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Product Description
The SML Series Air-Cooled Chiller is a high-performance industrial cooling system engineered by Chenxing Machinery for demanding process cooling applications across manufacturing, commercial, and industrial sectors. Utilizing imported semi-hermetic screw compressors in single or parallel configurations, the SML Series delivers refrigerating capacities ranging from 106,000 to 495,000 kcal/h across six standard models (SML-100F through SML-500F). Unlike traditional water-cooled systems, this air-cooled chiller eliminates the need for cooling towers, cooling water pumps, and complex piping infrastructure — enabling outdoor installation without a dedicated machine room and substantially reducing initial capital expenditure.
Designed for reliability in harsh environments, the SML Series features copper-tube aluminum-fin air-side heat exchangers with galvanized steel frames and external metal filter nets, shell-and-tube evaporators for efficient water-side heat transfer, and big-blade low-noise axial flow fans with built-in overcurrent protection. A microcomputer-based automatic control system continuously monitors operating parameters and adjusts compressor staging and fan operation to maintain optimal efficiency under varying load conditions. Using R22 refrigerant, the SML Series provides stable chilled water output across a broad flow range of 21–99 m³/h, making it suitable for everything from precision equipment cooling to large-scale central air conditioning systems.
Whether you operate a plastic extrusion line, chemical processing plant, pharmaceutical facility, or commercial building, the SML Series delivers the reliability, efficiency, and low total cost of ownership that global industrial buyers demand from their industrial chiller investment.
The following table presents the complete technical parameters for all six models in the SML Series. All models share a common three-phase four-wire, 380V, 50Hz power supply and use R22 as the operational refrigerant. The air-side heat exchanger type is uniform across the series: copper-tube, aluminum high-performance fin construction with galvanized steel frame.
| Parameter | SML-100F | SML-150F | SML-200F | SML-300F | SML-400F | SML-500F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerating Capacity (kcal/h) | 106,000 | 165,000 | 212,000 | 330,000 | 434,000 | 495,000 |
| Compressor Quantity | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Compressor Type | Semi-Hermetic Screw | Semi-Hermetic Screw | Semi-Hermetic Screw | Semi-Hermetic Screw | Semi-Hermetic Screw | Semi-Hermetic Screw |
| Rated Power (kW) | 51 | 80 | 51 × 2 = 102 | 80 × 2 = 160 | 104 × 2 = 208 | 80 × 3 = 240 |
| Refrigerant Charge (kg) | 28 | 42 | 28 × 2 = 56 | 42 × 2 = 84 | 56 × 2 = 112 | 42 × 3 = 126 |
| Evaporator Type | Shell-and-Tube | Shell-and-Tube | Shell-and-Tube | Shell-and-Tube | Shell-and-Tube | Shell-and-Tube |
| Fan Type | Big-Blade Low-Noise Axial Flow | Big-Blade Low-Noise Axial Flow | Big-Blade Low-Noise Axial Flow | Big-Blade Low-Noise Axial Flow | Big-Blade Low-Noise Axial Flow | Big-Blade Low-Noise Axial Flow |
| Fan Quantity × Motor Power (kW) | 0.75 × 4 = 3 | 0.75 × 6 = 4.5 | 0.75 × 8 = 6 | 0.75 × 12 = 9 | 0.75 × 16 = 12 | 0.75 × 20 = 15 |
| Water Flow (m³/h) | 21 | 33 | 40 | 66 | 86 | 99 |
| Water Pressure Drop (KPa) | <100 | <100 | <100 | <100 | <100 | <100 |
| Pipe Diameter (mm) | DN65 | DN80 | DN100 | DN125 | DN125 | DN150 |
| Weight (kg) | 1,980 | 2,200 | 2,900 | 3,800 | 6,200 | 6,400 |
| Dimensions L×W×H (mm) | 2,250×2,140×2,480 | 2,250×2,140×2,480 | 4,500×2,140×2,480 | 4,500×2,140×2,480 | 6,750×2,140×2,480 | 6,750×2,140×2,480 |
> Note: For multi-compressor models (SML-200F and above), the refrigerant charge and fan power values represent the sum of individual unit quantities. All models share identical compressor type, evaporator configuration, heat exchanger materials, fan type, and water pressure drop specification.
