The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Glycol Refrigeration System

13, May. 2024

 

Choosing the Right Micromatic Glycol Chiller

Choosing the right Micromatic glycol chiller is pivotal for maintaining the perfect temperature for your draft beer system. With models like the budget-conscious MMPP4301-EP, the beginner-friendly MMPP4302, and the professional-grade MMPP4303-PKG, our guide helps you navigate the specifics, ensuring optimal investment for your cooling requirements.

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Introduction to MicroMatic Glycol Chiller Range

The MicroMatic Glycol Chiller range offers a variety of models, each tailored specially designed to accommodate a specific audience and need. Here are some options to consider:

  1. MMPP4301-EP: An excellent choice for the budget-conscious. Also, short beer trunk line runs.
  2. MMPP4302: A perfect fit for beginners. Most popular
  3. MMPP4303-PKG: A versatile all-rounder suitable for professionals. Larger Trunk Line Runs.

Unveiling MMPP4301-EP: The Budget-Friendly Choice

Specifications:

  • Energy efficient with a thermally-efficient bath
  • Large glycol capacity
  • Digital thermostat for accurate glycol temperature display
  • Sight glass for easy glycol level check

Pros of using a rotary vane pump:

  • Superior insulation reduces energy consumption
  • Less frequent compressor cycling extends compressor life
  • Digital thermostat allows precise temperature control
  • Reliable and easy-to-service rotary vane pumps

Cons:

  • Single pump for glycol re-circulation might be insufficient for larger setups
  • For Small Beer Run Lengths. Not very long.

The Micro Matic Pro-Line™ Beer Glycol Chiller Power Pack MMPP4301-EP is a budget-friendly choice that proves you don’t have to compromise on quality to deliver cold draft beer and save money. Here are some of its features:

  • Energy-efficient design, with superior insulation and a large glycol capacity, reduces energy consumption and extends the compressor’s life
  • Digital thermostat allows precise temperature control
  • Sight glass makes it easy to check the glycol level
  • Reliable rotary vane pumps are easy to service

All these features ensure the overall value of this model.

However, the single pump for glycol re-circulation might be insufficient for larger setups. Despite this minor drawback, the MMPP4301-EP remains a cost-effective solution that delivers reliable performance.

Exploring MMPP4302: The Perfect Fit for Beginners

Price: Mid-range

Specifications:

  • Digital thermostat for precise glycol temperature readings
  • Energy-efficient design with foam insulation
  • Lift-off deck lid for easy servicing

Pros:

  • Designed to accommodate long draw draft beer systems by beer industry experts, ensuring a reliable system. For 10 Tap System over 170'. Using a 10+4 Trunk Line 3/8 I.D
  • User-friendly features and reliable performance
  • Strong warranty coverage and after-sales support

Cons:

  • Continuous pump operation may increase electrical cost

The Micro Matic Pro-Line™ Glycol Power Pack MMPP4302, which utilizes propylene glycol, is an ideal choice for beginners, thanks to its user-friendly features and reliable performance. Some key features of this propylene glycol power pack include:

  • Digital thermostat for precise temperature control
  • Energy-efficient design with foam insulation to improve compressor longevity
  • Lift-off deck lid for easy servicing

These features make it a great option for those new to using non-toxic food grade antifreeze mixture in glycol cooler systems, specially designed to accommodate the food-grade antifreeze mixture alongside other options.

While the continuous pump operation may increase electrical costs, the excellent warranty coverage and after-sales support more than compensate for it. Users can rely on an 18-month warranty against defects and a one-year labor warranty from the date of sale.

Reviewing Micro Matic Pro-Line MMPP4303-PKG: The All-Rounder

Price: Premium

Specifications:

  • Large glycol bath and quality insulation
  • Digital thermostat for precise temperature control
  • Assembled upper deck for easy maintenance
  • For Long draw draft beer systems. Longer Beer Runs.

Pros:

  • Designed by industry experts for optimal performance
  • Large capacity bath reduces energy consumption and extends hp air cooled compressor life
  • Excellent warranty coverage

Cons:

  • Higher price point might not suit all budgets

The Micro Matic Pro-Line™ Power Pack MMPP4303-PKG is a versatile all-rounder that delivers top-notch performance. Known for their efficiency and reliability, these units are designed by industry experts to meet professional standards, offering impressive power pack features.

