Water chillers for the Concrete Industry typically have a life span of 7-14 years. The life span range is based on the water that is being introduced to the chiller and how efficiently the chiller is allowed to operate. Low to medium range chillers (250 – 2,000 cubic yards of concrete per day) use a heat exchanger utilizing a plate frame design allowing the chilling of the source water to be used for fresh concrete.  In order to reduce the water temperature, an internal water chiller pump will cycle the water through the chiller several times in order to reduce the water temperature down to a preferred temperature.  Typically each water pass through the Pearson Chiller will lower the water temperature by 10 degree’s.

 Below is a list of items to check to confirm the efficiency of your Pearson Water Chiller.

1. Water chemistry – Although concrete batch plant water is supposed to be “potable water” in most cases, the makeup of the water can range and be influenced by its source. City water might be higher in chlorine while well water might be “harder” in minerals.  High minerals can be corrosive to the thin pipes and joints used in the heat exchanger reducing the chiller life expectancy.
2. Salt water - Increase in water sodium (salt) – Plants located closer to the coast using well water, might see a rise in salt water in their well water chemistry during the middle of the summer when water consumption is higher for the community. The increase in sodium can increase the corrosiveness of the water on the heat exchanger.
3. 10 degree difference from inlet and outlet water through a chiller. If the Chiller internal pump is working properly, the water temperature between the chiller inlet and outlet should be 10 degrees.  If not, you should look into adjusting the pump GPM.
4. Low Chiller temperature self-freezing pipes. Water freezes around 32 degree’s and expands as it turns to ice particles.  Chillers should be set at no less then 40 degrees in order to maintain functionality.  Because the steel elements of the heat exchanger might be 3-5 degree’s less than the actual flowing water temperature, 40 degrees should be the chillers lowest setting.
5. Chiller exhaust fans need to be open to the environment to function properly. The heat extracted from the source water needs to be exhausted away from the chiller processes.  The chiller exhaust fan(s) perform this function.  Shading of the chiller is helpful, but need to be +10ft above the top of the fans and at an angle to deflect the hot air away from the chiller.
6. Winterizing the Chiller.  Ensuring the chiller is properly winterized is critical to ensure the heat exchanger is not damaged due to freezing. We covered this procedure in a recent blog post - https://www.dhenoble.com/How-to-Winterize-a-Pearson-Water-Chiller
7. Maintenance. Keep up with regular maintenance and service as described in the service manual provided by the factory.