The defining advantage of the SML Series is its air-cooled configuration, which completely eliminates the need for cooling towers, cooling water pumps, and the extensive piping networks associated with water-cooled cooling systems. This translates directly into lower initial investment: no cooling tower procurement, no condenser water pump purchase, no underground pipe installation, and no dedicated machine room construction. The unit is designed for outdoor installation on rooftops, concrete pads, or open platforms, freeing up valuable indoor floor space for production equipment. For factories expanding existing facilities or operating in regions with water scarcity, the air-cooled approach delivers both economic and operational flexibility that water-cooled alternatives simply cannot match.
At the heart of every SML Series unit are imported original semi-hermetic screw compressors sourced from globally recognized manufacturers. The semi-hermetic design integrates the motor and compression mechanism within a single sealed housing, eliminating external shaft seals that are common leak points in open-drive systems. Screw compressor technology offers distinct advantages over reciprocating alternatives: fewer moving parts, lower vibration, continuous compression without pulsation, and the ability to operate reliably at part-load conditions through capacity modulation. For multi-compressor models (SML-200F through SML-500F), the parallel configuration provides built-in redundancy — if one compressor requires maintenance, the remaining unit(s) continue to deliver partial cooling capacity, preventing complete process shutdown.
The air-side heat exchanger employs copper tubes mechanically bonded to aluminum fins within a galvanized steel frame structure — a proven combination that maximizes heat transfer efficiency while resisting corrosion in outdoor environments. Each fin pack is protected by an external metal filter net that serves a dual purpose: preventing dust, debris, and insects from accumulating on the fin surface, and maintaining unrestricted airflow for sustained thermal performance over extended operating periods. In industrial environments where airborne particulates are common — such as plastic processing plants with powder handling, or facilities near construction sites — this filtration layer significantly reduces the frequency of coil cleaning and the associated downtime.
The SML Series is governed by a microcomputer-based control system that continuously monitors key parameters: chilled water outlet temperature, ambient air temperature, compressor discharge and suction pressures, and electrical load. Based on real-time comparison against user-defined setpoints, the controller automatically manages compressor staging (starting and stopping individual compressors in multi-unit configurations), fan cycling, and protective safety sequences. This "set-and-forget" automation ensures the air-cooled chiller operates at its optimal efficiency point regardless of fluctuating thermal loads or ambient conditions, while built-in protective logic guards against high-pressure, low-pressure, phase loss, overload, and refrigerant leak scenarios.
Noise management is a critical consideration for outdoor equipment, especially in mixed-use or residential-adjacent industrial zones. The SML Series employs big-blade low-noise axial flow fans specifically selected for high airflow at reduced rotational speeds — large blade diameters move greater air volumes per revolution, achieving the required condenser heat rejection at lower tip speeds and correspondingly lower acoustic signatures. Each fan motor includes built-in overcurrent protection and is externally shielded by a metal guard mesh. Complementing the fan design, the compressor mounting incorporates anti-vibration isolators that decouple mechanical vibration from the unit frame, further reducing structure-borne noise transmission to the installation surface and surrounding environment.
Models SML-200F and above utilize a modular multi-compressor parallel architecture that delivers three practical benefits. First, capacity scalability: the SML-500F with three compressors provides 495,000 kcal/h from a single integrated package, avoiding the complexity of managing multiple independent chiller units. Second, staged capacity control: as cooling demand fluctuates, the microcomputer controller stages compressors on and off in sequence, matching power consumption to actual load rather than running a single large compressor at part-load inefficiency. Third, maintenance continuity: individual compressors can be isolated and serviced while the remaining units continue to provide partial cooling, a critical advantage for processes that cannot tolerate complete shutdown — such as continuous extrusion lines or 24/7 chemical batch operations.
