Process cooling

Precision cooling with inverter technology

Application description

In many industrial processes the machinery or processes generate heat which requires cooling, to protect the equipment and/or to ensure that the product being manufactured is of the required quality. The process cooling unit is used to cool, to extract humidity or regulate the temperature of the manufacturing process.

A good example of this need for cooling during manufacturing is found in the plastics industry, where injection machinery heats the plastic polymer to enable it to be moulded or extruded. In the blow moulding of plastic films, the temperature control of the extruded film is important, since this affects the quality and thickness of the film. 

Cooling equipment can be of different types, depending on whether air or liquid is the cooling medium which needs precise temperature control. The cooling equipment often needs to be very flexible in order to allow industrial machinery to use the same cooling equipment in different processes. For example, a plastic film blow-moulding machine can produce thin films; then the temperature set point needs to be relatively high (typically 20°C). The same machine can also produce thicker plastic films, but then the temperature set point needs to be lower.

In addition to the need to be able to maintain different temperature set points during a manufacturing process, process coolers have to be able to maintain a stable temperature at the set point despite variation in the ambient temperature.

Why choose Danfoss variable speed compressors for process cooling?
By using the Danfoss inverter compressor – a reliable compressor combined with a prequalified drive – the challenges involved in manufacturing applications like the above can be met.

Variable speed solutions adapt very quickly to cooling demand and keep the process at a precise set point (±0.2°C) despite varying ambient temperatures. If process parameters need to be changed, smooth and very precise temperature control is possible, as shown below in a comparison between close control using inverter compressors and using traditional on-off compressor technology.

In addition to precision temperature control, variable speed compressor solutions will be more energy efficient compared to traditional on-off compressor technology, especially when running in part-load conditions.

What are the benefits for your customers when they choose Danfoss inverter compressors?

• The compressors can maintain stable and precise temperatures, improving process and equipment reliability 
• Down time costs are reduced 
• Part-load operation increases the overall efficiency of the system 
• Start-up current requirement is low
• There are significant energy savings

The most important benefits for customers

• Precise temperature control achievable within ±0.2°C , improving processes, quality of products and equipment lifetime

Additional benefits

• Innovation and development of new technologies made possible.
• Increased market share achievable through more innovative products 
• Greater ability to expand and grow.

For further information, please contact us.