Best Practices For Chiller Maintenance

Chiller Introduction

Air Cooled Chiller Picture

Chiller is a machine that removes heat from a liquid via a vapor-compression or absorption refrigeration cycle
This liquid can then be circulated through a
heat-exchanger to cool equipment, or another process stream (such as air or process water

Chiller Maintenance

Compared to a major chiller failure, a sound preventive and predictive maintenance program is a minor cost
Implementing a best-practice maintenance plan will save money over the life of the chiller and ensure longer chiller life

To effective maintain chillers, you must
1) bring the chiller to peak efficiency
2) maintain that peak efficiency

There are some basic steps that facilities professionals can take to make sure their chillers are being maintained properly
1)Checking water treatment: Checking the water treatment of the condenser-water open loop weekly will reduce the frequency of condenser tube cleaning and the possibility of a tube failure
2)Inspecting and cleaning tubes: The tubes in the evaporator and condenser bundles should be inspected once a year

Maintenance Schedule For Chiller

Best on practice and working experience the following is a chiller maintenance schedule

Description		Comments		Maintenance Frequency
Servicing Fill out daily log Chiller use/sequencing Check Chiller Set point/setting Clean Evaporator & Condenser tube Verify motor amperage Compressor motor & assembly Compressor oil systems Electrical Connection Check refrigerant condition		Preventive maintenance must do accordingly as plan Check all set points for proper setting and function. Make sure there are no unusual sounds and the space temperature is acceptable Turn off or sequence unnecessary chillers Check settings for approved sequence of operation at the beginning of each cooling season Motor amperage should not exceed manufacturer's specification Conduct vibration check: Check all alignments to specifications. Check all seals. Lubricate where necessary Perform analysis on oil and filter. Change if necessary. Check oil pump and seals Check oil heater and thermostat Check all strainers, valves, etc Check all electrical connections and terminals for full contact and tightness Add refrigerant if low. Record amounts and address leakage problems.		Monthly Daily(2X) Daily (if 2 units chiller systems) Weekly Annualy Daily Annualy Annualy Monthly/Annualy Monthly