Unblocking a water cooler?

[fzr phil]

maybe my comments are not entirely relevent but i'm sorry you might be losing production due to this issue.
can you measure the pH?
we are normally after ~7.5 -8
where has the distilled water come from, could it be contaminated?
wouldn't be from R.O at all?

how big a system are you talking about?

can you swap the hoses for (new/clean) flexible type? any older galv steel pipes in the system? once that starts to break down it's a never- ending battle. definitely install an in-line strainer if their isn't one already and check it regularly to get an idea what's going on. is the pump going the right way and generating a good pressure?

good luck.
phil

 

[RWH]

ah , ok , I thought all along it was the instructions from the manufacturer ,, id be tempted to try waterless coolant if there was nothing specified ,, but only after some research ,,,

I'll definitely be more careful with anything I use going forward. Will probably go to an undiluted coolant again once I'm confident it's the right sort.

I did initially have some over heating issues with the system, so now I'm wondering how long the issue has been there. The induction unit itself has 3 inlets and 2 outlets, so if 1 is blocked, it is possible for the fluid to mostly run and it to still function seemingly normally. Apparently that isn't an uncommon phenomenon. Another lesson is simply opening up and inspecting internally more frequently. As my external hoses were as clear as a whistle, I assumed all was good...

 

[RWH]

maybe my comments are not entirely relevent but i'm sorry you might be losing production due to this issue.
can you measure the pH?
we are normally after ~7.5 -8
where has the distilled water come from, could it be contaminated?
wouldn't be from R.O at all?

how big a system are you talking about?

can you swap the hoses for (new/clean) flexible type? any older galv steel pipes in the system? once that starts to break down it's a never- ending battle. definitely install an in-line strainer if their isn't one already and check it regularly to get an idea what's going on. is the pump going the right way and generating a good pressure?

good luck.
phil

Thank you Phil.

I've got an inline strainer ready to install once I have the right fittings.

I have a pH monitor but not calibrated yet.

The distilled water is 'trade chem' brand, no idea where they actually distill it. Label says Blackpool offices.

Nothing galvanised in the system.

I can fix new hoses, will do once / if it's unblocked. The system is only about 3 months old, so the hoses look like new still tbh.

The pump itself is going the right way, good pressure. Seemingly no issues with the pump or cooler itself - I think due to the fact it's internals are all larger diameter tubes and fittings. Some of the copper tubing within the induction unit, it's a very small, haven't measured it for reference but you can see how easily it could get blocked if there was an issue.

No progress today as I'm waiting on FedEx to arrive....

Total system size is approx 18 litres I believe. I have two household radiators on the side to expand the capacity (may seem and does look a bit mad, but is a fairly common practice). I should note the radiators were brand new and I did wash them out still. They've been completely removed from the system for trouble shooting and will have to be thoroughly clean and rinsed before re introducing. Currently just using the cooler and induction in hosed up, can't be much more than 2l total.

 

[RWH]

 

[tom2207]

youve certainly given it all a fair chance ,,, fingers crossed

 

[RWH]

Now the water cooler pump and fan won't turn on at all..... Things just seem to keep getting worse!

 

[tom2207]

Now the water cooler pump and fan won't turn on at all..... Things just seem to keep getting worse!

does it spin by hand at all

 

[voipio]

There are numerous dissimilar metals in contact with the anti-freeze cooling solution, and with each other, plus there is several hundred volts at radio frequency at the induction coil terminals during operation, so there's going to be plenty of "interesting" chemistry occurring in that system.

Recommended applicationa are MIG, TIG, and resistance welding. Induction heating is not on the recommended list.