Liquid temperature control equipment: product lines reviewed.

LIQUID TEMPERATURE CONTROL EQUIPMENT

ADVANTAGE ENGINEERING, INC.

Offers fluid-circulating equipment for injection molding, extrusion, blown film, thermoforming, vacuum forming, compression molding, compounding/mixing, and blow molding.

Chillers are available in portable and plantwide central systems. Portable chillers range in size from 1- to 30-ton cooling capacity and come in air- and water-condensed designs. Central chillers range in size from 10 to 500 tons and are available in air- and water-condensed outdoor and indoor systems. Mold-temperature controllers are available in both water- or oil-circulating systems. Water units operate at temperatures between 30 F and 250 F; oil units operate between 100 F and 500 F.

Cooling tower systems are available in a wide variety of sizes and designs. Sizes ranges from 20- to 1000-ton capacity. Company offers both metal and fiberglass tower cells. Related pumping equipment can be custom-designed to fit customer's requirements. Open- and closed-loop designs are standard. Engineering services are included with central cooling systems. All equipment can be computer-connected for remote control and information collection and storage in molding cell or plant network system.

ALPHA EQUIPMENT CO.

Designs and builds a complete line of accessory equipment:

* Portable chilling equipment, air and water condensed, ranging from 3 to 40 hp.

* Central chiller systems, air or water condensed in capacities from 10 to 200 hp.

* Dehumidification/air conditioning for plant or molding room application available in air and water condensed, ranging from 10 to 40 hp.

* Evaporative cooling tower systems in a full range from 4 to 1000 tons.

* Fiberglass reinforced polyester (FRP) cooling tower cells available in a range from 7 to 210 tons.

* Water filtration for both cooling tower water and glycol chill water system.

* Automatic water treatment system to work with cooling tower system.

AMERICAN JET STREAM, INC.

Offers a full line of beside-the-press, closed-cycle automatic water chillers from 12,000 to 240,000/hr. Units provide constant, accurate, automatic cooling temperature control in a variety of industrial applications. RF coolers use an anti-freeze mixture consisting of water and ethylene glycol.

APPLICATION ENGINEERING

AEC, INC.

Offers standard series of water temperature-control units with from 3/4-to 10-hp pumps and standard selection of heaters from 9 through 24 kw, featuring stainless-steel sheath construction. Equipment has state-of-the-art microprocessor control with easy-to-read LED dual-temperature display of setpoint and process temperature; optional communication SPI protocol for CIM and SPC applications; full-feature graphic display panel showing operator status and alarm indication lights. Units are packaged in a rugged low-profile cabinet designed with removable panels for ease of maintenance. Standard options include negative/positive pressure units, system water-purge and closed-loop heat exchanger units for hard-water areas.

Manufactures a complete line of portable air- and water-cooled chillers from 1 hp through 40 hp, and also central units both air- and water-cooled from 15 tons up through 155 tons. On 15-hp units and larger, a discus compressor which optimizes energy efficiency is standard. A complete line of noncorrosive cooling towers, polymer-forced draft and fiberglass-induced draft, from 30- to 200-ton cooling capacity, are available with a standard two-year parts warranty.

APPLIED PROCESS EQUIPMENT

Provides a complete line of water chilling, water cooling, water recovery, and water filtration systems. Machines include portable, central and heat-pump water chillers in either water- or air-cooled versions. Central evaporative tower systems are available in both open and closed systems. Closed systems are available with plate and frame stainless heat exchangers. All systems are provided with complete engineering drawings for economical local installation and are warranted for one full year on parts and labor.

AQUATEMP INC.

Builds chilled water systems, air- and water-cooled chillers ranging from 1.5 to 300 tons, and also provides water towers, sand and gravel filters, pumps, etc. Company's service department is on 24-hr call for any plant emergency.

BALTIMORE AIRCOIL CO.

