How to Properly Size an Industrial Chiller

When selecting an industrial chiller unit, it's important to select one that you can depend on. North Slope Chillers has a proven formula to help you find the right chiller for your cooling needs.

Understanding industrial chiller units, their uses, sizing, and types is crucial for maintaining optimal temperature levels. These systems provide precise temperature control, protecting materials from hot and humid conditions, and are used in various industries like manufacturing and process cooling.

Industrial chillers are essential for many industries to ensure equipment works as needed so that your product maintains its high quality. There are different types to select from, depending on sizing, components, and more.

Different types of industrial chillers at The Cary Company range in chiller sizing, capacity, and British Thermal Units per hour. Sizes are available from 1/3 tons to 2 tons. We also carry Fluxwrap™ industrial cooling jackets, which can be used with chillers to ensure consistent cooling around your equipment.

There are some factors to keep in mind before selecting your industrial chiller size such as temperature differential, ambient conditions, and British Thermal Units per Hour. This will help ensure you select the right sized chiller for your cooling needs.

The temperature differential is the difference between your water’s current temperature and the temperature that you need it to be. For example, if the water is at 85°F and you need the temperature to be 75°F, the calculated temperature differential is 10°F.

• ΔT°F = Incoming Water Temperature (°F) - Required Chilled Water Temperature
• Example: 85°F - 75°F = 10°F

British Thermal Units per Hour (BTU per hour) determine the thermal/heat energy made within an hour. BTU per hour helps to measure the power of cooling systems such as an industrial chiller. Calculating this is important because it helps to define the cooling capacity you will need later on. 

BTU per hour is found by multiplying your gallons of water per hour by 8.33 and then multiplying that by the temperature differential.

• BTU/hr = Gallons per hr x 8.33 x ΔT°F
• Example: (4 gpm x 60) x 8.33 x 10°F = 19,992 BTU/hr

When selecting your chiller unit, it’s crucial to know how to select chiller capacity and what size will best fit your cooling needs.

The cooling capacity, or chiller tonnage calculation, is the measurement of a cooling system’s ability to remove heat. This can be found by dividing the BTU per hour by 12,000.

• Tons = BTU/hr ÷ 12,000
• Example: 19,992 BTU/hr ÷ 12,000 = 1.666 tons

The last step in the process of deciding on the size of chiller you need is to multiply your cooling capacity by 20% and round up to the nearest whole number. That number will be the ton of chiller that will best suit your business needs.

• Ideal Size in Tons = Tons x 1.2
• Example: 1.666 tons x 1.2 = 1.9992 tons; a 2 ton chiller is needed

To ensure system efficiency, you’ll need to make sure your unit is installed properly and that you keep up with routine maintenance.

For the chiller to work as expected, it’s vital to keep up with routine maintenance.

1. Keep a detailed daily operations log
2. Clean filters every three months
3. Fix any leaks immediately
4. Clean the system tubes frequently
5. Regularly analyze the conduct oil and refrigerant

Every chiller is made to be an efficient and dependable cooling system that you can rely on. We carry a selection of industrial chiller units and industrial cooling jackets. Chillers are available in various sizes: 1/3 ton, 1/2 ton, 1 ton, 2 ton, 5 ton, and 10 ton. Discover which chiller at The Cary Company is the best fit for your company quickly and easily. For more information on how our chillers can help meet your temperature control needs, call our knowledgeable solution providers at 630-629-6600.