What is the primary purpose of a purge unit in a CFC-11 chiller?

The primary purpose of a purge unit in a CFC-11 chiller is to remove noncondensables from the system. Noncondensables, such as air and moisture, can accumulate in the refrigeration system and negatively impact its efficiency and performance. When these substances are present, they can lead to increased head pressures, reduced cooling capacity, and potential compressor damage. A purge unit actively extracts these noncondensable gases, allowing the chiller to operate more effectively.

By maintaining the purity of the refrigerant within the system, the purge unit helps optimize the overall function and longevity of the chiller, ensuring that it works efficiently and effectively. This is crucial, especially in systems using CFC-11, where maintaining proper refrigerant conditions is vital for performance and environmental considerations.