Offers a full line of counterflow, crossflow and parallel-flow cooling towers. Factory-assembled models are available in sizes up to 1750 tons/cell. Field-erected cooling towers come in sizes up to 8640 gpm/cell. Also manufactures a broad range of evaporative condensers, industrial fluid coolers, heat exchangers, chillers and thermal storage units.

Factory-assembled equipment is manufactured from galvanized steel. Field-erected models can be ordered in wood, steel, fiberglass or a wide range of other construction materials. Heat exchangers are available in either shell-and-tube, or plate-and-frame versions.

BUDZAR INDUSTRIES, INC.

Manufactures a complete line of chillers, mold-temperature controllers, cooling towers, pump-tank sets and hot-oil temperature controllers.

Company's "Ice" product line offers air- and water-cooled chillers with chilling capacities from 5 to 250 tons. Microprocessor-based temperature controllers and compressor capacity control are standard.

Model AC-7 air-cooled chiller reportedly allows users to maintain precise temperature control of process water from 20-60 F and is microprocessor-controlled with "at-a-glance" indicator lights, safety controls and a digital temperature display. The chiller uses dual-centrifugal The chiller uses dual-centrifugal blowers to reclaim condenser heat. Its reservoir is made of stainless steel and housed in a structural-steel frame with sheet-metal panels.

Cooling towers are available with cooling capacities from 20 to 200 tons. Company's tower design incorporates three separate methods of temperature control for more precise process water temperature. Towers are matched with pump-tank sets to provide maximum circulation and temperature control.

Mold-temperature controllers automatically maintain temperature of molds at a desired preset temperature. Units are available in single- and multizone configurations for precise temperature control up to 250 F. All units feature low-watt-density heaters and microprocessor-based temperature controllers.

Company's "BTU" product line features hot-oil temperature controllers and high-volume, hot-water temperature controllers. Hot-oil units feature leakproof construction, low-watt-density heaters, and are available in 450 F, 550 F, and 650 F models.

CHROMALOX

EDWIN L. WIEGAND DIV.

Offers its portable mold-temperature control system, WTCS, in a compact 15 x 24 x 25 in. package.

Delivering water at temperatures to 250 F, the system is available in ratings from 4.5 to 24 kw. It may be used for either heating or cooling, and may be configured with open-or closed-loop piping, depending on mineral content of water used.

For injection molding and other plastics applications, the WTCS system incorporates a 3/4-hp centrifugal pump capable of flow rates of 30 gpm. For maximum reliability, the system features automatic air bleed, low-pressure switch, over-temperature protection, and pressure-relief valve. Also featured a microprocessor-based controls with easy-to-read digital display and high/low-temperature alarms.

CINCINNATI MILACRON

U.S. PLASTICS MACHINERY DIV.

Currently supplies a wide range of liquid temperature-control equipment. Portable chillers range from 1- to 30-ton capacity and have solid-state or microprocessor-based controls. Central chillers and central chiller modules offer water-cooling capacity of 5 to 180 tons in water-cooled configuration and air-cooled capacity of 5 to 30 tons.

Evaporative cooling tower cells are fully assembled up to 175-ton size; larger units are also available. Supplied with the cells are the pump tank sets in either basic design or full-feature design with diagnostics and standby pumping.

The ATC series is a combination-unit closed system with 30-60 F cold-water circuit and a hot-water circuit 200 F above the cold-water circuit to 250 F.

Mold-temperature controllers for both water and oil range from 15 to 100 gpm. Water units have closed or open cooling with solid-state temperature control or microprocessor-based controls. Oil units include microprocessor controls and can be supplied with an optional cooling circuit.

CONAIR TEMPRO 

THE CONAIR GROUP, INC.

Offers a line of water temperature controllers that have been recently expanded to include three Thermolator units - tempTrac, microTrac and 1 microTrac 3. All three units feature an exclusive two-piece casting design, which eliminates as many as 40 leakprone fittings per zone. An "ultra-performance" pump package is also available, featuring 50% better pump performance for improved cooling capacity.

