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piping is overhead with a total run length over 90
feet there should be a valve in the supply line and an
inverted P trap with a vacuum break valve installed
as shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1 – Recommended Overhead Piping
All standard portable chillers include an internal
coolant pump and reservoir. Nominal coolant flow
rates assume a 10°F rise across the evaporator at
50°F set point and 85°F entering condenser water for
water-cooled chillers or 95°F entering air for integral
air-cooled or remote air-cooled condenser chillers.
Condenser Water Piping
(Water-Cooled Condenser Units Only) The
performance of a water-cooled condenser is
dependent on the flow and temperature of the
cooling water used. Insufficient cooling of the
condenser will result in the reduction of cooling
capacity of the chiller and under extreme conditions
may result in the chiller shutting down due to high
refrigerant pressure. Allowing the condenser to plug
up from contaminants in the condenser water
stream adversely affects performance. In order to
reduce maintenance costs and chiller downtime, a
water treatment program is highly recommended for
the condenser cooling water. Contact our Customer
Service Department for assistance in the proper
procedure for cleaning out any plugged condenser.
The nominal water-cooled condenser is design for
85°F condenser cooling water supply. Under normal
operation there will be about a 10°F rise through the
condenser resulting in 95°F exiting water. To ensure
proper water flow through the condenser, ensure the
condenser water pump provides at least 25 psi or
water at a flow rate of 3 gpm per ton of chiller
capacity.
Each condenser has a two-way condenser water-
regulating valve. The condenser water-regulating
valve controls the amount of water allowed to pass
through the condenser in order to maintain proper
refrigeration pressures in the circuit.
To prevent damage to the condenser and/or water-
regulating valve, the water pressure should not
exceed 150 psig.
Installation – Remote Air-
Cooled Condenser
Chillers designed for use with a remote air-cooled
condenser include a factory-selected remote
condenser. The remote air-cooled condenser
typically ships separately from a different location
than the chiller.
Location
The remote air-cooled condenser is for outdoor use.
Locate the remote condenser in an accessible area.
Allow a minimum of 48 inches of clearance between
the condenser and any walls or obstructions. For
installations with multiple condensers, allow a
minimum of 96 inches between condensers placed
side-by-side or 48 inches for condensers placed end-
to-end.
When locating the condenser it is important to
consider access to the components to allow for
proper maintenance and servicing of the unit. In
general, allow a minimum of 36 inches of clearance
around and above the unit. Avoid locating piping or
conduit over the unit to ensure easy access with an
overhead crane or lift to lift out heavier components
during replacement or service.
Proper ventilation is another important
consideration when locating the condenser. In
general, locate the unit in an area that will not rise
above 110°F.
Install the unit on a firm, level base no closer than its
width from walls or other condensers. Avoid
locations near exhaust fans, plumbing vents, flues, or
chimneys. Fasten the mounting legs at their base to
the steel or concrete of the supporting structure. For
units mounted on a roof structure, the steel support
base holding the condenser should be elevated
above the roof and attached to the building.
NOTE:
If piping is above chiller and exceeds 90 feet in total
length, install an inverted P-trap and vacuum break
valve in return line and add a check valve to the
supply line.
Check valve
1/2 inch vacum break valve
12 inches above highest
point in piping system
12 inches above highest point in
the piping system
½ inch vacuum
break valve
Check valve
