In a recent post, I wrote about how water is suitable as a coolant in certain applications. But, as is the case with most coolants, there are limits to how much you can use and how long you can use it until it needs to be replaced.
So, how long can you really use water as coolant? The answer depends on how you are cooling.
Water as a Coolant for Heat Exchangers
Water is a very effective cooling medium for heat exchangers. In fact, it’s usually the go-to coolant for many industries. But, as with many coolants, there are limits to how much you can use and how long you can use it before it needs to be replaced.
The longest case on record of water being used continuously in a heat exchanger is roughly 1.5 years. Needless to say, that was a record breaker. But, given the amount of water flowing through the heat exchanger, it’s safe to assume it was at maximum output.
Water as a Coolant for Heat Exchangers – How Long Can You Use It?
Water is a very effective cooling medium for heat exchangers. In fact, it’s usually the go-to coolant for many industries. But, as with many coolants, there are limits to how much you can use and how long you can use it before it needs to be replaced.
The longest case on record of water being used continuously in a heat exchanger is roughly 1.5 years. Needless to say, that was a record breaker. But, given the amount of water flowing through the heat exchanger, it’s safe to assume it was at maximum output.
Water as a Coolant for Lasers
There’s no doubt that water is an effective coolant for lasers. After all, it’s used widely in the industrial sector for laser cutting. But, it’s also very difficult to determine how long water can be used before it needs to be changed.
Water as a Coolant for Lasers – How Long Can You Use It?
There’s no doubt that water is an effective coolant for lasers. After all, it’s used widely in the industrial sector for laser cutting. But, it’s also very difficult to determine how long water can be used before it needs to be changed.
Water as a Coolant for Fuel Cells
Water is not effectively used as a coolant for fuel cells. In fact, it can be detrimental to the fuel cell. The only circumstance where fuel cells use water is when the fuel is hydrogen.
But, water is only used as a coolant when the fuel cell is idle. When the fuel cell is running, the water that flows through the fuel cell is so hot, it actually removes heat from the fuel cell, which increases efficiency.
Water as a Coolant for Fuel Cells – How Long Can You Use It?
Water is not effectively used as a coolant for fuel cells. In fact, it can be detrimental to the fuel cell. The only circumstance where fuel cells use water is when the fuel is hydrogen.
But, water is only used as a coolant when the fuel cell is idle. When the fuel cell is running, the water that flows through the fuel cell is so hot, it actually removes heat from the fuel cell, which increases efficiency.
Water as a Coolant for Direct Contact
Water is a very effective coolant for direct contact cooling. However, you need to keep in mind that direct contact cooling is only appropriate for applications with low to medium heat.
Water as a Coolant for Direct Contact – How Long Can You Use It?
Water is a very effective coolant for direct contact cooling. However, you need to keep in mind that direct contact cooling is only appropriate for applications with low to medium heat.
Water as a Coolant for Brazing
Water cannot be used as a coolant for brazing. Brazing is a welding process where the two pieces of metal to be welded are heated to a high temperature and then joined together.
Water as a Coolant for Brazing – How Long Can You Use It?
Water cannot be used as a coolant for brazing. Brazing is a welding process where the two pieces of metal to be welded are heated to a high temperature and then joined together.
Water as a Coolant for Injection
Water cannot be used as a coolant for injection. Injection cooling is an economical means of cooling small, high-powered servers. Water is circulated through tubes inside the server and absorbs heat from the components, which is then removed.
Water as a Coolant for Injection – How Long Can You Use It?
Water cannot be used as a coolant for injection. Injection cooling is an economical means of cooling small, high-powered servers. Water is circulated through tubes inside the server and absorbs heat from the components, which is then removed.
Water as a Coolant for Refrigeration Applications
Water cannot be used as a coolant for refrigeration applications. Refrigeration is the process of removing heat from an enclosed space. The heat is then absorbed elsewhere. In a traditional refrigeration system, a liquid or gas is cooled and circulated through a heat exchanger, absorbing heat from the enclosed space.
Water as a Coolant for Refrigeration Applications – How Long Can You Use It?
Water cannot be used as a coolant for refrigeration applications. Refrigeration is the process of removing heat from an enclosed space. The heat is then absorbed elsewhere. In a traditional refrigeration system, a liquid or gas is cooled and circulated through a heat exchanger, absorbing heat from the enclosed space.
Conclusion
Water is a great coolant for many applications. But, there are limits to how much you can use and how long you can use it before you need to replace it. If you’re using a coolant in an application where it’s appropriate, make sure you understand the risks of running it for too long.