An expanded central chiller product line includes air-cooled outdoor and water-cooled indoor central chillers. Water-cooled chiller from 20 to 130 tons are equipped with Copeland reciprocating discus compressors with cylinder unloading. Air-cooled models from 20 to 200 tons are also equipped with Copeland discus compressors.

Also available are water-cooled chillers from 105 to 500 tons with vertical screw compressors; a complete line of pump assemblies, including 200-, 400-, and 1400-gal rotationally molded PE tanks, as well as stainless and epoxy-coated steel tanks; and cooling towers from 20 to 500 tons. Blown film coolers are now available to 5000 cfm, along with a wide range of portable chiller and complete central-chilling engineering services.

Company's line of 42 portable chillers (20 water-cooled models and 22 air-cooled versions), ranging from 3.25 to 40 hp, offer two versions of controls and seven swing-out access panels that allow easy access to and maintenance of parts and components.

COOLING TECHNOLOGY, INC.

Manufactures and designs process cooling systems and equipment. Company offer a complete comprehensive line of both air- and water-cooled chillers, temperature-control units and cooling tower systems.

Chiller line includes the Mini-Portable (1 to 10 tons), the Portable (5 to 40 tons), the Dual Circuited (20 to 140 tons) and the Direct-Drive units (30 to 125 tons). Cooling tower systems range from 10 to 500 tons and can be supplied with metal or fiberglass tower cells. Temperature-control units are available in sizes from 3/4 to 15 hp.

Company has developed a new chiller specifically for extrusion applications and also has a patent pending on a Direct Freon Injection unit designed to reduce cycle time on hard-to-cool molds.

DELTA COOLING TOWERS, INC.

Offers a large selection of polyethylene, noncorrosive cooling towers.

Company's Pioneer cooling tower, reportedly the first noncorrosive polyethylene tower introduced to the market, and its Paragon cooling tower, said to be the only noncorrosive polyethylene-induced draft tower, offer some of the following principal features:

* Industrial-grade materials of construction for low maintenance costs throughout the life of the equipment.

* Modular, pre-assembled and light-weight for simple, fast and economical installation, plus easy future upgrade considerations.

* Integrated equipment packages with automatic process controls, completely pre-assembled, pre-wired, pre-piped and skid-mounted if required.

EDWARDS ENGINEERING CORP.

Offers liquid chillers in 26 models from one through 240 tons. Units either air-cooled or water-cooled, feature large stainless-steel reservoirs as well as the following features: walk-in weaterproof equipment enclosure; automatic capacity control from zero to 100% with double pump arrangement; damage resistant evaporator design if chiller freezes internally; and heat-saver option for free hot water.

Additional standard features include: automatic air elimination; automatic heat-pressre control on outdoor air-cooled models; single central control panel; multiple indicating gauges; closed water system; inside or outside installation; and portable units available with caster.

A.C. HAMILTON, INC.

Offers a selection of direct- or indirect-cooling liquid temperature controllers with pump sizes from 1/2 to 3 hp and 3-12 kw heating. Control packages can be selected from a variety of solid-state or microprocessor configurations.

Company's 2000 series of portable air- or water-cooled chillers is available in sizes from 2- to 35-ton chilling capacity and include NEMA-rated components, solid-state temperature controllers, semi-hermetic compressors and hot-gas bypass as standard.

Also offers complete process water systems, including central chillers, pump tanks, and cooling towers. Heat recovery systems are available for recovering process heat and using it to supplement plant heat during winter.

IMS CO.

Offers air-cooled mold chillers in 1/2-, 1-, 3-, and 5-ton sizes. Units are portable, require minimum maintenance and are completely self-contained. Other sizes can be made to order, and water-cooled chillers are available on request.

The Water-Star series of mold-temperature controllers features a stainless-steel tank, easy-to-read gauges, and easy to access to components. Closed-circuit units also provide fast startups, instant response, and protection against low-fluid-level damage. The series contains four different models, including a totally self-contained air-cooled unit.