The water-side heat exchanger is a shell-and-tube evaporator, a design widely preferred in industrial refrigeration for its durability, serviceability, and tolerance of variable water quality. Refrigerant flows through the shell side while chilled water circulates through the tube bundle, with the large heat transfer surface area ensuring efficient thermal exchange at water flow rates from 21 to 99 m³/h. Unlike compact brazed-plate evaporators that are susceptible to fouling and difficult to clean, the shell-and-tube design allows mechanical cleaning of the water-side tubes and straightforward tube bundle replacement if ever required — features that contribute directly to extended service life and lower lifecycle maintenance costs.
The SML Series operates on the fundamental vapor compression refrigeration cycle, adapted for air-cooled heat rejection. Understanding this cycle helps facility managers and maintenance personnel optimize system performance and troubleshoot operating anomalies.
Stage 1 — Compression: Low-pressure, low-temperature refrigerant vapor enters the semi-hermetic screw compressor, where intermeshing rotors progressively reduce the trapped gas volume, raising both pressure and temperature. The compressor discharges high-pressure, high-temperature vapor to the condenser circuit. In multi-compressor configurations, the microcomputer controller determines how many compressors to activate based on the gap between actual and target chilled water temperature.
Stage 2 — Condensation (Heat Rejection): The superheated refrigerant vapor passes through the air-side heat exchanger (functioning as the condenser). Axial flow fans draw ambient air across the copper-tube aluminum-fin coil, removing heat from the refrigerant and discharging it to the atmosphere. As the refrigerant cools, it condenses from vapor to high-pressure liquid. The metal filter nets protecting each coil section ensure sustained airflow and heat transfer efficiency even in dusty industrial environments.
Stage 3 — Expansion: High-pressure liquid refrigerant flows through the expansion device, which creates a pressure drop that causes a portion of the liquid to flash into vapor. This throttling process dramatically reduces the refrigerant temperature, producing a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid-vapor mixture ready to absorb heat in the evaporator.
Stage 4 — Evaporation (Cooling): The cold refrigerant mixture enters the shell-and-tube evaporator, where it absorbs heat from the circulating chilled water flowing through the tube bundle. As heat transfers from the water to the refrigerant, the remaining liquid refrigerant boils into vapor while the chilled water temperature drops to the desired setpoint. The cooled water is then pumped to the process equipment, building air handlers, or other loads requiring temperature control.
Stage 5 — Return: The now fully vaporized low-pressure refrigerant returns to the compressor suction inlet, and the cycle repeats continuously. The microcomputer controller modulates compressor staging and fan operation throughout to match the cooling system output to real-time demand.
In plastic manufacturing, precise temperature control is essential for product quality and dimensional stability. The SML Series provides reliable chilled water for extrusion barrel cooling, mold temperature regulation in injection molding, and calender roll cooling in sheet production. When integrated with a PVC hot-cutting pelletizing line, the chiller ensures consistent pellet quality by maintaining optimal die-face temperatures. Similarly, WPC foam board extrusion lines depend on stable cooling to achieve uniform foam cell structure and surface finish. For operations that include post-production size reduction, Chenxing's plastic crushers and disc grinding pulverizers benefit from chilled water to manage frictional heat during grinding, preventing material degradation.
Exothermic chemical reactions, solvent recovery condensers, and reactor jacket cooling all require dependable process cooling. The SML Series delivers the cooling capacity and temperature stability needed for batch consistency in chemical synthesis and pharmaceutical production. The outdoor installation capability is particularly valuable for chemical facilities, where indoor space is often allocated to hazardous-area-rated process equipment rather than utility systems.
From dairy pasteurization cooling to fermentation temperature control in brewing, food-grade process cooling demands both reliability and hygiene. While the SML Series uses R22 refrigerant, its robust shell-and-tube evaporator design and stainless-steel-compatible construction make it suitable for indirect food process cooling where the chilled water loop interfaces with food-contact heat exchangers downstream. For operations that also manage packaging waste, Chenxing's integrated plastic recycling solutions can close the loop on post-industrial plastic scrap.