Features of the Micro Matic Pro-Line™ Power Pack MMPP4303-PKG include:

  • Large glycol bath and quality insulation to reduce energy consumption and extend the compressor’s life
  • Digital thermostat for precise temperature control
  • Assembled upper deck for simplified maintenance

While the higher price point might not suit all budgets, the excellent warranty coverage and top-of-the-line features make this unit a worthwhile investment for those seeking professional-grade performance.

Air-cooled chillers vs Water Cooled Chillers

When choosing a glycol chiller for a draft beer system, the decision between water-cooled and air-cooled models is significant. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice depends on specific needs, including installation environment, efficiency requirements, and cost considerations. Here's a comparison to help you decide which is best for a draft beer system:

Water-Cooled Glycol Chillers

Pros:

  • Efficiency: Water-cooled chillers are generally more efficient than air-cooled chillers, especially in environments with high ambient temperatures. They use water from an external source (like a cooling tower) to dissipate heat, which can be more effective than air in transferring heat.
  • Lower Operating Costs: Due to their higher efficiency, water-cooled chillers often have lower operating costs over time, especially in areas where water costs are low.
  • Quieter Operation: These chillers tend to operate more quietly than air-cooled models because the cooling process is less reliant on fans.

Air-Cooled Glycol Chillers

Pros:

  • Simpler Installation: Air-cooled chillers are easier and cheaper to install since they don't require a water source or additional cooling equipment. They expel heat directly into the air around them.
  • No Water Usage: These chillers do not use water for cooling, making them a good choice in areas where water is scarce or expensive.
  • Flexibility: Air-cooled chillers can be installed outdoors or in well-ventilated spaces, offering more flexibility in placement.

Cons:

  • Less Efficient in Hot Climates: In environments with high ambient temperatures, air-cooled chillers may not be as efficient as water-cooled models because the hot air has a lower capacity to absorb heat.
  • Higher Operating Costs: Due to their lower efficiency, especially in warm climates, air-cooled chillers can have higher operating costs.
  • Noise: They can be noisier than water-cooled chillers because of the fans used to dissipate heat into the air.

Best Choice for a Draft Beer System

The best choice between water-cooled glycol chiller and air-cooled glycol chillers for a draft beer system depends on several factors:

  • Location and Climate: In hot climates, a water-cooled chiller might be more efficient. However, if water usage is a concern, an air-cooled chiller would be preferable.
  • Space and Complexity: If space is limited or if a simpler installation is desired, an air-cooled chiller might be the better option.
  • Noise Considerations: For installations where noise is a concern, such as in indoor or residential areas, water-cooled chillers might be preferred due to their quieter operation.
  • Cost: Consider both the initial installation cost and the ongoing operating costs. Water-cooled chillers might have higher initial costs but potentially lower operating costs, especially in warmer climates.

In summary, for a draft beer system, if efficiency and quiet operation are paramount and water usage is not a concern, a water-cooled glycol chiller could be the best choice. However, if you're looking for ease of installation, lower initial costs, and have limited water resources, an air-cooled glycol chiller would be more suitable.

Navigating Your Purchase: A Comprehensive Buyer's Guide

When purchasing a MicroMatic Glycol Chiller, it’s important to consider their warranty coverage. The base warranty covers an 18-month period for parts against material and workmanship defects, and a separate one-year labor warranty. An extended warranty specifically covers compressors for an additional three and a half years following the initial 18-month warranty period.

Customizing the MicroMatic Pro-Line propylene glycol chillers to include additional functionalities, such as dual tap systems, may result in extra expenses due to the purchase of new equipment including towers, regulators, and couplers. However, these additional features can significantly enhance your beer dispensing experience, especially when it comes to maintaining the quality of beer by circulating propylene glycol through beer lines and being able to deliver cold draft to beer lines.

Always remember to select the most efficient unit for your specific needs. MicroMatic provides a BTU Calculator to assist you in making the right choice.

