How to insulate hose to and from chiller?

[Alex Ho]

Yesterday I move my filter nearer to the chiller so I shorten hose length. Remove 8ft hose total. Thought this would imrpove flow rate.

Nop, my Eheim 2028 flow indicator did not show faster rate.

But the time to lower 1°C has imrpove from 1hr 45 min to 1hr 10min.

However, time for temperature to rise 1°C also improve from 1hr 30min to 2hr. I don't think that is due to faster flow rate. It must be due to reduce heat gain becos of shorten hose length.

So now I want to try insulating existing hose. Do you think its effective? What insulating material to use? Where to get them?

Pls give advice.

Thanks.

[mjck]

Hi Alex, i am also looking for suitable materials to do the insulation of the hoses. Was thinking about using the insulation tube like the ones they use for aircon installation ( the black spongy tube). The only problem is where to source for them ? Still searching for the moment... will keep you posted.

[bryan]

Alex, your chiller might be slowing down the flowrate from the filter. I believe you posted in another thread about how your chiller piping is smaller than your filter's? For maximum flowrate there has to be as minimum restriction as possible. Height, pipe diameter, distance, bends etc will affect flowrate. For insulation material, you may try those hardware shops selling the aircon pipe insulation foam(sponge like material as mentioned above) or your aircon contractor. Wrap around with cabletie or wires.

[Alex Ho]

Alex, your chiller might be slowing down the flowrate from the filter. I believe you posted in another thread about how your chiller piping is smaller than your filter's? For maximum flowrate there has to be as minimum restriction as possible. Height, pipe diameter, distance, bends etc will affect flowrate. For insulation material, you may try those hardware shops selling the aircon pipe insulation foam(sponge like material as mentioned above) or your aircon contractor. Wrap around with cabletie or wires.

Thanks for info.

Actually my main intention is to improve my chiller performance at the least cost. I know this can easily be done, just add another more powerful filter. but the extra electrical comsumption is going to get me more nagging and complain.

Can only thought of 2 improvement, hose length and dia. Never expect insulation can have significant effect.

Now with some improvement, I'm motivated to do more.

[bryan]

Getting a more powerful filter might not solve the problem. after all you are still going to run it through the same chiller.The flow rate will still be reduced by the chiller, back pressure might wear down the pump faster and waste energy. If you are bothered by the restricted flow, I can suggest you split your inlet, 1 through the chiller and another through an adjustable valve back into the tank. Some people also use another smaller canister to run through the chiller.

[Alex Ho]

Getting a more powerful filter might not solve the problem. after all you are still going to run it through the same chiller.The flow rate will still be reduced by the chiller, back pressure might wear down the pump faster and waste energy. If you are bothered by the restricted flow, I can suggest you split your inlet, 1 through the chiller and another through an adjustable valve back into the tank. Some people also use another smaller canister to run through the chiller.

Can't split inlet. Filter flow rate already lower than chiller min required rate. But chiller came wif a few connector sizes. Its outlet is too small. Will change to bigger size. Going to do it together wif insulation cos that hose is longest.

[user]

actually dont need to buy lar.
the next time you have those aircon service ppl come to your house to service your aircon, ask from them. they will give to you for free lor.
this is how i got hold of mine.