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Condensers need to be switched over from summer operation to winter operation. This is a good time to do a very thorough check on the condenser. The weather conditions are favorable and checking these items will help prevent problems in the winter.
Take pictures every year of the top and bottom of all condenser tube sections to compare scaling. To help prevent scaling, make sure that once the pumps start, they stay on for a long period of time. Do not cycle them too often. This is the worst thing to do for scaling. It is better to have the pressures in the Fall to swing a little more at this time than to have scaling start or build.
Make sure there is proper freeze protection and it has been checked. This will eliminate possible cycling of condenser water pumps and help protect the condenser or piping from freezing up in the winter.
See check list below to assist you in changing over your system:
- Switch pumps to cycle off first and fans second
- Inspect starters (ATL, two-speed, VFD)
- Check amperage & voltage
- Check nozzles for proper water distribution
- Check drains for proper pitch
- Check drain lines for leaks
- Check supply lines for leaks
- Clean sumps
- Check for proper operation of heaters or heat tape
- Check fan guard condition
- Lubricate bearings
- Pull on end bearings to check for wear
- Check blade condition & balance
- Check heat trace if used
- Check belts
- Is there a way to drain the pump supply line?
- Check grooves on pulleys for wear
- Exercise all valves on roof
- Check relief valves for leaks and document date
- Main header nozzle pressure should be checked. Most Manufactures need between 2.5# and 5# of pressure at the inlet to the condenser. This is done when all nozzles are cleaned.
Condenser Sump
- Clean sump
- Inspect makeup valve and piping
- Check and record pump pressures
- Check and record pump amps and volts
- Verify bleed off flow rate
Water Treatment
- Check chemical supply
- Verify chemical dosing pump operation
- Calibrate water condition meters
Controls
- Calibrate dry bulb temperature sensor
- Calibrate wet bulb temperature or relative humidity sensor
- Check drain leg temperature sensor
- Check calibration of pressure transducer
Spare Parts
- Spare belts for the condensers
- Spare motors for condenser
The following are things to think about updating or changing. This can be put into the next year's budget.
- Is more condenser field needed?
- Install VFD or more VFD to other fans
- Automating condenser isolation for winter service
- Install check valves on liquid drains to eliminate relief valves
- Replace eliminators if they are scaled or have deteriorated
Don't forget the purger:
- Check operation of all solenoids on the roof
- Check for leaks
- Verifier the solenoids cycle with Purger
- Verify that all hand valves are open
