In a low-pressure chiller, where do air and other non-condensables collect?

In a low-pressure chiller, air and other non-condensables tend to collect in the top section of the condenser. This is because non-condensable gases, which are lighter than the refrigerant vapor, naturally rise and gather at the highest point of the system, which is typically the top of the condenser.

The condenser operates by condensing the refrigerant vapor into liquid form. As this process takes place, any air or other non-condensables will not condense and will thus remain in gaseous form. Since they cannot effectively participate in the heat exchange process, they accumulate at the top of the condenser where they can interfere with the system’s ability to efficiently transfer heat.

Understanding this behavior is crucial for maintaining the efficiency of the cooling system. Proper maintenance often involves ensuring that these non-condensables are purged from the system periodically to allow for optimal operation.