COMPRESSED AIR CHILLER

Compressed Air Chillers: Description and Operation
 

Compressed air chillers are industrial cooling systems that use compressed air as the key element in the refrigeration process. Unlike traditional chillers that use water or other refrigerant fluids for heat exchange, these systems exploit the expansion and compression of air to absorb and dissipate heat.

Operating principle:

The air is compressed by a compressor, increasing its temperature and pressure. Then, the hot compressed air passes through a heat exchanger where it is cooled by ambient air or a forced airflow (e.g., via fans). The air, once cooled, expands in an expansion chamber or through special valves, absorbing heat from the environment or the process to be cooled, thus lowering the temperature.

Advantages of compressed air chillers:
 

• No liquid refrigerants, reducing risks of leaks and environmental issues

• Simpler installation, with less need for piping and maintenance compared to water-based systems

• Suitable for installations where water is scarce or undesirable

• Can operate in harsh industrial environments, providing robustness and reliability

Typical applications:

Compressed air chillers are used in manufacturing industries, for machinery cooling and industrial processes, especially where a compact cooling solution without water is required, such as in the food, pharmaceutical, or chemical sectors.