Tap Water vs Closed Systems: The Costly Cooling Conundrum
When it comes to cooling laboratory or industrial applications, the choice between using tap water and a dedicated closed system is more than just a matter of preference – it’s a decision that impacts efficiency, cost, sustainability, and equipment longevity. While tap water may seem like a convenient and inexpensive option, it carries hidden costs and risks that can quickly outweigh any perceived savings. Here’s why investing in a recirculating chiller is the smarter choice in the long run.
Sustainability and Water Conservation
One of the most compelling reasons to switch from tap water to a closed system is sustainability. Tap water cooling systems rely on a continuous flow of fresh water, which is then discharged as wastewater. This can lead to an astonishing amount of water waste over time. For example, a basic open-loop cooling system can use thousands of litres of water per day, contributing to excessive water consumption and environmental strain.
On the other hand, a closed-loop system eliminates the need for a constant supply of fresh water. By reducing water usage, facilities can not only lower their environmental footprint but also meet sustainability goals and comply with stricter water conservation regulations.
Data centres, in particular, face significant challenges when it comes to cooling, as do telecommunications infrastructure, scientific research facilities, and food processing industries. While data centres often rely on adiabatic or dry coolers rather than chillers, the principles of water conservation and efficient cooling are still relevant. As highlighted in a recent BBC article, the growing demand for data storage and processing requires vast amounts of water for cooling purposes. By adopting efficient process cooling systems, data centres can reduce their water usage consumption and lessen their environmental impact.
Additionally, laboratories and educational institutions that use distillation vessels in fume hoods, rotary evaporators, drying systems, and autoclaves benefit significantly from closed systems like chillers or airblast coolers. These applications require consistent and clean cooling to ensure accurate results and equipment longevity.
Cost Savings: Reducing Utility Bills and Equipment Damage
At first glance, tap water appears to be a cost-effective cooling solution – after all, water is relatively inexpensive. However, when factoring in the hidden costs, the financial impact becomes clear:
Water Consumption Costs:
Continuous tap water usage results in high utility bills. In regions with metered water supply, the costs can be substantial, and wastewater charges further add to the expense.
Energy Inefficiency:
Tap water does not provide precise temperature control, leading to inconsistent cooling and inefficient energy use. This can result in equipment overheating or operating below optimal conditions.
Equipment Damage and Maintenance Costs:
Tap water contains chlorine and other minerals that can cause scaling, corrosion, and blockages in cooling channels. Over time, this buildup damages expensive equipment, leading to increased maintenance and premature failure
For instance, autoclaves and drying systems used in pharmaceutical production are particularly vulnerable to scaling, which can disrupt sterilisation processes and compromise product quality. Switching to a closed system means precise temperature control, stable cooling performance, and a drastic reduction in water and wastewater costs.
Contamination Risks: Protecting Your Process and Equipment
Water quality is often overlooked in cooling applications, but it plays a crucial role in protecting sensitive instruments and processes. Tap water is not pure – it contains chlorine, minerals, and other impurities that can lead to contamination. Some key risks include:
Scaling and Mineral Deposits:
Hard water deposits can clog cooling channels, reducing heat exchange efficiency and leading to higher energy consumption.
Corrosion:
Chlorine and dissolved oxygen in tap water can corrode internal components, leading to leaks, pump failure, and increased maintenance costs.
Biological Growth:
Stagnant tap water systems can promote bacterial and algae growth, posing risks to both equipment and product integrity in laboratory and industrial applications.
In applications like distillation vessels and rotary evaporators, contamination can significantly affect the purity and reliability of experimental results. Closed-loop systems use purified heat transfer fluids and filtration systems to prevent these issues, ensuring that applications remain uncontaminated and operational for longer.
Reliability and Performance: Maintaining Process Integrity
Certain applications, such as laser cooling, analytical instrumentation, and medical devices, require precise temperature stability. Tap water systems can fluctuate in temperature due to seasonal changes, municipal water supply variations, and inconsistent pressure. This lack of control can impact experimental results, product quality, and overall process efficiency.
Laboratory drying systems and autoclaves, for example, require consistent temperatures to ensure proper drying and sterilisation. Closed-loop systems can provide stable, controlled temperatures with high precision, ensuring consistent cooling performance and improving process reliability.
Investing in Long-Term Efficiency
While using tap water for cooling may seem like a simple solution, the hidden costs of wasted water, high utility bills, equipment damage, and contamination risks far outweigh the initial convenience. Investing in a closed system delivers significant long-term savings, enhances sustainability efforts, and improves equipment performance and reliability. To find out more about how to calculate cost savings, check out our guide using the button below.
By making the switch, facilities can protect their investments, reduce maintenance costs, and contribute to water conservation efforts – all while ensuring precise and efficient cooling. If you’re ready to make the move to a more cost-effective and sustainable cooling solution, get in touch with our team today!
