Industrial Chiller Terminology Guide: Chiller Terms to Know

When working in environments that rely on industrial cooling systems, familiarity with the right vocabulary is essential. This is true whether you're a technician, engineer, maintenance manager, or facility operator. This guide breaks down the most commonly used industrial chiller terminology with examples of each in context.

Why Industrial Chiller Terminology Matters

Industrial chillers are complex systems involving intricate processes, components, and operating principles. Misunderstanding or misusing chiller technical terms can lead to miscommunication, improper maintenance, or even system damage. By becoming fluent in industrial cooling equipment terminology, professionals can:

• Improve system diagnostics and maintenance procedures
• Enhance communication with service providers or OEM trainers
• Reduce downtime and increase system reliability
• Make informed decisions regarding system upgrades or replacements

Essential Industrial Chiller Terms & Their Meanings

Critical cooling equipment terms used in the field of industrial chillers include:

• Chiller – A chiller is a device that removes heat from a liquid via a vapor-compression or absorption refrigeration cycle. This cooled liquid is then used to cool air or equipment. Example: “The industrial chiller maintained process water at a consistent 42°F during peak operations.”
• Evaporator – The evaporator is the component where the refrigerant absorbs heat from the process fluid, causing the refrigerant to evaporate. Example: “A scale buildup on the evaporator tubes reduced heat transfer efficiency.”
• Condenser – The condenser releases heat absorbed by the refrigerant to a cooling medium, usually air or water. Example: “The air-cooled condenser failed to maintain target pressure due to restricted airflow.”
• Compressor – This is the mechanical component that raises the pressure of the refrigerant vapor, pushing it through the system. Types include screw, centrifugal, and reciprocating. Example: “The technician replaced the worn screw compressor with a newer, more efficient model.”
• Expansion valve – This device meters refrigerant flow into the evaporator while reducing pressure, allowing it to absorb heat more effectively. Example: “A malfunctioning expansion valve caused low suction pressure in the evaporator.”
• Heat exchanger – This system transfers heat between two or more fluids without mixing them. It’s common in cooling and heating processes. Example: “Installing a plate-type heat exchanger improved overall system performance.”
• Load profile – This refers to the variation in cooling demand over time, often influenced by production schedules or external temperatures. Example: “The technician adjusted system parameters to accommodate a fluctuating load profile during the summer months.”
• Tons of refrigeration – This is a unit of measurement for cooling capacity. One ton equals the ability to remove 12,000 BTU/hour. Example: “The plant upgraded to a 500-ton chiller to meet expanded production requirements.”
• Approach temperature – This is the difference between the fluid temperature and the refrigerant temperature, used to evaluate heat exchanger efficiency. Example: “A low approach temperature indicates the evaporator is operating efficiently.”
• Purge unit – This is used in low-pressure chillers to remove non-condensable gases that reduce efficiency. Example: “The high-efficiency purge unit maintained optimal performance by removing air from the system daily.”

Intermediate Technical Terms in Industrial Cooling Equipment

Once you're comfortable with the basics, it's helpful to understand some of the more specialized chiller technical terms that can appear in service documentation or training programs. These terms include:

• Superheat – This is the amount of heat added to a refrigerant vapor above its boiling point. Example: “An increase in superheat indicated a potential refrigerant undercharge.”
• Subcooling – This is the cooling of refrigerant below its condensation temperature, which often occurs in the condenser. Example: “Proper subcooling ensures maximum refrigerant efficiency in the cooling cycle.”
• Differential pressure – This is the pressure difference between two points in a system, used to evaluate flow restrictions or pump performance. Example: “The technician monitored differential pressure to check for clogged strainers.”
• Vibration analysis – This predictive maintenance technique detects mechanical issues in rotating equipment like compressors and pumps. Example: “Routine vibration analysis identified bearing wear before a major failure occurred.”
• Refrigerant recovery – This process removes refrigerant from a system for recycling, reuse, or safe disposal. Example: “Before beginning repairs, the crew performed refrigerant recovery to comply with EPA standards.”

Advanced Terminology for Process Refrigeration Experts

Professionals working in complex process refrigeration setups will encounter more advanced industrial chiller terminology. Some additional terms you should know include:

• Lithium bromide (LiBr) – This chemical compound is used in absorption chillers. It relies on heat instead of mechanical compression. Example: “The maintenance team conducted lithium bromide analysis during the annual inspection to ensure proper fluid quality.”
• Eddy current testing – This is a non-destructive method used to detect flaws in tubing, such as those found in heat exchangers. Example: “Eddy current testing of the condenser tubes revealed several areas of corrosion requiring retubing.”
• Programmable logic controller (PLC) system – This digital controller automates and monitors chiller operations and safety protocols. Example: “The plant opted for a PLC system upgrade to enhance chiller diagnostics and remote monitoring.”
• Process gas recovery – This is the recovery and reuse of industrial gases from refrigeration systems, often to reduce waste or comply with regulations. Example: “Our technicians used specialized equipment for process gas recovery during the system retrofit.”
• Stop inspection – This is a detailed system check performed during planned outages to identify wear, corrosion, or inefficiencies. Example: “Multi-year stop inspections allow us to assess long-term component integrity and plan ahead for replacements.”

Putting It All Together

Understanding industrial cooling equipment terminology is more than just learning definitions. It’s about knowing how each component and concept fits into the broader chiller system. When teams speak the same technical language, they can:

• Reduce costly misunderstandings during installation or service
• Streamline training efforts for new staff
• Ensure compliance with safety and operational standards
• Proactively identify and address potential system failures

Stay Ahead by Speaking the Language of Cooling

In the world of large-tonnage and process cooling systems, fluency in industrial chiller terminology gives you a competitive edge. The better you understand the language of your systems, the more effective your maintenance, diagnostics, and system improvements will be. Continue expanding your knowledge and consider ChillCo’s industry-leading training to further develop your skills. Contact ChillCo today to learn about training, service, and equipment rentals. Let’s work together to optimize your system’s performance and keep your operations cool and reliable.