4-Pipe Vs 2-Pipe Chillers 

In the HVAC industry, a chiller is a HVAC system component that removes heat from liquid coolant through one of a number of possible processes. There are 2 basic configuration types of this kind of chiller – 2 pipe and 4 pipe chillers. In this blog, we outline how each of these systems work and discuss the relative merits of each configuration.

The Difference Between 2-Pipe and 4-Pipe Systems

2-pipe systems feature a single coil operating as the source of heating and cooling. As the name suggests, this type of system includes one supply line and a separate return line. A 4-pipe system on the other hand features separate heating and cooling systems, each with their own supply and return pipes.

The 2-Pipe System 

One benefit of the 2-pipe system is that it uses less power than the other configuration. In addition, it takes up less physical space and is usually quicker to install. Fewer moving parts also means these systems typically require less maintenance.

In terms of drawbacks, 2 pipe systems lack versatility. These systems can only be set to heat or to cool at any one time, and they cannot therefore be used to heat certain rooms in a given building while cooling others.

The 4-Pipe System 

Although they use more energy than the 2-pipe system and require more space, 4-pipe systems offer greater flexibility and are the best choice for large buildings such as high rises, and they are much more suitable for climates that experience both hot and cold weather. This system also allows for dehumidification. To make this happen, the chilled water coil removes whatever moisture it can from the air while operating at maximum capacity. The hot water coil then compensates for excess cooling, resulting in air that is both the desired temperature and the correct level of humidity.

Masterflow’s 4-Pipe Chiller Systems 

The 4-Pipe chillers offered by Masterflow use the Clivet system designed by Bruno Bellò, which was originally introduced in 1989 and continues to be developed and refined by Clivet’s team of engineers at their factory in Italy. These multifunction chillers are being continually improved to provide maximum energy efficiency, resulting in lower operating costs and reduced carbon emissions. All chillers are ErP compliant, use refrigerant R410a, and are suitable for outdoor installation.

We realise that no two buildings are alike, and each requires its own specialised HVAC system for maximum efficiency and efficacy. Our HVAC specialists perform a detailed analysis of the requirements of each building in order to produce a system that is ideally suited to your needs. Our staff keep detailed records of each installation, allowing for fast and efficient modification and maintenance. This ensures the ongoing suitability of each system to the changing needs of the space.

Multifunction coolers from Clivet range in capacity from 50kw to 1180kw and allow for continuous heating, cooling, and humidity control. They are available with a variety of specialised features including heat recovery, onboard pumps, onboard buffer tank, ambient temperature range, and control interface such as BACnet or Modbus, to name just a few.

Contact Masterflow Today

Masterflow has earned a reputation for delivering world-standard HVAC systems with an unwavering customer service focus. Our people will go above and beyond to ensure you get the system that is best suited to the specific needs of your building. To discuss your project with our team today, contact us by phone or email.