Determining if a cooling system needs cleaning primarily relies on three categories of signs: abnormal operating parameters, frequent product defects, and deterioration of the system's physical condition. Timely identification can prevent uneven cooling, mold deformation, or unplanned downtime.
1. Abnormal Operating Parameters
Inlet/Outlet Water Temperature Difference Increases to Over 7°C (Normal Temperature Should Be ≤5°C): Indicates decreased heat exchange efficiency; scale buildup or blockage in the water system may be present.
Cooling Water Flow Rate Decreases by More Than 5%: Low flow meter readings suggest increased deposits in the pipes, affecting circulation.
Mold Temperature Fluctuations Exceed ±2°C: Unstable temperature control may be due to uneven cooling; check the water system's patency.
2. Product Inconsistency Issues
Weight Difference of Multi-Cavity Products > 2% or Dimensional Deviations: Indicates inconsistent cooling rates across cavities, commonly seen in insufficient cooling of distant cavities.
Shrinkage Marks, Warping, or Deformation in Thick-Walled Areas: Indicates poor heat dissipation in that area; partial blockage in the water system may be present.
Localized scorching or material degradation often occurs in the main waterway or at the bottom of deep cavities, indicating "hot spot" accumulation and insufficient cooling capacity.
3. Abnormal System Physical Condition
Turbid water, rust, or sediment: This directly indicates corrosion or scaling inside the water system and requires immediate cleaning.
Leaks at cooling joints or seals: This may be due to uneven stress caused by scale buildup, leading to O-ring aging and leakage.
Increased noise from the water pump or cooling tower: This is a signal of increased circulation resistance and may be related to water system blockage.
Recommended Actions: If any of the above phenomena are observed, pulse cleaning or chemical descaling should be arranged as soon as possible to prevent the problem from worsening. For high-frequency production molds, it is recommended to set automatic warning thresholds in conjunction with the MES system.
