Why must water be circulated through a chiller during refrigerant evacuation?

Circulating water through a chiller during refrigerant evacuation is essential to prevent the freezing of water. When the refrigerant is evacuated, the pressure in the system decreases, which can lead to a drop in temperature. If the temperature drops too low, any water present can freeze, potentially causing blockages in the system or damage to components like the evaporator or the chiller itself.

Keeping water circulating helps maintain a consistent temperature and prevents this potential freeze-up, ensuring the system remains operational and reduces the risk of damage during the evacuation process. This practice is crucial for the reliability and efficiency of cooling systems, particularly in environments where low temperatures may occur during the evacuation phase.