Water chiller insulation
 

I'm in the process of making a water chiller and wondering which tubes should be insulated.

http://server6.uploadit.org/files/ky...lowquality.JPG

The two larger white pipes shown (actually one can't be seen because it's already inside the insulation) lead into and out of the cooling element that used to be in the fridge part of the frdige-freezer. This cooling element has been taken out the the fridge part and bent over so that it rests in the freezer compartment.

Should I insulate both pipes? And should I insulate the micro-bore pipe? Would it be effective to insulate the microbore and larger pipes together in the same tube of insulation?

http://server6.uploadit.org/files/kyuzoo-f06.JPG

Should I insulate any of the tubes around the compressor?

http://server6.uploadit.org/files/kyuzoo-f04.JPG

Does anyone know the purpose of this tube that seems to be sepereate from the main cooling circuit? It travels around about where the seal for the freezer door is.

Thanks for any advice you can give :-)

That's going to depend on the temp you achieve. Usually, you want to isolate the tubes to prevent condensation, which would end up dripping everywhere.

Most of the time, you should insulate all the tubing. The only exception, if any, would be where the temp is just slightly under ambient.

Dunno about the extra tube. A temp probe?

Thanks for your help.

The other tube is heavily corroded so I hope it's nothing too important.

The tubbing that comes from the evaporator, to the compressor is the one that may ice up, however just like Ben said better off insulating everything. However you may not experience major condensation in comparison to a AC chiller.

-SP

It's a heater, to prevent frost from forming under the door seal. It'd be bad to have the door not seal well because of ice or to have the door frozen shut. :p

Ahh.. thanks.

According to Gary and company. Insulate anything that gets cold. Atleast thats what I picked up from his forums/site.