28 May 2025
|
BITZER is adding a new water-cooled oil cooler to its line-up in response to what it describes as the increasing requirements of modern applications.
The OWD series offers an expanded capacity range of up to 300kW and improved heat transfer, and can also accommodate multiple potential configurations.
It joins a portfolio that covers the capacity range of all BITZER screw compressors, both in single and parallel operation, and is compatible with a variety of synthetic refrigerants like HFC, HFC-HFO blends, HFO and hydrocarbons.
Although specially developed for HS and OS screw compressors, BITZER says the OWD also offers a reliable solution in combination with the products of other manufacturers.
Wide capacity range paired with innovative design
In addition to a wider capacity range, the OWD series also offers maximum oil cooler capacity of up to 300kW, regardless of the operating conditions, which makes it possible to efficiently tackle even the most demanding cooling tasks in high temperature heat pump and low temperature applications. A special feature is the use of disc and doughnut baffles, ensuring even oil distribution throughout the cooler tubes. This technology improves heat transfer on the oil side and reduces flow surges with minimal pressure loss.
OWD oil coolers are available in 17 product variants, which come in 2-pass and 4-pass designs. This flexibility enables optimal adjustment to the specific requirements of different applications.
Technological benefits of disc and doughnut baffles
The new disc and doughnut baffles enable a symmetric flow for even oil distribution and maximum heat transfer. The optimised flow control improves the flow pattern and minimises unwanted turbulence, which not only increases efficiency, but also boosts operational stability and thus extends the lifetime. Regardless of the size of the oil cooler, the OWD series optimises flow velocity with adjusted baffle distances, thus achieving an optimal balance between heat transfer and pressure drop, even with larger devices.
The OWD series is designed to reduce dead space in the heat exchanger compared to its predecessor, the OW series. The result is said to be increased efficiency in the use of the entire tube surface and a boost in heat throughput. In addition, the optimised space requirement enables integration of a higher number of tubes for ultra-high power density. Calculations show that the new oil cooler series reduces CO2 equivalents by more than 40% compared to the predecessor and thus makes a key contribution to sustainability.
The baffles are also temperature-resistant and can easily withstand temperatures of over +150°C, making the OWD series well equipped for demanding environments.
The OWD series has been developed for applications in refrigeration and heat pump technology. Thanks to precise coordination with requirements and optimisation for use with BITZER products, it is said to ensure extraordinary efficiency and operating reliability.
Wide range of applications
Designed for reliable use in a range of applications, the OWD series is compatible with fresh water and seawater and covers a wide range of temperatures and pressures. It can handle oil temperatures of –20°C to +150°C, oil pressures of up to 32 bar and water temperatures of –20°C to +95°C at 10 bar.
OWD oil coolers fulfil stringent requirements in terms of temperature resistance, pressure strength and corrosion protection, and comply with the stipulations of the CE-PED, SELO CML, BV and DNV certifications, which qualifies them for use in heat pump and low temperature applications in maritime and industrial sectors as well as in the high temperature range.
Selection and software
The OWD series can be combined with BITZER open drive OS and semi-hermetic HS screw compressors in the BITZER SOFTWARE. This allows users to manually select the compressor of their choice or recommends a suitable compressor based on capacity, operating conditions and specific requirements.
