To efficiently cool lab samples and equipment, ATEC has an assortment of recirculating chiller rentals at a range of affordable rates from top manufacturers including Julabo and Thermo Fisher.
What Is A Recirculating Chiller?
A recirculating chiller is a cost-effective cooling system that uses a continuous flow of liquid to remove heat from an object.
Unlike chilling with tap water, a recirculating chiller is a closed-loop system that uses the same liquid. Circulating the same liquid helps the user save on costs and offers a more energy-efficient option.
How Does a Recirculating Chiller Work?
A recirculating chiller creates a high-pressure flow with the help of coolant fluid or refrigerant to lower and maintain a specific temperature. Rather than strictly cooling down a component, the chiller removes heat from an object.
The process starts with the refrigerant, which enters an evaporator and becomes a low-pressure gas. The gas then fills a compressor and changes it to a high temperature, high-pressure gas. That heat is then transferred to another water supply and dispelled through a condenser where it becomes a high-pressure liquid. The same liquid enters an expansion valve which lowers both the temperature and gas, sending the refrigerant back into a gaseous state.
Types of Recirculating Chiller
While the chilling process largely stays the same, one step may change depending on the type of condenser. A recirculating chiller may use either an air-cooled or water-cooled condenser to perform the chilling cycle.
Air-Cooled
The high-temperature refrigerant enters the air-cooled condenser as a gas. Using ambient air, the condenser cools the refrigerant and transforms it back into a liquid state. The air-cooled chiller releases the rejected heat back into the air.
Water-Cooled
The water-cooled condenser will rely on water from an external cooling tower to cool the refrigerant. Entering the condenser as a gas, the recirculating water from the cooling tower takes the heat from the refrigerant gas. The heat is then removed through the water back into the cooling tower, leaving a low-temperature refrigerant that is back into a liquid state.
Benefits of Using a Recirculating Chiller Rental
Without the need for fans or refrigeration, the recirculating chiller uses far less energy when cooling. While saving with a range of affordable rental rates, the chiller also reduces power costs.
A recirculating chiller rental also recycles water, reusing it to continually cool an object. Compared to one-use fluid chillers, this closed-loop chiller rarely requires added water when in use.
A necessary tool in lab settings, the recirculating chiller also delivers improved accuracy. Even a small temperature change can ruin product testing. A recirculating chiller provides a constant flow of liquid at an exact temperature, ensuring precise testing conditions.
Choosing the Right Recirculating Chiller Rental
Even the most efficient recirculating chiller may not meet all your testing needs. Consider these factors before choosing a recirculating chiller rental:
Temperature Range/Setpoint Temperature
For the most extreme testing needs, some recirculating chillers can reach a set point temperature of -90°C. The devices can also act as a heater for other tests, maintaining a heat of +150°C in some models.
Cooling Capacity
To maintain that set point temperature, the recirculating chiller needs a suitable cooling capacity. Measured in Watts (W) or British Thermal Units per hour (BTU/hr), the cooling capacity drops with the temperature. Usually presented at 20°C, the ideal chiller should match the cooling capacity with the needed temperature.
Reservoir Volume
Not all lab equipment or test samples come in the same size, with a chiller's reservoir volume reflecting those differences. Ensure your rental is larger than any item that may be used in the recirculating chiller.
Flow Rate
Cooling capacity is not the only specification that can affect chiller accuracy. A proper flow rate can ensure the device maintains accuracy without using excess energy.