Summary

After an in-depth review of the MicroMatic Glycol Chiller range, it’s clear that these models offer excellent value, reliable performance, and user-friendly features. Designed by industry experts, these units are perfect for maintaining the temperature of your draft beer and enhancing your beer dispensing experience.

Whether you’re a homebrewer on a budget, a novice looking for easy-to-use features, or a professional seeking top-grade performance, there’s a MicroMatic Glycol Chiller for you. So, why wait? Pick the one that fits your needs best and enjoy the perfect pour every time!

For any other questions regarding glycol power packs or other dispensing needs. You can always reach out to us here at Renny's.

Cheers!

Glycol chiller – definition, applications, how to choose

What is a glycol chiller?

A glycol chiller is a device that removes heat from a liquid using glycol. The fluid can circulate through a heat exchanger (or cooling jacket) to cool equipment, process stream or simply as a utility liquid.

The heart of a glycol system is the glycol chiller. As the name implies, it uses glycol as a refrigerant.

A glycol chiller consists of a compressor, evaporator, condenser, throttling element and electrical control system.

Why should you use glycol for cooling?

You should use glycol for cooling primarily because it has antifreeze properties. Therefore, it is better suited for applications that require lower temperatures.

The most common refrigerant used in chillers is water or a mixture of water and another substance with suitable heat conduction properties such as a glycol compound.

For more information, please visit 2 Ton Industrial Scroll Chiller.

Glycol-based coolants consist of ethylene glycol or propylene glycol. As we have already mentioned, their main advantage is their anti-freezing properties.

Pure water freezes at 0 degrees Celsius, while a mixture with 30% ethylene glycol freezes at -14 degrees Celsius.

The low freezing point of glycol mixtures makes them ideal for cooling components that are below the freezing point of water.

Although glycol has a lower heat capacity (each kilogram of glycol heats up more easily than a kilogram of water), the greater temperature difference allows it to remove heat more quickly. Therefore, glycol mixtures are better suited to applications where the chiller needs to remove large amounts of heat quickly.

Furthermore, glycol slows the growth of algae in heat exchange equipment.

How does the glycol cooling system in a chiller work?

The glycol cooling system in a chiller functions as follows:

  1. The refrigerant absorbs heat energy from the process (usually the refrigerant turns into a gas). 
  2. The refrigerant in its gaseous state heads to the condenser, which removes heat from the refrigerant via condensation or the cooling tower. 
  3. The heat exchange condenses the refrigerant back into a cooler gas-liquid mixture, which goes to the process heating source to start the cycle again.

What are the applications of the glycol chiller?

The most popular applications of the glycol chiller are brewing, wine production, maintenance of ice rinks, processing of dairy products.

Glycol chiller in brewing industry

In breweries, a glycol chiller makes it possible to significantly reduce product temperature in a short period (depending on production needs).

There are several processes in which it is crucial to reduce or maintain cold thermal conditions, such as:

  • rapidly cooling beer after fermentation,
  • maintaining a constant temperature during fermentation (which generates heat), 
  • cooling the fermentation broth after the initial boiling process.

Glycol chiller in wine production

Glycol chillers are used in the wine fermentation process to control thermal conditions.

The temperature of the glycol solution varies depending on the type of wine produced and the preferences of each winemaker, but most wine chillers operate between 2 and 10 degrees Celsius (7 to 15 degrees Celsius for wine containers).

Glycol chiller in ice rink maintenance

The glycol chiller cools the liquid glycol solution to a temperature well below the freezing point of water and then pumps it through the mats beneath the rink surface. The surface is then sprayed with water, which freezes.

This is how a permanent ice rink is created.

Glycol chillers in dairy processing

A properly designed glycol chiller cools the milk very quickly. This helps to keep its temperature (and bacterial growth) under control as it is transferred from the milking parlour to the insulated tank.

Other applications of the glycol chiller

In addition to the above use cases, glycol units are used in areas such as rubber, plastics, petrochemicals, chemicals, electronics, paper, textiles, pharmaceuticals, air conditioning, etc.

How to select the capacity of a glycol chiller?

