PPG Calls on NuTemp/Longville for Refrigeration

PPG, a global manufacturer of protective coatings, sealants, adhesives, fiber glass, and industrial chemicals, has recently undertaken a huge job of retrofitting the Company’s refrigeration systems to the newer environmentally friendly refrigerants. In February of 2003, PPG planned to retrofit a 600 ton condensing unit in West Virginia, which operates at approximately -10°F. This condensing unit was a part of a process that produces chlorine for industrial and commercial use. Temporary loss of capacity that would occur if the condensing unit was taken out of service would mean intolerable production losses to PPG.

In order to avoid dramatic shortages in chlorine production, PPG called on NuTemp to design and build a complex temporary condensing unit. NuTemp’s staff of application engineers went to work designing, selecting, and fabricating the components of the specialized, 1000HP condensing unit. The process to design and fabricate the condensing unit took 4 months. While the machine construction proceeded, field workers prepared the site for quick installation. It took two weeks to install and start up the temporary condensing unit. Since PPG preferred to use its existing evaporator, NuTemp installed the temporary condensing unit in parallel with PPG’s existing condensing unit. Both condensing units ran simultaneously for a week. Afterwards, NuTemp/Longville’s condensing unit was brought on line before shutting down the permanent PPG condensing unit. Full capacity was shifted to NuTemp’s temporary condensing unit.

Central to the plan was the reliability of NuTemp’s temporary condenser. The temporary condenser was required to operate independently, although it was completely intertwined with the permanent system. Specific functions of the permanent equipment and certain site requirements meant that a very special design had to be implemented in order for the two systems to work together. The equipment ran on 2300V site power, used cold river water (during winter operations, for condenser cooling), functioned 24/7, and held loads between 0 and 100%. Throughout the project, NuTemp engineers worked closely with the on-site engineers to ensure that the rental system would provide the necessary support the permanent and temporary machinery needed.

There were several unique factors that made this a challenging project for NuTemp. The first consideration was that the two condensing units (the NuTemp rental and the permanent unit) ran simultaneously using the same evaporator. Another factor to keep in mind was that the rental condensing unit had to operate from a remote location, while managing system oil and refrigerant. The microprocessor control located on the temporary condensing unit’s skid kept the process running smoothly and reliably.

The project successfully completed in April of 2003. The temporary condensing unit functioned for two months while PPG converted its permanent condensing unit equipment. The production of chlorine was kept at normal levels.

NuTemp/Longville’s ability to undertake complex refrigeration projects on a fast track basis sets the Company apart from all other HVACR equipment rental firms. NuTemp/Longville offers industrial clients quick, expert rental or sale solutions to complex refrigeration applications.

NuTemp/Longville is a worldwide leader of specialist utility rental equipment with 11 offices nationwide, and over 50 international locations. NuTemp serves a wide cross section of markets including manufacturing, industrial, commercial, governmental, and institutional. The Company’s rental products include chillers, cooling towers, air conditioners, spot coolers, air handlers, dehumidifiers, heaters, generators and diesel driven pumps. Further information can be obtained at www.nutemp.com.