The HV65 series of pressurized-mold-temperature controllers features rust-resistant, stainless-steel and copper plumbing, plusating proportional controller, high- and low-pressure protection, and a one-piece, hinged cover for easy inspection and service. Units are also convertible for vertical or horizontal use.

INDUSTRIAL ENERGY

CONSERVATION, INC.

Offers self-contained air- and water-cooled chillers with capacities from 1/2 to 500 tons. Optional equipment includes pumps, tanks, and special materials of construction. Industrial-quality wiring is standard with optional JIC and hazardous-area wiring. Special control and instrumentation options are also available.

KLEEN-RITE INC.

Offers a series of recirculating water chillers that are believed to be the only units designed for plastic processing that uses a plate-type heat exchanger. On one side of the plate is fluorocarbon refrigerant, and on the other side of the plate is water. Temperature changes reportedly can be accomplished in about 5 sec. Units are available in 1/2-ton to 5-ton capacities for temperatures from 18 F to 110 F, and are controlled by a remote bulb thermostat or electronically.

LOGIC DEVICES, INC.

Firm originated and manufactures negative-pressure leakstoppers and negative/ positive-pressure mold-temperature controllers for up to 450 F. Its Vac-U-Temp is a general-purpose temperature controller with negative and positive pressure modes, usable simultaneously in addition to controlling temperatures. It stops leaks, improves part quality, and reduces cycle times; and it uses water and other heat-transfer fluids.

Company has developed patented processes for venting molding gases into the fluid lines and cooling long, thin cores by transferring water between mold halves through any size core. Free design consultation on company's mold venting and cooling is available.

MARVEL EQUIPMENT CORP.

Offers heating and cooling units for water or thermal oil for temperature control up to 655 F (water units to 285 F) for injection molds, extrudes, rollers, storage tanks, presses, screws and other applications.

Mold-temperature-control units are manufactured by Reglophas AG of Switzerland. The optional RT-40 microprocessor control system, along with interface RS-232C, makes it possible to connect to the process control system of the production installation. The RT-40, with serial interface, allows storage of parameters of up to 16 different consumers.

MATSUI AMERICA, INC.

Three series of water- or oil-circulating mold-temperature controllers are offered. MC Jet III series has digital setting and indication of both setpoint and actual values, as well as delta-T. Entering and returning fluid temperature, or actual mold temperature can be displayed. Seven alarm LEDs, PID temperature control, and an electronic timer for auto-starting are provided. RS232C communications are optional. Three models have motor drives from 0.33 to 1 hp and heater capacities from 3 to 8 kw, providing fluid temperatures up to 390 F.

More powerful MC Jet III-X have enlarged pump capacities (1.5-2.9 hp); 10 models offer heater capacities from 8 to 10 kw for control at up to 390 F.

MultiJet II combination hopper loader, dryer and mold-temperature controller in one compact, mobile cabinet incorporates one of three models of MCII water or oil mold-temperature controller, with 0.33-hp motor and 3-kw heater capacity for fluid temperatures to 320 F.

Eight models of MKC water-cooled chillers have FRP water tanks and opentype compressors. Pumps range from 0.5 to 2.9 hp.

MIDWESCO, INC. See Thermal Care/Mayer Div.

MOKON DIV.

PROTECTIVE CLOSURES CO.

Offers a complete line of circulating-water and oil-liquid temperature-control systems with a temperature range from ambient to 600 F.

Water systems, with a maximum operating temperature of 300 F and pumping capacities up to 80 gpm and to 60 psi, are available in cabineted and uncabineted series. Nonferrous construction assures a long service life and guards the system against corrosion. A combination heating/chilling unit is also available to provide a full range of temperature control from 35 F to 250 F, with up to 20 tons of chilling capacity.

Oil systems, with company's cool oil reservoir that eliminates thermal shock associated with in-line shella and tube-heat exchanger cooling, are available with up to three zones of independent control within the same cabinetry and a pumping capacity of 30 gpm and to 100 psi, with a maximum operating temperature of 600 F.

