York chiller still working after 32 years
17th March 2016
UK: A York Borg Warner machine that has been operating round-the-clock for more than 32 years has won a competition to find the oldest working York chiller.
The competition, which was confined to the UK and Ireland, was won by a machine installed in 1984 to provide process cooling for a Dundee-based semi-conductor manufacturer, as well as supplying chilled water for use in the site’s air handling units.
Jamie Marshall of refrigeration contractor MARS Dundee, said: “We have serviced and maintained the chiller for a number of years, carrying out a full annual service and inspection, including oil and filter change and compressor inspection. The chiller is an essential part of the end user’s business and continues to operate 24/7, around the clock. Despite its age, it is rock solid.
“The only issue since we took over responsibility was a compressor breakdown, and we replaced it with a like-for-like unit. The other compressor is the original, and it continues to perform perfectly. It shows the quality of the manufacture, plus the value of regular servicing and maintenance.
“We have always used original OEM spares from the compressor inspection kits, and official lubricant and associated controls.”
The machine’s information plate shows the winning chiller originally operated on R22, but was later converted to R422D in advance of the phase-out. It was manufactured at York’s one-time manufacturing site in Basildon.
Not surprisingly, Johnson Controls, who now own the York brand, put the chiller’s longevity down to the its reliability, particularly when supported with genuine York spare parts.
“There are believed to be around 10,000 York brand chillers in service across the UK and Ireland, with an expected average working life of between 15 to 20 years,” said Alpesh Trivedi, product manager at Johnson Controls’ HVAC Spare Parts Division. “However, due to excellent design and engineering many continue operating for much longer, particularly when supported with with genuine York spare parts.”
Congratulating MARS on winning the title for longest serving York chiller, Trivedi added: “It says a lot about the chillers, and also about the quality of care and attention the company has shown in looking after the machine over the years.”
Jamie Marshall wins a day out at the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship at Brands Hatch.
