Finish Thompson Little Cooler User Manual

S

OL

V

E

NT

S

Y

NG

I

CL

Y

C

E

R

M

E

T

S

Introduction.......................................2

Little Cooler

Instruction Manual

(Standard, 1 Phase Version)

Safety Precautions.............................2

Choosing a Location.........................3

Plumbing Connections......................4

Electrical Connections......................6

Start-up and Operation......................

Maintenance Schedule..................... 9

Troubleshooting............................... 9

Common Spare Parts..................... 10

ervicing the Pump ……………… 1

S

Electrical Schematic.........................13

Specifications...................................13

8

1

Warranty...........................................13

Versio n 2.4

April 2003

INTRODUCTION

The Little Cooler is a closed-loop cooling system designed to work with an FTI distillation
system. Use of the Little Cooler can save money and conserve the environment by eliminating
the continuous use of a clean water supply. Further, this air-cooled system uses no ozone­depleting gasses to perform its job. Quality engineered and manufactured, the Little Cooler
requires minimal operator involvement and maintenance and can provide years of trouble-free
service. The Little Cooler is compatible with all of FTI’s electrically heated LS-Series solvent
distillation systems.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

WARNING:

READ THIS MANUAL COMPLETELY BEFORE INSTALLING AND OPERATING THIS
UNIT. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE PRECAUTIONS CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS
INJURY OR DEATH.

 The Little Cooler is non-explosion proof and must be installed outside the hazardous area.
 Do not use the Little Cooler for processing solvents with boiling points below 150F.
 Ambient temperature of installation area must not exceed 100F.
 A qualified electrician should perform electrical wiring.
 Any electrical wiring or components connected to the Little Cooler that enter a hazardous

area must conform to the explosion proof standards for that hazardous area.

 Store and keep all flammables and combustibles a safe distance from the unit. A minimum

of 20 feet is required.

 Wear proper eye and skin protection when installing, operating, or maintaining this

equipment.

2

CHOOSING A LOCATION

Follow these requirements to determine a suitable installation location for the Little Cooler:

 Install outside of any hazardous areas.
 The horizontal distance (from the equipment being cooled) must be less than 50 feet.
 The vertical rise (to or from equipment being cooled) must be less than 12 feet.
 Ambient air temperature around the unit must not exceed 100F.
 Install the unit on a flat, level surface. It will be necessary to secure the base of the unit

(using the mounting holes provided).

 The enclosure of the Little Cooler is weather resistant and is suitable for outdoor

installation.

 Precautions must be taken to avoid direct sunlight and severe weather.

LITTLE COOLER

HAZARDOUS

AREA

DISTILLATION UNIT

12 FT. MAX

50 FT. MAX

 The front of the unit (where the electrical box and sight glass are located) must be in an

open area and accessible at all times for performing routine maintenance. The top of unit
and rear (where the radiator is located) must be in an open area to allow proper air
circulation. A minimum of 12 inches of space is required on each side of the unit.

3

PLUMBING CONNECTIONS

General plumbing instructions:

 Use a minimum of 5/8-inch (inside diameter) high temperature flexible hose or 1/2 inch

piping to and from the Little Cooler for coolant circulation.

 Use sweep elbows or large radius bends to reduce frictional losses in the piping. Length of

coolant lines must not exceed 50 feet.

 The WATER OUTLET of the Little Cooler plumbs to the condenser or WATER INLET of the

distillation unit. The WATER OUTLET from the distillation unit’s condenser returns to the
WATER INLET of the Little Cooler.

 If using a JetVac attachment with your solvent distillation system:

1) Install a tee into the coolant lines. Plumb the JetVac to the branch side of each tee (for
both the water and the water out).

2) Install a ball valve on the water out side, after the tee to the JetVac unit (this is used to

restrict the flow to the JetVac unit if the flow switch for the distillation unit is not being
satisfied).

 Plumb a Y-strainer in line to the WATER INLET side of the distillation unit. This is to catch

any foreign matter or debris that enters into the cooling system (Note: models LS-15IIE and

LS-55IIE already have a Y-strainer factory-installed inside their cabinet).
NOTE: When installing the Little Cooler to models LS-15IIE or LS-55IIE, the water solenoid
valve inside the Still may need to be bypassed. The solenoid significantly reduces coolant flow
capabilities, thereby hindering the performance of the Little Cooler. Whether or not this is
required depends on the amount, type, and distance of plumbing between the Still and the
Little Cooler.
NOTE: Do not use the Little Cooler for the optional “Quick-cool” feature of an LS distillation
system. Use tap water only for this feature.
NOTE: If using the Little Cooler with an LS-15IIE or LS-55IIE refer to the “Special Plumbing
Requirements...” section of this manual for additional instructions.

4