What if my cooling requirements fall outside ATC's standard range?
ATC’s current recirculating chiller range has been developed around a focused selection of standard products, configurations, Option Packs, and Accessory Packs.
This approach allows us to meet the majority of process cooling requirements using proven, repeatable solutions, while providing customers with clearer product selection, consistent performance, predictable lead times, and long-term product support.
However, we recognise that not every cooling application fits neatly within a standard specification.
If your requirements fall outside our current standard offering, our Sales and Engineering teams can review your application on a case-by-case basis to determine whether a non-standard solution is possible.
What is a non-standard cooling requirement?
A non-standard requirement is a product configuration, feature, or application requirement that falls outside the capabilities defined for our standard product range.
This could include:
- Replacement of legacy ATC or Thermal Exchange equipment
- Previous or discontinued product configurations
- Unusual process fluids
- Specialist temperature requirements
- Alternative pump or hydraulic requirements
- Additional features or accessories not included within the standard range
- Application-specific modifications
- Specialist control or communication requirements
- Other requirements outside of our standard configurations and Option Packs
These requirements are not automatically unavailable, but they need additional assessment before we can confirm whether ATC can provide a suitable solution.
Why does ATC have a standardised product range?
Our standard chillers are built around predefined and validated configurations rather than every unit being individually designed.
Focusing on a controlled standard range helps us to provide:
- Simpler chiller selection
- More consistent quotations
- Improved product availability
- Clearer and more predictable lead times
- Consistent manufacturing and product quality
- Clearer technical documentation
- Long-term service and product support
It also allows commonly requested requirements to be accommodated through established configurations, Option Packs, and Accessory Packs without requiring bespoke design.
What happens if I need something different?
Start by discussing the application with our Sales team.
We will first establish whether your requirement can be met using a product from the current standard range, potentially with an appropriate configuration, Option Pack, or Accessory Pack.
If the requirement falls outside the standard offering, it can then be referred to ATC Engineering for technical assessment.
Depending on the request, this assessment may consider factors such as:
- Compatibility with our current product platforms
- Cooling and hydraulic performance
- Component availability
- Manufacturing feasibility
- Safety and regulatory compliance
- Testing or validation requirements
- Serviceability and long-term support
- Cost and expected lead time
Following this review, we can advise whether a non-standard solution is technically and commercially viable.
Can ATC replace older or legacy chillers?
Legacy equipment replacement is one reason you may need to discuss a non-standard requirement with us.
If you are replacing an older ATC or Thermal Exchange chiller, provide the model number and original specification where possible. Photographs of the equipment and nameplate, manuals, or previous documentation can also help us to understand the existing installation.
Rather than automatically reproducing an older design, we will first consider whether a product from our current standard range can meet the requirements of the process.
Where this isn’t possible, our team can assess whether a non-standard replacement is feasible.
We will also ask about the current process requirements. Applications can change over time, so understanding the required heat load, temperature, flow, coolant, and system conditions helps to ensure that any replacement is appropriate for the application today.
What if I need a specialist fluid or temperature?
Requirements involving unusual process fluids or operating temperatures outside our standard product capabilities may require Engineering review.
Fluid compatibility, temperature, heat transfer, and hydraulic performance can all influence the suitability of a cooling system. Specialist requirements therefore need to be assessed for the particular application rather than assumed to be compatible with a standard chiller.
Where appropriate, our team can determine whether an existing standard solution is suitable or whether a non-standard approach needs to be considered.
Will a non-standard chiller have a different lead time?
Standard ATC products are designed around approved components and repeatable manufacturing processes. Non-standard solutions may require additional Engineering work, specialist components, technical assessment, or different manufacturing processes.
This means that cost and lead time can differ from our standard product range.
Where ATC is able to offer a non-standard solution, the applicable specification, pricing, and expected lead time will be confirmed as part of the quotation process.
What information should I provide?
If you think that your application may fall outside of our standard range, provide as much information as possible about:
- What you are cooling
- Required heat load
- Required process fluid temperature
- Flow requirements
- Any known system pressure requirements
- Process fluid
- Ambient conditions
- Electrical supply
- Installation location
- The particular specialist feature or requirement
- Existing equipment, if the enquiry is for a replacement
Don’t worry if you aren’t sure whether your requirement is standard or non-standard. Our Sales team can review the application first and advise on the appropriate next step.
Talk to us about your application
A focused standard range does not mean that every application has to be standard.
Where your cooling requirement cannot be met using one of our established products, configurations, or packs, ATC Sales and Engineering can assess specialist requirements on a case-by-case basis.
The earlier that we understand the application and what makes the requirement different, the easier it is for us to establish the most appropriate route.