Episode 45: Industrial Anti-Freezing Survival Guide - Protecting Water Chillers

Welcome to Episode 45 of Laser Insights China!

This issue delves into practical strategies for protecting critical industrial equipment, such as water chillers and high-power lasers, from freezing damage during extreme cold weather or extended downtime. We break down active and passive freeze protection measures and emphasize the importance of proper procedures to avoid costly equipment damage.

The following key winterizing steps are discussed in detail on the show:

• Short-term Active Freeze Protection: Prevent freezing by maintaining ambient temperature or keeping the chiller running continuously.
• Long-term Passive Freeze Protection – Draining: Completely drain all water circuits, ensuring no residual water remains inside the equipment.
• Long-term Passive Freeze Protection – Adding Antifreeze: Discusses the use of professional antifreeze, including the correct 30% antifreeze to 70% deionized water mixing ratio, and how to adjust the formula for extreme low temperatures (e.g., 60% antifreeze).
• Importance of Operating Procedures: Emphasizes that antifreeze must be pre-mixed thoroughly; pouring concentrated antifreeze directly is strictly prohibited to prevent blockages and equipment damage.
• Cleaning and Maintenance: A thorough cleaning is mandatory before adding antifreeze. After winter, the antifreeze must be completely drained and the system flushed with deionized water.
• Ultimate Prevention – Compressed Air Purging: For long-term shutdowns or transportation, using compressed air to thoroughly blow-dry all pipelines is recommended, ensuring no residual moisture remains.

Protecting your industrial investment and avoiding unnecessary losses is crucial. Listen to this episode to learn how to ensure your equipment survives the cold weather. We also conclude with a thought-provoking question: How can future cooling circuit designs reduce reliance on chemical antifreeze?