To select the capacity of a glycol chiller, pay attention to the type of chiller, required efficiency, type of tank, water flow rate.

What are the types of glycol chillers?

There are two main chiller varieties of glycol chillers to choose from: air-cooled or water-cooled.

Air-cooled glycol chillers use a condenser similar to the radiator in a car.  This has a fan that circulates air through the coolant hose. In most cases, this type of condenser requires an ambient temperature of less than 35 degrees Celsius to operate efficiently.

The only exception is for chillers specifically designed for hot climates.

It is worth noting here that maintenance of air-cooled chillers is more straightforward. In addition, they do not require cooling towers and are easier to install.

Water-cooled glycol chillers, on the other hand, they work similarly but require two stages to complete the thermal transfer. First, heat from the refrigerant vapour enters the condenser water. The heated water then enters the cooling tower, where it loses temperature.

As a general rule, water-cooled chillers are more efficient, which also translates into lower energy costs. They are also more long-lasting and quieter. In addition, they are more effective at maintaining consistent cooling performance.

How to calculate the cooling capacity needed?

To calculate the cooling capacity needed you should use the formula below:

  1. Calculate the temperature difference = inlet water temperature (°C) - outlet chilled water temperature (°C) 
  2. Calculate the required water flow rate per hour (m³/h) 
  3. Based on the results above, calculate the cooling capacity in tonnes = Water flow rate x Temperature difference ÷ 0.86 ÷ 3.517 
  4. Oversize the aggregate by 20%. Ideal size in tonnes = tonnes of capacity needed x 1.2

You have just calculated the ideal chiller capacity.

What type of glycol chiller tank to choose?

There are two types of glycol chiller tanks to choose – built-in and external

Glycol chiller with a built-in tank is easier to install. All you have to do is connect the water pipe to the process. But on the other hand, such a chiller has a limited capacity and is not suitable for applications with higher chilled water requirements.

Glycol chiller with an external tank allows you to adapt the capacity of the external tank to your needs. It will fulfil the role of a buffer for higher heat loads and store more chilled water, but its installation is more demanding.

What is the water flow rate in a glycol chiller?

The water flow in a glycol chiller is primarily controlled by the pump. This makes it easy for you to choose one whose flow rate suits your needs.

Glycol chiller or water chiller?

The main difference between glycol chiller and water chiller are their freezing points and heat transfer capabilities.

Pure glycol or a mixture of glycol and water has a significantly lower freezing point than pure water. Consequently, glycol-based chillers are better suited to low-temperature environments.

On the other hand, water has a better ability to retain and conduct heat from the associated process. As a result, the thermal exchange efficiency for a chiller will be higher than for a glycol chiller.

In general, consider the ambient temperature at the installation site and the desired process temperature before selecting the chiller type. Both glycol and water chillers effectively dissipate the high temperatures generated by the production process.

FAQ

At what temperature does glycol cool?

Glycol cools at temperatures down to -60 degrees Celsius (depends on the concentration of the mixture with water).

Why use glycol instead of water?

Glycol instead of water is used in situations where cooling below the freezing point of water is necessary. In addition, glycol is also useful in cold climates because it prevents pipes from freezing.

Is glycol chiller safe?

Glycol chiller is safe, but it should be noted that ethylene glycol is a moderately toxic substance.  Therefore, it is not suitable for drinking water and food processing applications. Propylene glycol, whose toxicity is low, is used in these areas.

Do all chillers use glycol?

No, not all chillers use glycol. Some chillers run on water or other refrigerants.

Can glycol chillers heat?

Yes, glycol chillers can heat. Some are designed to produce both heat and cold.

Summary

The glycol chiller is very similar to other chillers, but thanks to the use of glycol it works well in situations that require better cooling.  Depending on the mixture, it enables effective temperature reduction as low as -60 degrees Celsius.

Therefore, glycol chillers are very often used in alcohol production, food processing and many other places that require strong cooling.

However, be sure to choose the right chiller capacity for your needs. Too small a capacity will not provide the process with the desired temperature, while too large can lead to freezing of the cooling system.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Cooler Vs Chiller.