How to Maintain an Industrial Water Chiller

posted by: heuchadmin

Keep Your Chiller Running Efficiently and Avoid Costly Downtime

Industrial water chillers are critical to many operations—from food production to pharmaceuticals and manufacturing. Whether you’re using your chiller to support process cooling or HVAC systems, routine maintenance is essential to extend equipment life, avoid unplanned shutdowns, and maintain performance.

At Heuch Cooling Solutions, we’ve been helping Australian and New Zealand businesses get the most out of their cooling systems for over 50 years. With a dedicated local team of experienced engineers and technicians, we offer professional servicing and repairs tailored to your needs.

Key Maintenance Tips for Industrial Water Chillers

To keep your chiller in top condition, incorporate these practices into your maintenance plan:

1. Inspect and Clean Condensers

Dirt and debris on condenser coils reduce heat transfer efficiency. Regularly inspect and clean:

– Air-cooled chillers: Brush or wash condenser fins

– Water-cooled chillers: Clean tubes and check for scale build-up

2. Check Refrigerant Levels and Pressure

Low refrigerant levels reduce cooling capacity and indicate leaks. Monitor pressures and look for signs of oil around fittings or on the floor.

3. Monitor Water Quality

Poor water quality can lead to fouling and corrosion. Implement water treatment to:

– Maintain proper pH

– Prevent mineral build-up

– Protect internal pipework

4. Test Electrical Components

Loose wiring, faulty sensors, or failing contactors can cause unexpected breakdowns. Ensure all components are secure and functioning as intended.

5. Review System Controls and Setpoints

Check that your set temperatures and operating parameters are optimised for your current production demands. A small adjustment can save energy and improve reliability.

6. Inspect Pumps and Flow Rates

Insufficient flow or blocked strainers can trigger alarms and reduce system performance. Regularly inspect:

– Pump operation

– Flow meters

– Filter and strainer cleanliness

The Benefits of Regular Preventative Maintenance

A well-maintained chiller:

– Operates more efficiently, reducing power consumption

– Avoids unexpected breakdowns

– Extends the life of key components

– Improves system reliability, especially in peak demand periods

– Protects your investment and minimises downtime

Let Heuch Take Care of It for You

Maintenance doesn’t need to be a burden on your team. At Heuch Cooling Solutions, we offer comprehensive preventative maintenance, repairs, and emergency servicingfor all types of chillers, including:

– Air-cooled and water-cooled chillers

– Scroll, screw, and VSD compressor systems

– Custom-built and containerised chillers