Company specializes in custom temperature-control systems to suit specific requirements and also carries its Leakmaster line of negative pressure systems designed to eliminate processing problems associated with leaks.

PRIORITY MACHINERY

Hot-water and hot-oil temperature controllers in sizes from 3 to 9 kw and temperatures from 20 to 300 C, with complete computerized functionality and ability to tie into IBM-compatible PCs, are available from Boe-Therm of Denmark. All hot-oil controllers have a cold expansion tank, sealing the heated tank, which eliminates noxious fumes and fier hazards. Emphasis is on safety and very narrow temperature deviation of [+ or -][degree] C. All 6 and 9 kw hot-water units are equipped with a leakstopper attachment, Vacu 1, enabling a vacuum to be put on the mold while it is under pressure from the circulating medium.

Air- and water-cooled chillers in sizes from 3 to 44 tons, complete with microprocessor and synoptic interface are available from EPSI Ltd. of Greece. All units come equipped with Allen-Bradley electronics and GE compressors Main emphasis is on units existing in hostile environments.

PROCESS EFFICIENCY PRODUCTS

Offers a complete line of cooling and process water filters. Using a permanent media in the filter, the system removes particles as small as five microns. The filter reduces fouling of cooling equipment, and maintains efficiency and low kw usage. Filtration improves the quality of water, which eliminates draining and flushing of equipment, lower chemical cost, and prevents downtime.

PROGRESSIVE EQUIPMENT CORP.

Offers an electronic water-treatment system that can include an electronic water treater, full-flow bag filter, and an automatic blow-down valve. The treater removes scaling and fouling from pipes electronically, without chemicals. As the electronically treater water passes through the system, existing scale is etched away, thus increasing the system's cooling potential, which reportedly could yield longer equipment life, decrease downtime, and improve operating efficiency. A high-capacity, full-flow bag filter works in conjunction with the treater. The bag filters offer an alternative to bulky "Y" strainers and sand and gravel filters; they offer, according to the company, full-flow filtration at a reasonable cost, and reduce downtime, conserve water and are clean and easy to operate. A sentinel pressure-drop alert system detects pressure drops across filter media as low as 3-5 psi.

R.J. INDUSTRIES, INC.

Offers replacement-water and hot-oil pumps to fit most brands of chillers, mold-temperature controllers, cooling towers, and various water-cooling systems. Pumps match up exactly and are sold under brand names such as Scot, Burks, Aurora, Sherwood, B&G, Price, and Worthington. A cross-reference of OEM pumps has been compiled to permit quick identification of replacement seal kits and other parts. Obsolete and discontinued models have also been cross-referenced to presently available replacements.

REGLOPLAS AG See Marvel Equipment Corp.

STERLING, INC.

INDUSTRIAL CONTROLS DIV.

Manufactures a complete line of liquid-circulating mold-temperature control units. Two styles of units are offered: water and oil. Each unit features its own pump, thermostat and controls to automatically maintain a desired preset temperature. Units are available in operator-height vertical cabinets or in low-profile compact cabinets where space is a primary concern. Other units of more specialized design are built to customer specifications.

The 8300/8400 series covers temperature ranges from standard water supply temperature to as high as 250 F and up to 300 F with adequate water supply pressure. The standard unit includes a 9-kw low-watt-density heater and a 1/2-hp pump. Optional heaters up to 24 kw and pumps up to 5 hp are available. Both series can be manufactured in single-, dual- or triple-zone designs with common electrical and water-supply connections. State-of-the-art microprocessor-based digital or solid-state controllers are available for all units. Standard options include computer-interface capability (RS232, RS422, RS484, SPI Protocol), special alarms, quick cool-down capability, JIC/NEMA-12 construction and remote controller placement.

