Product category:
Boilers, Heat Exchangers, Dryers and Refrigeration
News Release from: Mechon | Subject: Evaporative cooling
Edited by the Processingtalk Editorial
Team on 13 May 2008
Improvements in low cost factory cooling
There are two widely available options for factory cooling, namely, refrigerant air conditioning and evaporative cooling
As summer fast approaches, air temperatures within factories and workshops will begin to rise These temperature rises are becoming more and more severe, primarily due the effects of global warming
This article was originally published on Processingtalk on 25 Mar 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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Many people feel that the most effective solution to high working temperatures is to install cooling systems - this is definitely not the case.
The most effective method of reducing internal temperatures is to remove the heat either at source or through a general ventilation system (such as roof extraction units).
There is no point utilising cooling energy to combat heat energy - this demands larger equipment and higher running costs.
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Cooling systems may however be used to supplement heat extraction systems to attain greater comfort levels for employees.
But heat extraction systems will never be able to reduce internal temperatures to below the outside conditions, as they rely on outside air to provide the cooling effect.
This form of extraction is highly effective in situations where there have been excessive internal temperatures (say above 35C to 40C) or where final internal temperatures are not critical.
In instances where internal temperatures remain high or need to be below external conditions, a cooling system would then be required.
WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS FOR COOLING? There are two widely available options for factory cooling, namely, refrigerant air conditioning and evaporative cooling.
1) Refrigerant air conditioning is usually considered uneconomic, due to the large capital and running costs.
These systems are generally only utilised where internal temperatures are to be kept within strict limits, especially in certain fresh food and electronics industries.
2) Evaporative cooling is a fast growing alternative to air conditioning, as it is able to meet the demands of factory cooling without large capital and running costs.
Evaporative cooling systems rely on a well known thermodynamic principle called adiabatic cooling.
This type of cooling is achieved by passing the incoming air across wet humidification mats - the heat in the air is transferred to the water, resulting in temperatures decreases of up to 12C.
These have now become common place in most industries and environments, including: Printing and print finishing, Paper and Card production, Labelling and packaging, Polymer production, Plastic Injection moulding, Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, Foundries and Metals Refining, Electronics, Automotive, Agricultural, Welding workshops, Compressor houses.
Evaporative cooling supplies:.
* Low capital costs.
* Low running costs (only fan power and water supply required).
* Ease of maintenance.
* Large fresh air volumes are achieved with no air recirculation.
* Operate effectively in conjunction with heat extraction systems.
* Heating systems could be incorporated for winter periods.
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