Climate protection, energy requirements, environmental challenges and safety in thermal process control – these tasks represent a huge technical challenge for heating and cooling systems. The container facilities presented here were developed specifically for standalone applications situated outside buildings, which have to withstand a very broad range of climatic conditions.
The author: Matthias Mohr Project Manager, Heating and Cooling Systems
Constant parameters are the most impor-tant factor in process technology – regardless of the application or ambient temperature. Additionally, in many companies, enclosed space is expensive and the heating and cooling systems have to be installed outdoors. This calls for systems that guarantee 100 % process reliability in any temperature zone anywhere in the world and simultaneously protect the environment.
Simplified approval processes
The individual heating and cooling container facilities were developed specifically for stand-alone applications situated outside buildings, which have to withstand any climate. In many cases, no more space is available inside the existing premises, even for compact temperature control equipment. The construction of additional production space is generally associated with increased capital expenditure and entails submitting applications to, and obtaining approvals from, a whole series of public authorities. However, if a container is used as a separate machine room, the essential approval processes are often simplified in Germany and may even be no longer required at all in other countries. The containers are mobile and ideally suited for outdoor installation. The existing premises can also be meaningfully used for other purposes. The advantages of such container facilities are obvious:
- Modular container concept – quick way to increase machine space
- Individual container design and wide choice of colours (RAL)
- Available space can be taken into account in consultation with the customer
- No lost production space, as the containers are installed outside the building
- Minimal effort on site for integration into production
- Minimal external assembly personnel required on site
- Plug-and-play technology, modular structure of all heating and cooling facilities from -150 to +400 °C
- All heating and cooling systems are fully assembled and tested on the manufacturer’s test rig
- The complete facility is CE certified in accordance with the latest versions of the relevant directives:
- Atex designs can also be realised for all container facilities
- Container walls can be fitted with efficient sound insulation
- Temperature inside the container can be adapted to extremely hot or cold regions
Lauda container facilities in continuous operation are integrated into chemical production processes in Russia, Spain and Germany, where they guarantee reliable processes.
Even with small to medium-sized temperature control devices, it often makes sense to accommodate the systems outside the building (e. g. on the roof). The containers are extremely stable, which means they can also be stacked. Hydraulic and electrical interfaces for linking containers together are prepared in the Lauda works so that they can then be connected on site within a short time. The maximum size of a custom-made container system is 12,000 x 2500 x 3000 mm (L x W x H), which is the size up to which the facilities can be delivered to users worldwide without requiring exceptional transport.
Protected from the elements
The heating and cooling systems are securely encased in the containers and perfectly protected from the elements. The machine room temperature inside the container can be controlled according to the installation site. The containers are, needless to say, well lit and fitted with a socket that can be used for maintenance and servicing.
Although the containers have a compact design and very small outside dimensions, the internal arrangement of the Lauda heating and cooling system components is such that all parts are easily accessible for repair or maintenance work. Operation and upkeep of the heating and cooling systems in accordance with European directives and regulations is therefore guaranteed without any problems. All elements (mechanical, hydraulic and electrical) are either integrated inside the container (switchboard, pumps, compressors, valves, measuring instruments, etc) or attached to the outside (air coolers, expansion and storage tanks, etc). If large heat exchangers or tanks are employed, the container roof can also be used. The hydraulic interfaces (pipes) are laid to the outside through the container wall using weatherproof ducts (suitable from -150 to +400 °C). Doors and windows can be incorporated into the containers individually as desired and are also lockable to prevent unauthorised access to the machine room. In compression refrigeration systems that work with a condenser, a 50 to 150 mm thick insulating layer (depending on the sound insulation requirements) is fitted to the container wall and provided with a perforated metal plate, leading to a huge reduction in noise emissions.
Atex designs available
Another advantage of these container so- lutions is that they can be installed in Ex-classified zones (Zone 1 or Zone 2 as defined by Atex 94/9/EC). This can be achieved through pressurisation (Eex-p) or by installing Atex certified components (e. g. Eex-d). Intensive consulting in advance of the project is essential here to identify the most economically efficient version.
However, in many cases, the deciding factor for users is that all heating and cooling systems undergo extensive testing in simulated real conditions prior to delivery. All components are thus properly functional and correctly adjusted when they leave the factory. All that remains to be done on the installation site is to lay the supply lines. This saves not only assembly costs but also time and money.
Online-Info: www.cpp-net.com/2111441
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