3.0 INSTALLATION
3.7 CONDENSER SECTION
1.) All internal condenser water piping is completely factory assembled and pressure tested at
300 psig for leakage. The condenser is designed to withstand a working pressure of 175
psig on the waterside.
2.) The standard units condenser and drain connections are on the right hand side viewing
from the front side (i.e. The return air side).
3.) Water piping should include stop (isolation) valves so that any unit can be serviced without
shutting down and draining the entire system.
4.) Flexible joints shall be fitted when connections are made with the unit condenser water
inlet and outlet connections.
5.) Install a strainer in the line to the condenser especially when water supply is contaminated.
6.) To install water pressure gauges, thermometer wells complete with thermometer on both
inlet and outlet condenser water pipings. The readings are useful for trouble-shooting and
analysis of system performance.
7.) A water regulating valve controlling the flow of the condenser water to each condenser
shall be installed whenever condenser inlet water temperature may fall below 60°F. A
water pressure reducing valve must also be installed in the condenser water inlet line, if
pressure can exceed 175 psig.
3.8 COOLING TOWER
Where water costs are high or water is not plentiful, an outdoor or indoor forced or induced
draft-cooling tower is recommended for condenser water.
Cooling towers must be selected for the specific conditions of each application. Local
representatives of cooling tower manufacturers will assist in selecting the proper size tower for
each installation.
When installing a cooling tower system,
1.) Avoid using long run of pipe exposed to the sun.
2.) If freezing is a problem, provisions for draining system or cycling off the fans should be
incorporated. Try to run as much piping indoors as possible.
3.) In case of frequent interruption of city water supply, a water storage tank with automatic
control valve is required to ensure continuous make-up water to the cooling tower.
Refer to condenser water-cooling tower piping schematic in Figure 3.8A.
Figure 3.8A illustrates the piping including a bleed-off valve and strainer in the suction line to
the pump. The bleed-off is needed to keep the concentration of salts down, especially in areas
having hard water.
The bypass is used to permit circulation of a larger quantity of water over the tower than
through the condenser. This allows the tower to operate at greater efficiency without suffering
the pressure drop though the condenser.
It is recommended that the cooling tower/ pump operation be controlled with the units(s).
Methods of control are shown in Figures. 3.8B and 3.8C.
