The Lithium Bromide solution used in absorption chillers requires close monitoring to ensure the long life of the chiller. If not properly controlled, Lithium Bromide is highly corrosive and can lead to premature component failure, increased maintenance costs, unproductive downtime, and a shortened chiller lifespan. Our Lithium Bromide analysis provides precise recommendations for correction chemicals to maintain the absorption chiller.
| ANALYTICAL TEST | SIGNIFICANCE |
| Specific Gravity/ % Lithium Bromide | Measures the strength of Lithium Bromide charge. Indicates the operational status of an absorption chiller. |
| Alkalinity/pH | Measures possible air leakage into the chiller. Affects metal corrosion. |
| Dissolved Copper | Measures tube corrosion. |
| Dissolved Iron/ Suspended Solids | Measures corrosion of steel interior. Gives an indication of a degree of internal fouling. |
| Lithium Molybdate | Measures Molybdate inhibitor strength. |
The specific gravity indicates the concentration of Lithium Bromide, determining whether it is sufficiently concentrated or too dilute to function effectively as an absorption medium.
The pH and alkalinity provide an indication of any air leakage into the chiller and offer insights into which metals are likely to be affected. For example, at low alkalinity and pH values, iron or steel components are susceptible to corrosion. Increasing the alkalinity protects these metals while potentially promoting corrosion of copper components, such as tubes.
The copper content and suspended solids indicate the extent of corrosive attack and how aggressively the Lithium Bromide solution is dissolving the machine’s components. They also show the degree of fouling inside the chiller, and whether the spray headers and heat exchangers are likely to be clogged with debris.
The inhibitor is added to the Lithium Bromide brine to protect various metallic surfaces and slow the rate of corrosion to acceptable levels. While corrosion can never be completely stopped, it can be minimized. This is the function of the inhibitor.
The alcohol test indicates the presence of Octyl Alcohol in the Lithium Bromide solution. Octyl Alcohol controls the tendency of Lithium Bromide to foam under vacuum.
Correction chemicals are small amounts of material required, based on chemical analysis, to adjust the Lithium Bromide solution back to its nominal specifications. Hydrobromic acid and Lithium Hydroxide Monohydrate adjust the solution’s alkalinity downward or upward, respectively. Lithium Molybdate directly adjusts the inhibitor strength.