Chiller Build (recently found some time)

[Stewie007]

I recently found some time to work on the chiller. School is almost over for the semester...so I've got some time.

I decided that I wasn't satisfied with the way I laid out the tubing. I made some errors when I assembled it. Neither the drier nor sight glass are installed at this point. I isolated the compressor so that it would remain charged with nitrogen to protect the oil from moisture.

I cut the suction line to accommodate the redesign for the crank-case valve and extra access points for the pressure gauge, low pressure switch, and TEV equalizer line.

Edit: Okay... wont show the images...

[Stewie007]

[teyber]

looks REALLY good glad to see you around again

[Stewie007]

I'm gonna need a lot of help later on. I've finally grasped the idea of the CPR valve. I can't believe it took me so long to understand LOL.

I do however have questions about the pump down cycle. Would I be able to use a TEV? What equipment would I need to do this?

Thanks in advance.

[Stewie007]

So, for a pump down cycle, I'm gonna need the HPS and LPS along with a solenoid valve on the liquid line right? Will I need a receiver?

[Stewie007]

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/5BA93

Hows this for a solenoid valve?

[teyber]

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/5BA93

Hows this for a solenoid valve?

Ill pm you the link to a $12 or so NC solenoid with a coil if your interested

cheers

[Quad-Damage]

How much would a complete system run, price range?

[wdrzal]

Ill pm you the link to a $12 or so NC solenoid with a coil if your interested

cheers

Just make sure the MOPD (maximiun operating pressure differetal) will meet your application. That's the maximium pressure between the inlet and outlet that the valve will properly open and close.

[Stewie007]

Just make sure the MOPD (maximiun operating pressure differetal) will meet your application. That's the maximium pressure between the inlet and outlet that the valve will properly open and close.

These only seem to list a Minimum pressure differential... and for this one it is 1PSI.

[Stewie007]

How much would a complete system run, price range?

I attached an image of a spreadsheet I created just now to outline the parts included at their current price. I may be missing a few small items, but that in a nut shell is what it would cost to build this.

You could say including all materials I paid 1800 dollars. I didn't buy the compressor from a distributor, I bought it through ebay. Basically, if I were building a unit for someone else, I would buy a new compressor. Too risky to send one out with a possibly FUBAR compressor... Minimum (unoptioned) I would say the price range would be 1800 - 2000. Minimum optioned (Pump-Down, CPR Valve, Compressor Isolation Valves) it would be 2500 - 3000.

[Stewie007]

Oh yeah, I forgot the pressure gauges....

[[XC] gomeler]

Those prices are sorely inflated even buying new components from United Refrigeration. From eBay that can be built for ~$600, from United maybe $1200 to $1500. Nearly $1k for a half-ton compressor, and people call us crazy for paying $1k for a processor

[Stewie007]

I don't have time to research every single component while I'm at work when Im really supposed to be working. I was trying to answer his question while I worked. I went to United refrigeration and copied down the prices. For the other components that I did not get at URI, I went to the places I got them from.

I however do agree that that compressor price was over inflated. It didn't feel right when I looked it up but that is the time I had. All of the other prices on here are accurate. I found the lowest prices when I bought a lot of this stuff. And I probably spent somewhere between 1200 - 1500 on this thing.

If I built another unit just like this for someone else I would damn straight charge them 2,000-2500 dollars for it. I didn't just coil tubing and throw it into a coleman. I built these heat exchangers to a design. I bloody well engineered this thing. Not one tube that is a part of either of them was part of a pre-built sub assembly.

So that is why I spent more than the average bird. I built most of mine. I bought a compressor, TXV, F/D, and a few valves, and some metal and got to work. The expense comes much from the heat exchangers. It cost alot to get some of that stuff. Could you imagine if those 4" tubes were copper? :-p

[teyber]

How much would a complete system run, price range?

around $800-1000

[Stewie007]

:-p Well I assumed he was talking about how much would the one I built cost :-p

I guess I shoulda just said what it would cost in general.... But I went out of my way to find out hehe..... In general, I agree with that figure. Most people won't be using CPRs and solenoids or advanced electronic controls.... Which reminds me.... Yeah I would charge 3000 for mine :-p. hehehehehehe

[Stewie007]

I should have some updates for tonight

[Stewie007]

Some more pictures I've brazed the thing good and solid. The last of the brazing is the equalizer line. I'll do that tomorrow.

[Stewie007]

One more picture.

[Stewie007]

Shoot... I forgot the check valve.

[Stewie007]

Some more pictures. I installed the chiller lines up to the valves and insulated them. The cooler loop is complete. I also installed the equalizer line and will secure the capillary tube to the line with wire ties when I get some.

All I have to do now is install the condenser piping, and it'll be ready for some testing. Of course I have to get refrigerant before I can do that... but still.

[Quad-Damage]

looks good

[Stewie007]

By the way, anyone have any R507???? :-D

[Sgrios]

Yes and yes.

Looks great Stewie, can't wait to see some temps. What is your target this build?

[Stewie007]

Targeting around -20C. -30C depending on how many components. But I want to keep the efficiency as high as possible for multiple peices, so probably a -20C Target.