How to Solve the High Pressure of the Chiller?

Jan. 12, 2024

High pressure (HP) alarms are among the most common faults encountered in industrial chillers. How to Solve the High Pressure of the Chiller? This article analyzes the causes of HP issues in air-cooled chillers and offers practical solutions for troubleshooting.

If your water chiller is air-cooled, please refer to the following for troubleshooting: The air-cooled chiller condenser is used for cooling by the fan.

Air Cooled Screw Chiller

Causes of High Pressure in Air-Cooled Chillers

1. Abnormal Operation of the Condenser Fan

When the condenser fan fails, the refrigerant cycle’s heat is not effectively removed, leading to rising temperature and pressure. This is similar to how humans perspire more in hot weather without a working fan.

Solution:

Inspect and repair the fan.
Remove dust and debris from the fan hood.
Clean the fan using compressed air or a water gun after turning off the chiller.

2. Condenser Blockage

A blocked condenser disrupts the proper condensation of high-pressure refrigerant gas, causing coalescence and high-pressure faults.

Solution:

Clean the condenser thoroughly to remove dirt.
Consult the manufacturer for specific cleaning guidance.

Water Cooled Scroll Chiller

3. Air in the System

New chillers or recently serviced compressors often experience high pressure due to trapped air in the refrigeration system, which cannot condense effectively.

Solution:

Use the chiller's air separation valve to vent trapped air.
Contact the manufacturer for operational guidance if unsure.

4. Excess Refrigerant

Overcharging the system with refrigerant reduces the condensing effect, occupying too much of the condensing pipe area and increasing pressure.

Solution:

Carefully release refrigerant from the low-pressure side, preferably under professional supervision.

5. Small Expansion Valve Opening

The expansion valve throttles high-pressure liquid refrigerant into gas. If it is set too small, the pressure in the condenser rises.

Solution:

Adjust the expansion valve to increase its opening.

The above is the disposal method of the high-pressure fault of the air-cooled chiller, If you want to get more information about good quality chiller, please do not hesitate to ask us.

Preventing High Pressure Problems in Air-Cooled Chillers

Regular Maintenance

Regularly clean condenser coils to remove dirt and debris. Comprehensive maintenance packages from providers like Huazhao Refrigeration Equipment CO., Ltd. ensure optimal performance.

Monitor Water Flow Rates

For water-cooled chillers, maintain recommended flow rates through the cooling circuit to ensure efficient heat transfer.

Monitor Refrigerant Levels

Refrigerant levels should be handled by qualified technicians. Overcharging can lead to several issues, including high pressure.

Invest in Leak Detection

A reliable leak detection system prevents non-condensable gases from entering the system.

Huazhao Refrigeration Equipment CO., Ltd.: Trusted Chiller Solutions

If you're dealing with HP issues in air-cooled industrial process chillers, reach out to Huazhao. Our team of experienced engineers specializes in diagnosing and resolving high-pressure problems, ensuring your chiller operates efficiently. With our expertise, you can confidently tackle HP alarms and keep your processes running smoothly.