Why Do Chillers Using Low Pressure Refrigerants Require Purge Units?

As the temperature of the earth's atmosphere increases, the demand for air conditioning and refrigeration rises. Along with this demand comes an increased use of refrigerants, which are gases that transfer heat from a warmer object to a colder object.

As the refrigerant evaporates, it absorbs heat from its surroundings. Then, as the refrigerant condenses, it releases this heat. This process can be repeated over and over, allowing the refrigerant to transfer heat away from the area that is being cooled.

Some refrigerants, such as Freon, have a very low boiling point, which means they can cool the air to a very low temperature. However, these low pressure refrigerants require a purge unit in order to work properly.

A purge unit is a device that removes any air or other gases from the refrigerant before it is condensed. This is necessary because these gases can cause the refrigerant to freeze, which would prevent it from being able to evaporate and absorb heat.

Without a purge unit, the low pressure refrigerant would not be able to transfer heat properly, and the air conditioner or refrigerator would not be able to keep the area cool.

A chiller using low pressure refrigerants typically has a purge unit installed on it in order to prevent the build-up of non-condensable gases within the system. When these gases accumulate, they can cause a number of problems, such as decreased system efficiency, increased compressor stresses, and reduced heat transfer. The purge unit essentially removes these unwanted gases from the system, allowing it to run more smoothly and efficiently.

Chillers are large, expensive machines that remove heat from a process fluid. A chiller can be an air-cooled unit, which uses fans to move air over the cooling coils, or a water-cooled unit, which uses water to remove heat. A purge unit helps to improve the efficiency of a chiller by removing contaminants from the coolant fluid. Contaminants can build up in the fluid over time and reduce the ability of the fluid to remove heat. The purge unit cleans the fluid and removes the contaminants, allowing the chiller to run more efficiently.

When a chiller is not used with a purge unit, the consequences can be severe. The most common problem is that the refrigerant in the chiller will start to break down, leading to higher energy costs and potentially damaging the unit. The compressor can also overheat, leading to more serious problems. In addition, the chiller will not be able to operate at its full capacity, meaning that it will take longer to cool the space it is meant to cool.

Chiller systems are used in a variety of settings, from large industrial complexes to small businesses and residential properties. They work by circulating a coolant through a closed loop, transferring heat from the inside of the building to the outside. This process can be interrupted by a number of factors, including the accumulation of dirt and debris in the system, which can reduce its efficiency and cause it to break down.

A chiller system that needs a purge unit will typically exhibit a number of symptoms, including diminished cooling capacity, increased energy consumption, and strange noises coming from the unit. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to contact a qualified HVAC technician to diagnose the problem and schedule a purge. With proper maintenance, a chiller system can provide years of efficient cooling for your home or business.