Filter in Closed Loop System

[rjoto]

Can someone explain why one would need a filter in a closed loop system?

I was just involved with putting in some new equipment. The equipment is cooled by a chiller with a water/gycol mixture in a closed loop system. All the piping is PVC or stainless. The chiller manufacturer doesn't include a filter with their system but they say they recommend one. The contractor that did the piping says I don't need a filter because it's a closed loop system and the fluid is already clean.

The contractor's argument makes sense but I don't really like deviating from manufacturer's recommendations unless I have a really good reason too. Can someone point out what I'm missing? Thanks.

 

[LittleInch]

Construction debris, filling initially, emptying and re-filling for maintenance all has a risk of introducing material. It's basically the risk of blocking the chiller tubes versus the low cost of a filter.

You makes your choices, you take the risks

My motto: Learn something new every day

Also: There's usually a good reason why everyone does it that way

 

[thewellguy]

The contractor should have said the system is supposed to be clean. If you skip the filter you are putting all your faith on the guys who did the flush, clean, and fill of the system. Also at some point in the future, someone will take the system apart for what ever reason. So I would install the filter.

 

[EdStainless]

The contractor should have said that after all fabrication he cleaned the system, so you don't need a filter.
It the system has not been flushed at full flow with clean fluid for a reasonable time then you don't know if it is clean.
I have seen filter on high purity eater systems (sterile, closed, very clean) and they are loaded with debris over time.
Use a filter.

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Plymouth Tube

 

[rjoto]

Thanks. I guess I'll be putting in a filter.

 

[MikeHalloran]

The chance that the contractor removed every hanging burr from the tubing is essentially zero.
The chance that the contractor swabbed the interior of every tube with solvent and a lint-free cloth is essentially zero.
The chance of extended flushing removing all of the road dirt from transport of the tubes, the construction debris (and burrs) from fabrication, and the hair and dirt that falls off the contractor's people into the system, is essentially zero.

Do the math.


Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[tbuelna]

What type of contaminates is the filter intended to remove? While your contractor may be technically correct about the water and glycol coolants being free from debris, but as others noted, the primary source of debris in the circuit will be from the piping and heat exchanger. The added cost of a filter system is usually cheap compared to damage to pump components from loose debris.