Heating & cooling.

The latest mold-heating and cooling systems are designed to conserve both floor space and energy. Fuzzy-logic controls that "learn" about the process are starting to appear on some models. Lower-cost units were also introduced in Chicago.

COMPACT, EFFICIENT CHILLERS

Two new lines of central chillers offer space-saving designs and energy-efficient scroll compressors. One is the Pinnacle Central Chillers from AEC/Application Engineering, Wood Dale, Ill. Available with 30-90 tons of capacity, they have off-the-shelf PLC controls and a color touchscreen interface.

The other is the improved TSW central chillers from Thermal Care, Niles, Ill. They feature stainless-steel reservoirs and space-saving brazed-plate evaporators. Optional PLC control provides fault monitoring with 44 status indicators.

Thermal Care's new HQ series portable/Accuchillers include microprocessor controls, scroll compressors, large condensers, and high-pressure blowers to vent discharged air.

New compact (22 x 31 in.) PSA air-cooled portable chillers with 2 and 3 hp from AEC/Application Engineering have brazed-plate evaporators, scroll compressors, fuzzy-logic PLC control, and graphical status indicators.

DURABLE COOLING TOWERS

Two firms introduced low-maintenance fiberglass cooling towers. F-Series towers from The Conair Group, Pittsburgh, come in nine models of 24 to 195 tons with flow rates of 72 to 585 gpm.

SF-Series towers from Sterlco Div. of Sterling Inc., Milwaukee, span a range of 50 to 200 tons.

MOLD-TEMPERATURE CONTROLLERS

New M2B microprocessor control for Sterlco hot-water and oil units features fuzzy-logic adaptive tuning that automatically adjusts the system after "learning" the process. Now custom molders who make frequent mold changes won't have to retune each time. Built-in ramp/soak feature is handy for RIM and compression molders.

Also new from Sterling is the Sterlco Vision 4412 hot-water unit with pumps of 0.5 to 7.5 hp and 250 F or 300 F heating limit. All-cast design minimizes piping and potential for leaks. Dual 1000-ohm platinum RTD sensors are said to be more accurate than standard thermocouples. Two-stage heater gives half or full output to maximize efficiency.

In addition, the new and compact mid-sized oil unit, Sterlco Vision model 4016M, has 6-24 kw heaters, pump sizes of 1-2 hp, flow rates of 10-24 gpm, and 450 F capacity.

New and more compact Aquatherm RD & RE series mold-temperature controllers from Thermal Care have "leakproof' cast twin tank/pump assemblies. They come with 0.75, 1, and 2 hp.

Three new water-temperature controllers were introduced by IMS Co., Chagrin Falls, Ohio:

* P-75 pressurized-water unit is said to be smaller and at least 10% lower cost (around $2100) than previous IMS models.

* MC75 tank-type circulator replaces the company's Waterstar units. It is said to improve efficiency and accuracy at a lower price ($2295).

* Self-contained True-Mold Temperature Controller uses a 7.5-kw heater and air cooling to avoid need for tower or city water.

New Smartflow Watchdog hotwater mold heater from Burger Engineering, Olathe, Kans., is said to be low-cost ($400) and low-maintenance because it has no electrical parts. Flow of water through the device is regulated by xylene, a temperature-sensitive substance that expands and contracts to adjust flow rate as needed.