermal load.

Benefits of Using a Chiller

Energy efficiency, especially with inverter technology
Accurate temperature control
Fewer downtimes due to overheating
Longer equipment lifespan
Modular and customizable designs

Common Applications

Chillers are used in:

Plastic injection molding machines
Chemical and pharmaceutical industries
Laser cutting equipment
Industrial HVAC systems
Food and beverage production

How to Choose the Right Chiller

Important factors to consider:

Cooling capacity (kcal/h or TR)
Type of fluid being cooled
Installation location (indoor/outdoor)
Type of compressor (screw, scroll, inverter)
Energy consumption

Conclusion

A chiller is key to industrial cooling efficiency, ensuring precise control and reliable performance. Choosing the right system can lead to better productivity and lower costs.

🔎 Want to find the ideal chiller for your process?

Talk to a Qualiterme expert and get free consultation.
👉 Click here to request a custom quote