How do you calculate what size chiller I need?

Chiller sizing depends on three key factors: your heat load (in BTUs or tons), the required temperature range, and flow rate. The basic formula is: BTU = Flow Rate (GPM) × 500 × Temperature Differential (°F). For example, if you need to remove heat from a process running at 10 GPM with a 20°F temperature drop, that's 10 × 500 × 20 = 100,000 BTU/hr, or about 8.3 tons of cooling. Summit walks you through this calculation automatically based on your application details.

What is the difference between air-cooled and water-cooled chillers?

Air-cooled chillers use fans to dissipate heat from the condenser into the surrounding air, making them simpler to install and ideal for locations without access to a cooling tower. Water-cooled chillers transfer heat to a water source (typically a cooling tower), which makes them more efficient in high-heat environments but requires additional infrastructure. For most portable and mid-range industrial applications, air-cooled systems like our K2L line are the practical choice.

What is BTU and how does it relate to tons of cooling?

BTU stands for British Thermal Unit — it measures the amount of heat energy that can be removed per hour. In chiller sizing, 1 ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTU/hr. So a 5-ton chiller can remove 60,000 BTU of heat per hour. It's always recommended to add a 20% safety margin.

What type of coolant fluid should I use with my chiller?

The most common coolant options are plain water, glycol-water mixtures, and specialized heat transfer fluids. Water works well for applications above 40°F. For applications requiring temperatures below 40°F or freeze protection, a propylene glycol or ethylene glycol mixture is recommended — typically 30-50% concentration depending on how low you need to go.

Can North Slope Chillers build a custom chiller for my specific needs?

Yes. While our standard product lines cover most applications from 1/3 to 10 tons, we regularly design and build custom chiller solutions for unique requirements.

How long does it take to get a chiller?

Standard K2L models that are in stock can ship within 1-3 business days. For models that need to be built to order, typical lead times are 4-6 weeks. Custom-engineered solutions may take 6-10 weeks.

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Chiller Sizing FAQs

Common questions about selecting and sizing industrial chillers