Large commercial buildings — shopping centers, hotels, office complexes, hospitals — require centralized chilled water for air conditioning. The SML-300F through SML-500F models, with capacities from 330,000 to 495,000 kcal/h, are well-suited for medium-to-large commercial HVAC applications. The air-cooled design eliminates the cooling tower typically found on commercial building roofs, reducing structural load, water treatment costs, and Legionella risk management requirements.
Laser cutting machines, CNC machining centers, electron microscopes, MRI systems, and semiconductor test equipment all generate concentrated heat loads that must be removed to maintain accuracy and prevent thermal drift. The SML-100F and SML-150F models provide compact, self-contained cooling for individual high-value equipment installations, while larger models support centralized cooling loops serving multiple machines across a factory floor.
The plastic grinding machine and crushing and grinding machine operations generate significant frictional heat. Integrating an SML Series chiller into the grinding circuit provides jacket cooling for the mill chamber, maintaining material temperature below the softening point and preserving particle size distribution consistency. For complete recycling lines, the chiller also serves downstream equipment such as plastic pelletizers and vibrating screens used for final product classification.
Selecting between an air-cooled chiller and a water-cooled alternative is one of the most consequential decisions in specifying an industrial cooling system. The following comparison helps procurement managers and facility engineers evaluate which approach best fits their operational context.
| Consideration | Air-Cooled (SML Series) | Water-Cooled |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Investment | Lower — no cooling tower, condenser pump, or piping required | Higher — requires cooling tower + pump + piping + water treatment |
| Installation Complexity | Simple — outdoor pad or rooftop placement, electrical + chilled water connections only | Complex — cooling tower structural support, condenser water loop, chemical treatment system |
| Machine Room Requirement | None — designed for outdoor exposure | Required — indoor mechanical room for chiller, plus outdoor space for cooling tower |
| Water Consumption | None for heat rejection — only the closed chilled water loop | Continuous makeup water for evaporation, drift, and blowdown |
| Operating Efficiency | Affected by ambient air temperature — higher condensing temperatures in hot weather | More stable — cooling tower maintains lower condensing temperatures year-round |
| Maintenance Burden | Moderate — coil cleaning, fan motor inspection, refrigerant checks | Higher — water treatment, tower cleaning, condenser tube brushing, Legionella management |
| Best For | Water-scarce regions, retrofit projects, decentralized cooling, outdoor installations | Large central plants, regions with low water costs, applications demanding maximum efficiency |
For most industrial users, the SML Series' elimination of cooling tower infrastructure — with its associated water treatment chemicals, freeze protection concerns in cold climates, and biological growth risks — represents a compelling operational simplification. The trade-off is a modest efficiency penalty during peak summer ambient temperatures, which should be factored into model selection calculations. Our engineering team can assist with a lifecycle cost analysis comparing both options for your specific site conditions, local utility rates, and cooling load profile.
Chenxing Machinery, headquartered in Zhangjiagang City, Jiangsu Province, has specialized in industrial machinery manufacturing since 2002. With ISO and CE certifications, our factory combines advanced CNC machining capability with rigorous quality control — every SML Series chiller undergoes a comprehensive factory acceptance test before shipment, verifying cooling capacity, electrical safety, and control system functionality against design specifications.
Unlike standalone chiller suppliers, Chenxing provides the full upstream and downstream equipment chain for plastics, chemical, and industrial processing. The SML Series integrates seamlessly with Chenxing extrusion lines, high-speed mixers, screw feeders, pelletizing lines, and plastic recycling solutions — enabling single-source procurement, unified after-sales support, and simplified spare parts management for turnkey production facilities.
Our machines operate across North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and South America. We provide remote commissioning guidance via video call, optional on-site technician dispatch for installation and operator training, and lifetime technical support. A comprehensive spare parts inventory ensures same-day dispatch for critical components, minimizing downtime for your operations.
