Project Files: Air Force Base Battles Oil FoulingCompany: Powertron Global®, Austin, Texas

Customer: Defense Information Systems Agency Data Control Center, Andrews Air Force Base, Md.

Installation: PermaFrostNMR® installed in two 10-ton air-cooled computer room air conditioning (CRAC) units using R-22 refrigerant.

Completion: September 2012

Objective: To demonstrate PermaFrost NMR’s ability to reverse the effects of oil migration impinging on the heat exchange surfaces and restore most lost capacity and efficiency.

Work Completed: The CRAC units were both installed in 2007. Immediately following baseline testing, both units were treated with the proper amount and type of PermaFrost NMR product formulated for R-22 DX systems. The CRAC units now provide colder supply air while using less power. This greater operational efficiency is due to the restoration of the heat transfer ability of the evaporator and condenser coils. Following treatment with PermaFrost NMR, the two units showed a 17.9 percent reduction in kW while at the same time producing an increase in coil capacity of 27,540 Btuh, or 13.9 percent more tonnage. The units also showed a substantial reduction in watts/ton of 17.9 percent. Additionally, the two CRAC units showed an average of 22.3 percent improvement in EER. The project test utilized the International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol (IPMVP) as the basis for the measurement and verification plan. The tests were performed under the direction of the director of facilities of the 89th Airlift Wing based at Andrews Air Force Base, along with one of his senior technicians. The test results were certified by a professional engineer in the area.

Quote: “Oil fouling is a phenomenon that has silently plagued the air conditioning and refrigeration industry for years with no apparent solution.
I have thoroughly researched this product, and it definitely removes the oil that fouls the heat exchangers and restores equipment to near its original capacity and efficiency. — Richard R. Monsen, P.E., ASHRAE life member

Publication date: 12/2/2014 

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