How do Process Chillers Work
Process chillers contain a chemical compound called refrigerant, and work on the basic principle of compression and phase change of the refrigerant from liquid to gas and back to liquid. The process by which heat is removed from process fluid and is based on the process of compression and expansion of the refrigerant is called the refrigeration cycle. The main components that compose the refrigeration circuit are:
- Compressor: gives the gas the energy needed to change from low-pressure gas to high-pressure gas.
- Condenser: heat exchanger in which ambient air (or water) removes heat from high-pressure gas by cooling it to a high-pressure.
- Liquid Expansion Valve: allows expansion of the refrigerant fluid from a high-pressure, high-temperature liquid to a low-pressure, low-temperature gas/liquid mixture.
- Evaporator: heat exchanger in which the gas/liquid mixture at low pressure and low temperature absorbs heat from the process water or water/glycol solution.






