How Do Chilled Water Coils Work?

Chilled water coils, sometimes referred to as hydronic cooling coils, are commonly utilized to cool or remove moisture from air streams. The cooled air flows through the fins, while water, ethylene, or propylene glycol solution flows through the tubes. This is a heat exchanger that is commonly seen in commercial and industrial air handler units.

Water coils in their most basic form have been around for generations. William Blakely invented the first "modern" heat exchanger using water in 1796. Water Tube boilers, on the other hand, have been around for about 2,000 years. Today, refrigerant systems are more widely employed for cooling.

Although there aren't many parts to a chilled water coil, knowing what they are helpful when placing an order or contacting for a repair. When a coil leaks, it usually happens in the copper u-bends. However, pressurized water will leak at the weakest link, which may be in the middle of a coil behind the fin pack. When this occurs, it is impossible to repair without breaking the fins and thus losing a significant amount of efficiency in your coil. Here's a quick summary of your coil's components.

Even though a chilled water coil is simple, there many materials to choose from. Various materials provide varying levels of performance and longevity.

Material Choices for Tubes:

Copper is the most common and provides the best heat transfer.

Stainless steel is frequently utilized in high-pressure and high-heat applications. Available in 304 or 316 stainless steel.

Steel is commonly used in high steam applications.

There are 3/8, 1/2, and 5/8 tube sizes available. While 5/8 inch tube diameter is the most typical choice for chilled water coils because it offers a variety of wall thickness options that can extend the lifespan before tube erosion becomes a problem.

Fin Material Alternatives:

Aluminum is the most frequent and least expensive alternative.

Copper is frequently employed in corrosive conditions.

Stainless steel: This material is also employed in corrosive or food-grade conditions.

Materials and Forms of Connections

Copper, brass, steel, and stainless steel

Sweat ODS, Female Thread, Male Thread

Sizes range from 12" to 4"

Casing Composition:

Aluminum is the least expensive and most widely used metal.

Copper is commonly found in corrosive conditions.

Stainless steel is commonly used in corrosive or food-grade situations.

Brands We Often Replace

Carrier

Heatcraft

Lennox

Mcquay

Trane

York