Distillery Chiller Technical Support-
Simple checks before you call.
- The first thing to check with your chiller and all chillers that are not working is to note what displays are listed on the main panel or note what the visual gauges show to you. Do this before you reset anything. This is the most valuable information for any service technician when you talk to them.
2. The chiller may not work because the incoming voltage is not ocrrect or missing a phase. Brown outs can cause poor incoming voltage or a dropped leg. Check all fuses and incoming voltages to be sure that the main power is correct.
3. Confirm that the chiller tank is full and pump is circulating. No chiller should run if the pump is not running first. Flow related issues can occur. Another issue to check would be any Y strainers or filters that slow or stop the flow when blocked with debris.
4. The Distillery industry chillers are nearly always outdoors but may have multiple pumps for different areas. Having an indoor temperature display on each jacketed tank is very important due to differences in flow rates. This will help with balancing of flow to each kettle.
5. Be sure that your chiller, if air cooled and inside, can breath and the area where it runs is not over 100F. Most portable indoor chillers are not rated for overly high inlet air temperatures.
6. Distillery chillers, run very cold. Anywhere from 15F to 25F depending on the application and hold cold they want the spirit to cool. Glycol mixture is very important. Measuring the mixture on a monthly basis is important. Glycol used should be propylene glycol due to possible contamination of the spirits.