Why do industrial chillers need freeze protection?
2021-03-30
How to prevent industrial chillers from freezing in winter? Antifreeze agents can protect equipment from the effects of low ambient temperatures and freezing conditions—especially if the chiller is exposed to frigid environments. Here’s how to properly add antifreeze to your industrial chiller system.
Why do industrial chillers need freeze protection?
In winter, when ambient temperatures drop too low, the circulating cooling water pipes in industrial chillers can freeze—especially since ice is less dense than water. As a result, when freezing occurs, the expanding ice puts immense pressure on the system. In enclosed spaces, this can cause copper pipes and heat exchanger casings to crack, rupture, or even deform due to the force of the ice. To ensure smooth operation of chillers during cold weather and prevent irreversible damage to equipment caused by freezing conditions, we strongly advise all users to carry out appropriate antifreeze measures.
How do industrial chillers perform freeze protection?
To ensure that chillers can survive winter conditions and prevent irreparable damage to the equipment caused by freezing temperatures, it is essential to drain the equipment—including chillers, pipes, pumps, cooling towers, and terminal units—promptly. When ambient temperatures drop below zero degrees Celsius, water must be drained in advance to safeguard the system.
Here are some winter drainage measures for chillers.
1. Condenser: Open the end cap at the other end of the water pipe. Once opened, remember to unscrew both the end cap and the screws carefully.
2. Evaporator: Open the drain valve located beneath the evaporator connection to empty all the water. Typically, keep the drain valve fully open during winter, and close the water supply just before restarting the machine in the following year.
3. Pipes and Pumps: Drain the water from the pipes and pumps to the lowest point.
4. Cooling Tower: Open the drain valve at the bottom of the cooling tower water pan to drain the chassis.
5. Conclusion: The coil has a drain valve at its bottom, which is already open. Notably, the drain valve remains fully open during winter.
During the day or night, the pump must remain operational. If it’s not used for an extended period, the water must be drained. And if the weather is unfavorable (temperatures drop below -10°C), it’s generally recommended to stop draining and instead add antifreeze to the water.
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2025-09-17