While the six standard SML models cover a broad capacity range, we recognize that every facility has unique constraints. Our engineering team can configure voltage options beyond the standard 380V/50Hz, customize control system features, integrate with building management systems (BMS), and specify alternative compressor brands based on your regional service and parts availability requirements.
The fundamental distinction lies in how each system rejects heat to the environment. The SML Series uses ambient air blown across finned condenser coils by axial fans to remove heat from the refrigerant — no water is consumed in the heat rejection process. A water-cooled chiller, by contrast, transfers heat to a condenser water loop that is then cooled by evaporation in a cooling tower. This means water-cooled systems require a continuous makeup water supply (to replace evaporation, drift, and blowdown losses), chemical water treatment, and both a chiller plant room and outdoor space for the cooling tower. The SML Series eliminates all of these requirements — the complete cooling system is self-contained in a single weatherproof package suitable for outdoor pad or rooftop installation. This makes it the preferred choice for facilities with water scarcity, limited indoor mechanical space, or budget constraints that preclude cooling tower infrastructure.
Yes, the SML Series is engineered for continuous outdoor operation across a wide range of ambient conditions. The condenser coils and fan sizing are designed to maintain adequate heat rejection even at elevated ambient temperatures. However, like all air-cooled refrigeration equipment, the unit's effective cooling capacity decreases as outdoor air temperature rises — as a rule of thumb, a 1°C increase in condensing temperature corresponds to approximately 2–3% reduction in cooling capacity and a 2–3% increase in power consumption. For installations in regions where summer ambient temperatures regularly exceed 40°C, we recommend sizing the chiller with additional capacity margin. Our engineering team can perform a location-specific performance analysis using local weather data (ASHRAE design conditions or equivalent) to ensure the selected SML model delivers your required cooling capacity under worst-case summer conditions.
The SML Series uses a dedicated microcomputer controller that manages all operational functions: compressor staging, fan cycling, temperature setpoint maintenance, safety alarm monitoring, and automatic restart after power interruption. Operators interact with the controller through a digital display panel that shows real-time chilled water inlet/outlet temperatures, compressor run status, and alarm codes. For integration with higher-level building management systems (BMS) or plant SCADA systems, the controller supports dry-contact alarm outputs and remote start/stop signals as standard. More advanced communication protocols (Modbus RTU, BACnet) can be provided upon request at the time of order. This flexibility allows the air-cooled chiller to function either as a standalone autonomous unit or as a managed subsystem within a larger facility automation architecture.
Routine maintenance for the SML Series is straightforward compared to water-cooled alternatives. The primary tasks are: (1) Condenser coil cleaning — inspect monthly, clean quarterly (or more frequently in dusty environments) using compressed air or low-pressure water spray from the inside outward. The metal filter nets should be removed and washed separately. (2) Fan and motor inspection — check blade security, bearing noise, and motor amperage draw quarterly. (3) Refrigerant charge verification — check sight glass and operating pressures semi-annually. (4) Water-side maintenance — monitor chilled water quality (pH, conductivity, inhibitor concentration) and inspect strainers quarterly. The shell-and-tube evaporator allows mechanical tube cleaning if scaling occurs. (5) Electrical connections — torque-check terminal connections and inspect contactor condition annually. We recommend maintaining a maintenance log and establishing a service contract with a local refrigeration technician for the annual comprehensive inspection. Detailed maintenance schedules are provided in the operating manual shipped with each unit.
Chenxing Machinery provides a standard 12-month warranty from the date of commissioning or 18 months from the date of shipment, whichever occurs first. The warranty covers manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship for all major components: compressors, evaporator, condenser coils, fan motors, control system, and structural frame. Consumable items (filter nets, gaskets, fuses) and damage resulting from improper installation, inadequate maintenance, unauthorized modifications, or operation outside specified parameters are excluded. Extended warranty options covering up to 36 months for compressor replacement are available at the time of order. All warranty claims are processed through our after-sales service team — contact Nicole at ceo@cxsljx.com with your machine serial number and a description of the issue for prompt assessment and resolution.
