When it comes to ice water extraction, choosing the right chilling system can significantly impact your process efficiency and product quality. Water chillers and glycol chillers each have their strengths and ideal use cases. Here’s a comprehensive comparison to help you determine which is best for your needs.
Water Chillers: Cost-Effective and Efficient
1. Cost-Effectiveness:
Water chillers (such as the one in our Pre Chill Bundle) are much more cost-effective compared to glycol chillers (such as the one in our Commercial Bundle). This is primarily because they involve only one heat exchange: from the refrigerant straight to the water. This direct cooling method simplifies the system, reducing costs.
2. Temperature Limitations:
Water chillers typically struggle to bring the water temperature below 35-36°F due to the risk of freezing the heat exchanger. To achieve temperatures closer to 32°F, which are ideal for ice water extraction, supplemental ice is often necessary. This is usually done by adding water to the collection vessel during continuous recirculation.
3. Operational Considerations:
In colder climates, cost effective water chillers tend to lose efficiency when ambient temperatures drop below 45°F. This often necessitates moving the chiller indoors during the winter months to maintain optimal performance.
4. Process Water Limitations:
Water chillers can only be used to chill clean water, not process water. This limitation means they cannot directly cool the water used during the extraction process, requiring additional measures to achieve the desired temperatures.
5. Ideal Use Case:
Given their cost-effectiveness and sufficient cooling capabilities for smaller operations, water chillers are recommended for craft setups. They provide an economical solution for those not needing the ultra-low temperatures that glycol chillers can achieve.
Glycol Chillers: Sanitary and Versatile
1. Sanitary Solution for EUGMP Environments:
Glycol chillers are a more sanitary option, particularly important for EUGMP (European Good Manufacturing Practice) environments. Unlike water chillers, glycol chillers do not pipe process water from your tank to your chiller. Instead, they use glycol for long runs, eliminating concerns about the cleanliness of the lines.
2. Superior Temperature Control:
Glycol chillers, especially when paired with the Hashtek Cold Water Tank, can cool water down to 32°F or even create slush if desired. This capability is crucial for achieving the cold temperatures required for optimal ice water extraction without the risk of freezing the heat exchanger.
3. All-Weather Performance:
Glycol chillers can operate efficiently in any ambient environment, including harsh winter conditions. This adaptability ensures consistent performance year-round, without the need to move equipment indoors during cold weather.
4. Versatility in Application:
Glycol can be used not only to cool process water but also accessories, enabling a truly ice-free experience. This versatility makes glycol chillers an attractive option for more extensive operations that require reliable and consistent cooling across various components.
5. Comfortable Lab Conditions:
One significant advantage of glycol chillers is their ability to chill process water directly during a batch. This allows the lab to be run at a more comfortable 45°F rather than having to go down to 32°F, creating a more pleasant working environment while still achieving optimal extraction temperatures.
6. Higher Cost:
One of the main drawbacks of glycol chillers is their higher cost. The complex system and superior performance come with a steeper price tag, making them a more significant investment.
7. Ideal Use Case:
Due to their higher cost and superior cooling capabilities, glycol chillers are recommended for commercial producers. They are ideal for large-scale operations that require stringent sanitary conditions and consistent ultra-low temperatures.
Recommendations and Innovations
At Hashtek, we recommend water chillers for craft setups and glycol chillers for commercial producers. Our commitment to innovation has led to exciting new developments in glycol chilling technology, including our upcoming spoon chiller and freeze dryer tray chiller, currently in the R&D pipeline. These advancements aim to further enhance the efficiency and versatility of glycol chillers in the ice water extraction process.
In conclusion, both water chillers and glycol chillers have their unique advantages. Your choice should depend on your specific needs, budget, and operational scale. Craft producers will benefit from the cost-effectiveness and simplicity of water chillers, while commercial operations will find glycol chillers to be a more sanitary and versatile solution, despite the higher initial investment.
For more information on our products and the latest innovations, visit our website or contact us directly.
