Differences Between a Process Chiller and an HVAC System

Industrial machinery gives off a lot of heat, which can quickly become stifling in an enclosed space. There are two options to regulate temperature in this kind of environment: process chillers and HVAC systems in Bridgeport, CT. Both cool down the air to lower the ambient temperature, although they go about it in different ways.

What is a process chiller?

A process chiller uses water and refrigerant in a closed-loop system to reduce the ambient temperature. The chilled water is run through the loop, which removes heat from the associated process that created it. As the now-heated water travels through the loop, it’s chilled again in a chiller unit, then sent back out to absorb more heat from the air.

Some process chillers utilize a vapor compression unit, which enhances the cooling properties of the process chiller in Bridgeport, CT. The vapor compression unit takes the heated vapor in the closed-loop system and cools it into a liquid. The liquid is sent back around through the loop to absorb more heat.

What is an HVAC system?

You’re undoubtedly familiar with HVAC systems in Bridgeport, CT, even if you’re not familiar with this name. HVAC stands for “heating, ventilation and air conditioning”—you probably have one in your own home. Granted, commercial and industrial HVAC systems tend to be larger and more complex, but the basic concept is the same. Each HVAC unit has a heating system, which can be powered by gas, electricity or solid fuel. The ventilation component circulates the air in the environment, regulating the humidity and filtering allergens and pollution. Finally, the air conditioning unit chills air brought in from the outside, while pumping warm or hot air out.

What are the differences between process chillers and HVAC units?

Here’s a closer look at the ways in which process chillers and HVAC systems differ from one another:

• Refrigeration capacity: If your HVAC unit stops working, you won’t be able to cool down a space until it’s repaired. Process chillers are able to operate at half capacity, should a circuit fail.
• Additional components: Process chillers come with storage tanks, pumps and controls already installed, while HVAC units need to have these added before you can use them in an industrial capacity.
• Seasonal use: When the weather turns cold, you likely will not use your HVAC’s air conditioning components as much, so they’ll lie dormant until the weather warms up again. Process chillers, on the other hand, can also be modified to provide heat. You can use the same unit all year long.
• Applications: Finally, process chillers are mostly used for cooling down manufacturing processes and machinery, like brewing and distilling, hydroponic gardening and more. HVAC units are designed to cool a room’s ambient temperature no matter what’s going on.

Whether you own a process chiller or HVAC system in Bridgeport, CT or want to install either in your home or commercial space, BLM Refrigeration Heating & Air Conditioning is happy to help. We’re Bridgeport’s premier HVAC contractor and have been working on cooling units and more since 1993. Call us today to find out more or schedule an appointment.

Categorised in: HVAC Contractors

This post was written by Writer