The 6016 high-temperature series covers temperatures to 400 F with NEMA-1 construction and to 650 F in NEMA-12 construction. Heater sizes range from 6 to 300 kw with pumping capacity ranging from 10 to 600 gpm. Low-watt-density heaters, heavy-duty pumps, push-button controls, and important safety components are a few of the standard features. Additionally, an automatically controlled cooling feature is offered which utilizes a specially constructed 3.7 sq ft heat exchanger. Larger heat exchangers are available. Units are available in single- and dual-zone construction with a digital or solid-state controller.

TUC INC.

Manufactures a line of liquid-circulating temperature-control equipment, including water, hot-oil and portable chillers.

Water units are available in upright, low-profile and subcompact configuration. Controllers consisting of analog, digital or microprocessor are available on units. The microprocessor unit has RS232C, 422 and 485 capability, as well as SPI protocol. Dual-probe sensing, solid-state control and horizontal pumps with seal flush make units simple to operate. Single- and multizone models with many options and special features are available, as well as systems that are custom-designed.

Hot-oil systems range in temperature from 100 F to 500 F. Centrifugal pumps, incorporating water-cooled seals are standard. Heater capacities from 6 kw and up are available. Units are available in upright and compact models, as well as multizone configurations.

Portable chillers are available in both air- and water-cooled condensing from 1 to 20 tons. Standard for all chillers are hot-gas bypass, stainless-steel or nonferrous fully insulated reservoir tanks, all copper piping, and freeze-stat control.

TEMPTEK, INC.

Designs and manufactures mold-temperature controllers, portable chillers, pump-tank stations and cooling-tower cells. Offers fluid circulating temperature-control products that are said to be industrially designed for mechanical simplicity and operator convenience, utilizing ultra-rugged construction, fewer components and standardized production.

Temperature controllers are available in both water and hot oil, open- and closed-loop configurations. Water units control to 250 F, oil-circulating units to 400 F. Small, space-efficient units are equipped with high-flow pumps, flanged heaters, and advanced electronic instrumentation with remote capabilities.

Portable chillers and chilling modules are available in air- and water-condensed versions. Units are range from 1 to 10 tons, with operating temperatures from 30 to 70 F. Chilling modules range from 5 to 20 tons, with operating temperatures from 20 to 60 F.

Pump-tank stations are designed to utilize minimum floor space, while emphasizing the vertical dimension for water storage. Standard process connections for pumps, sensors, drains, and water-level controls make installation easy.

Cooling towers are available in galvanized metal or fiberglass construction from 20 to 220 tons, and employ energy-efficient prop fans, generously sized wet decks, and a large water reservoir.

THERMAL CARE/MAYER DIV.

MIDWESCO, INC.

Produces a complete line of process cooling equipment and temperature-control systems. Product line includes:

* Portable chillers that are self-contained air- or water-cooled designs from 1/2 to 40 tons.

* Air-cooled central chillers with heat-reclaim indoor units or low-ambient protected outdoor units in capacities up to 200 tons.

* A complete line of central chillers from 40 to 125 hp with semi-hermetic, direct-drive, or belt-drive units.

* Fiberglass cooling towers in sizes from 2 to 1000 tons. Units are light-weight and offer corrosion-resistant capacity with a lower horsepower fan.

* Pump/tank assemblies in any size and configuration for tower or chiller applications.

* Water treatment systems designed to control scale, corrosion, suspended solids and microbiological growth.

* Temperature controllers that include microprocessor control, low-watt-density insulated heaters, high-temperature safeties, 1/2 heat operation, and complete diagnostics.

WEST COAST PLASTICS EQUIPMENT

Offers two lines of California-built chillers, Schreiber and Arctic, particularly suited to Western hard-water conditions, in capacities from one ton to over 50 tons.

Also offers mold-temperature controllers by TEW (Taiwan), in 3- and 5-kw ratings, that reportedly make it possible to circulate water or oil medium up to 302 F in a single, trouble-free unit.

Company distributes cooling towers by three builders: Marley's conventional towers, BAC's fluid coolers, and Liang Chi all-fiberglass towers. Units range in capacity from 3 to 200-plus tons.