Yes. While the standard configuration is 380V 50Hz 3-phase (common across China, Europe, and many international markets), we can factory-configure SML Series chillers for 415V 50Hz, 460V 60Hz, and other voltage-frequency combinations to match local utility standards in the Americas, Middle East, Southeast Asia, and other regions. Customization involves selecting appropriately rated compressor motors, fan motors, control transformers, and protection devices during manufacturing — not a field modification. When submitting your inquiry, please specify your site's available voltage, phase, and frequency so our engineering team can confirm compatibility and include any necessary electrical customization in the quotation.
The current standard refrigerant for the SML Series is R22 (HCFC-22), which is widely available globally but is being phased down under the Montreal Protocol due to its ozone depletion potential. For customers in regions where R22 phase-out regulations are already in effect or imminent, we strongly recommend discussing alternative refrigerant options with our engineering team at the inquiry stage. Potential retrofit paths include R407C, R134a, or R404A, depending on your application temperature requirements, but these substitutions require changes to compressor lubricant type, expansion device sizing, and potentially heat exchanger surface area — they are not simple drop-in replacements. For new installations in markets with strict environmental regulations, we can configure the SML Series from the factory for a more sustainable refrigerant with lower global warming potential (GWP), ensuring long-term regulatory compliance and eliminating the need for a future retrofit.
Ready to source a reliable industrial chiller for your facility? Follow our streamlined four-step inquiry process to receive a customized, obligation-free proposal from our engineering team.
Tell us about your application and operating conditions so we can recommend the optimal model or configuration:
Cooling capacity needed: Required refrigerating capacity (in kcal/h, kW, or tons of refrigeration) or the process parameters — chilled water flow rate (m³/h), inlet and outlet water temperatures (°C), and the equipment or process being cooled.
Ambient conditions: Installation location (country/city), maximum expected ambient air temperature in summer, and any site-specific constraints (available footprint, noise limits, altitude above sea level).
Process profile: Whether cooling demand is continuous (24/7) or intermittent, single-shift or multi-shift, and whether there are critical processes that cannot tolerate any downtime.
Provide the electrical and mechanical interface details for your installation:
Power supply: Voltage, phase, and frequency available at the installation point. The standard configuration is 380V 50Hz 3-phase; please specify if different.
Chilled water system: Pipe connection sizes currently installed or planned, type of chilled water (treated water, glycol mixture percentage for freeze protection), and whether a chilled water buffer tank or pump skid is also required.
Control integration: Whether you need standalone control, remote start/stop dry contacts, or communication with a building management system (specify protocol — Modbus, BACnet, etc.).
Within 24 business hours, you will receive from our engineering team:
A recommended SML Series model (or custom configuration) with detailed technical specifications
Performance data at your specified operating conditions
Transparent FOB/CIF pricing and estimated delivery lead time
Optional scope items: installation supervision, commissioning, extended warranty, spare parts kit
Shipping dimensions/weights for logistics planning
Before final order confirmation, you have the option to:
Visit our Zhangjiagang factory to inspect SML Series units in production and witness a factory acceptance test
Request a live video walkthrough of your configured unit during assembly and testing
Engage a third-party inspection agency (SGS, Bureau Veritas, TÜV) for independent verification
Discuss payment terms (T/T, L/C at sight) and shipping arrangements with our export documentation team
| Channel | Detail |
|---|---|
| Phone WhatsApp WeChat | +86 159 5118 7228 |
| ceo@cxsljx.com | |
| Company | Zhangjiagang Chenxing Machinery Co., Ltd. |
| Website | www.chenxingmachinery.com |
Inquiry response time: Within 12 business hours. WhatsApp messages typically receive a reply within 2 hours during China business hours (UTC+8, 08:00–18:00).
