A question of chiller input and output

[planetg]

hi all,

i understand the best way to use a chiller with a sump is to take the input from the drain and return to the tank

input drain -> chiller -> tank

however, if i prefer to tee-off from my return pump and return to the sump, is it ok to return the chiller output to the input drain area?

my concern is efficiency of the chiller (i.e. the heat exchange). dun wanna 'short circuit' the chiller if u know what i mean.

any comments?

[birman]

Personally, i would connect the chiller where the water will be filtered to prevent the chiller from getting clogged. I would prefer also a separate pump for the chiller so that the flow rate will not be affected by the chiller. Some chillers has limitations on the max flow rate through and this will affect your total flow rate. It's better if you can post the actual model of the chiller and more accurate setup.

[planetg]

hi birman,

i'm using the reef relief 1/2 hp chiller.

not sure abt the min and max flowrate.

i intend to tee-off my returns to feed the chiller with a valve of course.

please take a look at this discussion for more details

Sump Design and Chiller Stuff

thanx for your input

[IanJ]

I feed my chiller from a tee after the return pump, the return from the chiller going back to the sump. It works, but not ideal. I think if possible it would be better to run the chiller return to the tank.

Set-up as i have it, the chiller runs little and often, from what i read, people say it is better for the chiller to tun longer and less often so as to extend the life of the chiller.

My first chiller ran for 8 years or so like this without problem

[planetg]

hi ian,

where exactly in the sump do you return the output of chiller to and may i know what you use for return pump? do you measure your flowrate to chiller?

thanx

[IanJ]

The outlet of the return to the sump is very close to the inlet for the return pump, that way the chilled water is pulled straight into the tank as fast as possible(although of course some recirculates through the chiller)

I use an Iwaki for the return pump MD55R at 70 lit/min. My chiller should have an approx flow of 2-3000 lit/hr. I don't measure the flow, just guess. Don't forget that the flow to the tank is reduced by the corresponding amount.

[planetg]

wow ian,

2000+ l/hr is almost like the max for a 1/2 hp. maybe yours is a 1.25hp

i thought of plumbing it exactly like you with the idea that most of the water gets to the tank anyway but i do understand the points that other reefers brought up about efficiency of chiller.

have you got pics of your setup, typically the return tee-off and the output of chiller to tank?

thanx a lot

[IanJ]

Its a 1hp.

Sorry i donot have pics at this time. Best i can describe is that the inlet for the pump comes out horizontally at the left back side of the sump. The pump stands on the cabinet floor. The pump outlet runs vertically to the tank return. On this vertical section are 2 t's, one above the other with taps to open/close each t. One of these t's has flexible pipe connected which goes horizontally through the back of the cabinet to the chiller, the return comes back along side and down through the lid of the sump in the left back corner.

Hope this helps.

[planetg]

thanx ian,

i understand your description.

cheers