Chiller 5-year maintenance question

[StarMan]

Hi all, chiller maintenance question.

I have budgeted for 5-year maintenance for a chiller at 1 of my props. 1 HVAC vendor provided me w/a “tear-down” quote – items like O-rings replacements, etc. that I have seen for other 5-year maintenance. Another vendor said that the type of chiller does not require tear-down.

It is an 80 ton Trane unit w/screw compressors – the vendor that said tear down is not applicable said that because it is a “screw” unit, rather than centrifugal, just checking oil, brushing tubes is enough.

Any comments welcome. thanks

[Dallas Duster]

What kind of O-rings? Maybe the rings are for the condenser head. As far as I know condenser and oil maintenance are things that will keep your unit going.

[henpeck]

As far as I know, I don't think there is any 5 yrs tear down inspection. As long as you have been keeping good records on your oil analysis and providing proper annual maint. you should be good. May want to put that towards Eddie Current testing the tubes every five years, more frequent if water conditions warrant and or this is a critical unit. Give your question time and you'll have the correct answer

[maxster]

punching of the condenser tubes..oil samples in the fall and or changes during winter maint work.check the electrical into the compressor terminals...megger readings ...tower wash down troth and straners cleaned.if you don't touch the tower(building does it) then maybe a midsummer condenser punch as an extra.location of the tower to the chiller will dictate new O rings for the heads if they are both on the same level what 50psi

[maxster]

punching of the condenser tubes..oil samples in the fall and or changes during winter maint work.check the electrical into the compressor terminals...megger readings ...tower wash down troth and straners cleaned.if you don't touch the tower(building does it) then maybe a midsummer condenser punch as an extra.location of the tower to the chiller will dictate new O rings for the heads if they are both on the same level what 50psi

[StarMan]

All, thanks for helpful replies.

The first vendor just worded “O-rings & gasket for reassembly” in proposal. The second vendor had also recommended EC & Tower cleaning – so based on responses, it sounds like they have a better understanding of the situation.

I am guilty of launching a request that had the words “tear-down”. Before I went back to the first vendor to questions scope – I just wanted to get a little feedback, this site was very helpful on another chiller question I had. And I know the first vendor isn’t a hack – like the rest of us being busy, could have been a simple mix-up, but I wanted to get my ducks in a row before questioning their scope.

thanks

[motoguy128]

When I hear "Tear down" I'm thinking "rebuild". But it it's just o rings and gaskets, then this might just man pulling the heads on heat exchangers, cleaning the tubes, inspecting the tubes sheets and probably do an eddy cureent test on the tubes to check for potential cracks. A 5 year interval probably isn't bad.

[milkyway]

First off , don't think u will be brushing tubes on an 80 ton screw.,
I'm thinking AIR COOLED,. As far as 5 year TEARDOWN, on a screw?
Like said earlier, oil samples, clean cond coils., check with gages to manifold reading.
But I am not dissing , is a good angle if they have $ to spend for routine gasket and ring change
wait for alarms

[Tech Rob]

What manufacturer and model chiller do you have? We may be able to give you a better idea of what needs to be done.