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At Velocity Mechanical, we’re committed to helping our industrial clients maintain reliable and efficient HVAC and process cooling systems. Recently, we were called to a local manufacturing facility that was experiencing issues with the chiller responsible for cooling a high-precision laser cutting machine.
The Problem: Laser Not Staying Cool
The client reported that their laser cutter was running hot, and the chiller designed to regulate its temperature was no longer keeping up with the cooling demand. Our technician promptly arrived onsite to assess the situation and perform a diagnostic evaluation.
Diagnosis: High Evaporator Approach Temperature
Upon inspection, we found that the chiller’s evaporator approach temperature was significantly elevated. This is often a key indicator of reduced heat transfer efficiency—typically caused by fouling or scaling on the water side of the heat exchanger. In this case, the chiller was equipped with a brazed plate heat exchanger, which is particularly susceptible to performance loss when scale builds up.
The Solution: Descaling with Goodway Technology
To address the issue, we used our Goodway descaling machine, a specialized system designed to clean and restore heat exchangers without disassembly. The machine effectively removed the scale buildup from the brazed plate heat exchanger, restoring proper water-side flow and thermal conductivity.
Preventative Measures: Water Treatment Recommendation
To prevent future issues, we provided the client with a customized water treatment plan in accordance with the chiller manufacturer’s recommendations. Regular water treatment is critical in maintaining chiller efficiency and avoiding costly downtime in high-demand industrial environments.
The Result: Chiller Back to Full Performance
After the descaling process was completed, the evaporator approach temperature returned to normal levels. The chiller is now performing optimally, effectively cooling the laser cutting machine and supporting uninterrupted production at the facility.