Over its operating lifetime, nearly every industrial chiller runs at 100 percent capacity only 1 percent of the time. In other words, 99 percent of the time, most industrial chillers operate at partial-load conditions. Using variable-speed technology can help improve the energy efficiency of process chillers.

The International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) published two informatory notes on energy recovery: one on energy recovery in mechanical ventilation systems and the other on air-to-air energy recovery equipment.

Engineers and plant owners are always looking for designs to decrease the overall energy consumption of mechanical cooling systems.

Energy savings ranks as one of the most pressing considerations on the minds of almost every plant operator. Not only are there financial considerations but environmental ones as well. Though energy improvements can be incorporated into almost every section of a facility, a specific focus on cooling systems can have a profound impact.

Industries across the manufacturing spectrum — whether producing beverages, dairy products, petroleum, chemicals, plastics or electricity, to name a few — generate heat as a byproduct of the manufacturing process.

Industrial refrigeration systems have long taken a standardized approach when it comes to their design and construction. Over time, industrial cooling trended toward no longer being engineered so much as replicated, using decades-old but proven designs. This was the case even for new facilities. Ultimately, the results were that industrial cooling systems were falling behind in terms of available technology.

For decades, plastics processors have had to select chillers based on their maximum cooling-capacity requirements. While this approach ensures plenty of chiller capacity, it is not always energy efficient. 

Selecting and purchasing an industrial chiller can represent a significant investment of time and money: one that should make financial sense upfront and for the life of the equipment.

Multistack LLC, a privately held manufacturer of cooling, heating and energy-recovery systems, has acquired Budzar Industries, Willoughby, Ohio. Budzar manufactures custom temperature control and pumping systems for the rubber, chemical, pharmaceutical and food industries.