The Meech Cabinet Cooler uses compressed air to provide a cold air source that stops industrial cabinets/panels or enclosures from overheating.
The Cabinet Cooler uses the same principle as the Vortex tube, creating both a hot and cold stream of air. The Cold stream is directed inside the cabinet whilst the hot air is released into the environment.
Figuring out the correct pipe for your compressed air system is an important task. Pipe that is sized too small can create big pressure loses and reduce operating efficiency. It is common that a 10-12mm infeed pipe will be sufficient for most requirements.
Meech Cabinet Coolers currently operate from as low as 650 BTU/hr to 2400BTU/hr for a single unit. Where larger cooling is required, multiple units can be used.
| Air Consumption | Cooling Capacity | |||
| Generator | cfm | lpm | W | Btu/hr |
| Yellow | 10 | 283 | 190 | 650 |
| Red | 15 | 425 | 293 | 1000 |
| Blue | 25 | 708 | 499 | 1700 |
| Brown | 35 | 991 | 703 | 2400 |
Meech Cabinet Coolers are manufactured in 303 and 316 stainless Steel and in EX and non-EX variants. 316 Stainless Steel offers greater resistance to a variety of corrosive elements and is typically used in applications where the cooler will have continuous exposure to harsh environments or where strength and hardness are a critical factor. 303 Stainless steel is a more cost-effective option and used on more standard applications. For information on EX Cabinet Coolers see below.
NEEDS UPDATING
The EX-Cabinet Cooler suitable for installation in category 2 (Zone 1), T4 locations, where ATEX or IECEx certification is required. Certificate number Baseefa16ATEX0042X and IECEx Bas. 16.0087X
The Cabinet Cooler is also IP66 rated making it dust tight and protected against strong sprays or jets of water.
To prevent condensation forming on the cold air pipe close off any vents or fan outlets on the outside wall of the enclosure. This reduces the ambient air from circulating within the cabinet/panel and reduces the chance of condensation.
Fans can be installed into the enclosure which will help to circulate air.
The dimensions for the standard cabinet cooler (Product Code: A7000) is (H) 194mm x (W) 45mm. For accurate complete technical drawings please visit the Cabinet Cooler Product Page.
Cabinet Coolers will work in any position, so can be installed vertically or horizontally. However, where possible we would recommend, they are fitted about of below the machine, this reduces the risk of the cooler be accidently knocked and damaged.
Cabinet Coolers are most efficient when 60 – 100 PSI (4.1 – 6.8 bar) inlet air pressure is used. Cabinet Cooler are factory set to 5.5 bar (80psi).
The Meech Cabinet Cooler has no moving parts. Clean compressed air moving through the Cabinet Cooler will not cause wear on any of the components. Occasionally, dirt, water or oil may enter the cooler from the compressed air supply. This could hinder the performance. If this happens simply take the unit apart, clean the parts with soapy water, allow drying time and then reassemble.
The Meech Cabinet Cooler has no moving parts, resulting in minimal maintenance.
NEEDS UPDATING
Hot air exhausts from the end of the Vortex tube, the air is then directed through some silencer foam and is released through two holes at the base of the silencer.
To stop the cabinets over pressurising the cabinet cooler features a one-way valve on the side of the unit. Dependent on inlet air pressure this will allow air to vent at between 1.5 and 3Pa (0.015 and 0.03 Bar).
For large application where cooling above 2400Btu/hr (703 Watts) is required you can use two units to achieve the desired internal temperature. We would not recommend using more than two Cabinet Coolers on any one panel.
The Meech Cabinet Cooler can be adjusted by using 1 of the 4 high fraction generators supplied with the unit.
Cabinet Coolers are intrinsically safe, with no moving parts. However, please be aware of the following safety guidelines specific to the Cabinet Cooler:
- Cabinet Coolers create both hot and cold air so parts of the unit will become hot.
- Compressed air temperature must not exceed 55⁰C
- Ambient operating temperature must not exceed 66⁰C or drop lower than -10⁰C
NEEDS UPDATING (INSERT CABINET COOLER CALCULATOR)
Meech manufacture a range of Cabinet Coolers as listed below:
A70025-SS303 – Cabinet Cooler Unit (SS303) – IP66 Cabinet Cooler made from 303 stainless steel.
A70325-SS303 (24V/240V/110V) – Cabinet Cooler System (SS303) – IP66 Cabinet Cooler with digital thermostat and solenoid valve. Used to automatically regulate the compressed air. Thermostat and solenoid available in either 24V, 240V or 110V versions.
A70025-SS316 – Cabinet Cooler Unit (SS316) – IP66 Cabinet Cooler made from 316 stainless steel for more corrosive harsh environments.
A70325-SS316 (24V/240V/110V) Cabinet Cooler System (SS316) – 316 stainless steel Cabinet Cooler with thermostat and solenoid. Used to automatically regulate the compressed air. Thermostat and solenoid available in either 24V, 240V or 110V versions
A70025EX-SS303 – EX Cabinet Cooler Unit – in 303 stainless steel approved for category 2 (zone 1) ATEX zones.
A70025EX-SS316 – EX Cabinet Cooler Unit in 316 stainless steel approved for category 2 (zone 1) ATEX zones.
You can use nitrogen if the pressure requirements are sufficient. Nitrogen is an inert gas and so could be used in fire-risk, hazardous areas, to prevent oxidisation. However, nitrogen is typically very costly and for economic reasons we recommend only using compressed air.
NEEDS UPDATING WHEN TESTS ARE CARRIED OUT
Meech would recommend installing the Cabinet Cooler as a ‘system’ i.e. with the thermostat and solenoid. The thermostat paired with the thermocouple will regulate the internal temperature, signaling the solenoid valve to open and close when the desired safe internal temperature has been reached.
Using the Cabinet Cooler as part of the system will improve overall efficiency reducing the cycle duty massively and in turn reduce your compressed air consumption.