A chiller's efficiency and performance depend heavily on its ability to transfer heat efficiently. To do so, operators must keep heat-transfer surfaces clean. If a chiller's tubes become coated or plugged with scale, sludge, or biological growth, their ability to transfer heat drops significantly. The rate at which this fouling occurs depends greatly on the water quality in the system, but even a thin layer of contamination can reduce overall efficiency significantly. All chiller circulating and makeup water contains contaminants. Chemically treating the water helps prevent this accumulation of contaminants on heat-transfer surfaces. Open systems, such as condenser-water systems, that include a cooling tower require an ongoing program of chemical water treatment. Closed systems typically require only a one-time chemical treatment.
Chiller chemicals are used to control corrosion and to prevent bacteria growth. The most common chiller corrosion chemical is a closed loop nitrite, borate, silicate product. The second chemical is a cooling water biocide. The most common biocide used to control bacteria is glutaraldehyde,DBNPA and isothiazolin.
Corrosion Inhibitors
Oxidizing Biocides
Non-Oxidizing Biocides
Chiller Descaling Chemicals
