21
Figure 29 – Chiller Coolant Circuit Pressure Drop (40-Ton)
Condenser Water Piping
(Water-Cooled Condenser Units Only) The
performance of a condenser is dependent on
maintaining the proper flow and temperature of
water through the heat exchanger. Insufficient water
flow or high condenser water supply temperature
will result in the reduction of cooling capacity of the
chiller. Extreme conditions will eventually 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 chiller design is for 85°F condenser
cooling water supply. Under normal operation under
full load there will be about a 10°F rise through the
condenser resulting in 95°F exiting water
temperature from the condenser. To ensure proper
water flow through the condenser, the condenser
water pump should be able to provide at least 25
psi.
Each condenser has a two-way condenser water-
regulating valve. Under varying loads and condenser
inlet water temperatures the amount of cooling
water needed varies. 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 or regulating
valve, the condenser water pressure should not
exceed 150 psig. The condenser water-regulating
valve controls the condenser water flow in order to
maintain the pressure set point. The chiller load,
condenser-water inlet temperature, and pressure set
point determine the actual flow.
Following are pressure drop curves for the
condenser water circuits of water-cooled condenser
chillers.
0.0
5.0
10.0
15.0
20.0
25.0
30.0
50.0
70.0
90.0
110.0
130.0
150.0
170.0
190.0
210.0
230.0
250.0
Pr
es
su
re
D
ro
p
(p
si
)
Flow (gpm)
40-Ton Chiller Coolant Circuit Pressure Drop
(Based on Water at 50°F)
40-ton
Std Flow
40-Ton
High Flow
