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Let’s start by saying that if sizing formulas #1 (Based on Resin Usage) and #2
(Based on Current Cooling System) do not apply, then proceed with
caution. IMS Technical Support can be contacted at 1-866-467-9001 and
would be delighted to help you size the chiller appropriately. If you are
not handing this off, then proceed as follows:
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ASK QUESTIONS
There is much about the process that you will need to know. If you are
speaking with someone at the process that cannot answer these questions, then
ask them to please put you in contact with someone that can answer. An
undersized chiller will fail and IMS will not cover the replacement cost if we
are not given an opportunity to help size it properly.
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WRITE DOWN EVERYTHING
There will be many numbers to remember. By making good notes, you can be
sure that everything is defined.
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MAKE A SKETCH OF THE PROCESS IF NECESSARY
 A diagram, such
as those shown in this paper, that show all HEAT IN and HEAT OUT of the
process, is critical. You can represent the process as a block.
Whether the process is an injection mold, an extrusion die, or anything else
does not change the need to identify anything that is adding heat (heaters, hot
plastic, etc.) and anything else taking heat away (ambient air, cooling water,
etc.).
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IDENTIFY THE PROCESS DETAILS
While it was acceptable to show the process as a block in the above sketch,
there may still be a need to define it. If it is a mold, then you
commonly need to know overall dimensions and the material from which it is
constructed. The same thing applies to an extrusion die. If the
process is a cooling tank on an extrusion line, then the tank dimensions are
needed along with the water volume, flow in, and flow out. If any heaters
are present, you need wattages.
Once the process is defined, and all HEAT IN and HEAT OUT are measured or
calculated, then the chiller can be sized.
Following are some examples of actual chiller sizing. In these cases, as
with almost all chiller sizing, the calculated chiller size based upon heat
removal needs was larger than originally anticipated. Resist the
temptation to size a chiller by looking at list prices in the catalog and
comparing it to the budget. Although budgets are a reality, a chiller
that is too small can inhibit your process and waste your capital
investment. You are making your recommendation based on actual calculated
need and have science on your side. Click links below for examples
of how to use your gathered data:
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