Industrial Water-Cooled Condensing Units – Semi-Hermetic Compressor, Shell-and-Tube Condenser
Engineered for heavy-duty cold storage, food processing, pharmaceutical冷链, and supermarket refrigeration. XNAIR water-cooled condensing units deliver consistent cooling capacity from 5HP to 60HP, with multi-refrigerant compatibility across R449A, R404A, and R290.
XNAIR water-cooled condensing units combine a semi-hermetic reciprocating compressor with a high-efficiency shell-and-tube water-cooled condenser in one integrated skid. Designed for industrial refrigeration where air-cooled units fall short—particularly in high-ambient regions, indoor plant rooms, and applications demanding stable condensing pressure year-round. Factory-configured for R449A and R290, with CE and ISO 9001 certification.
Technical Specifications – XNAIR Water-Cooled Condensing Unit Series
The table below presents the standard configuration parameters. Custom voltage, refrigerant, and corrosion-protection packages are available upon request. All units are 100% factory-tested under full load before shipment.
| Parameter | XWCU-5H | XWCU-8H | XWCU-15H | XWCU-20H | XWCU-30H | XWCU-40H | XWCU-60H |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nominal Power | 5 HP | 8 HP | 15 HP | 20 HP | 30 HP | 40 HP | 60 HP |
| Cooling Capacity @ -10°C ET / +35°C CT | 3.7 kW | 6.0 kW | 11.2 kW | 15.0 kW | 22.5 kW | 30.0 kW | 45.0 kW |
| Compressor Type | Semi-hermetic reciprocating (Bitzer / Frascold compatible upon request) | ||||||
| Condenser Type | Horizontal shell-and-tube, copper tubes with internal grooving, carbon steel shell | ||||||
| Refrigerant Compatibility | R404A / R449A / R290 (propane) — factory-configured per order | ||||||
| Power Supply (Standard) | 380–440V / 3 Phase / 50Hz or 60Hz | ||||||
| Condenser Water Flow Rate | 0.9 m³/h | 1.4 m³/h | 2.7 m³/h | 3.6 m³/h | 5.4 m³/h | 7.2 m³/h | 10.8 m³/h |
| Water Pressure Drop | 18 kPa | 22 kPa | 28 kPa | 32 kPa | 38 kPa | 42 kPa | 50 kPa |
| Evaporating Temperature Range | -40°C to +10°C (dependent on refrigerant and compressor selection) | ||||||
| Condensing Temperature Range | +30°C to +55°C | ||||||
| Dimensions (L×W×H) Approx. | 1200×750×950 mm | 1350×800×1050 mm | 1550×900×1150 mm | 1700×950×1200 mm | 1950×1050×1350 mm | 2100×1100×1450 mm | 2400×1200×1550 mm |
| Net Weight Approx. | 280 kg | 350 kg | 520 kg | 680 kg | 920 kg | 1150 kg | 1580 kg |
* ET = Evaporating Temperature; CT = Condensing Temperature. Cooling capacity values are indicative and vary with operating conditions. Contact XNAIR engineering for a performance data sheet tailored to your project.
Target Applications Across High-Demand Industries
Water-cooled condensing units are the preferred choice in scenarios where air-cooled systems struggle—enclosed plant rooms, high-ambient climates, and facilities requiring precise temperature stability. Below are the four primary industries where XNAIR water-cooled units see the highest procurement volume globally.
1. Cold Storage & Warehousing
In large-scale cold storage facilities operating at -25°C to +5°C, water-cooled condensing units maintain stable condensing pressure regardless of outdoor temperature fluctuations. This is critical for preserving frozen meat, seafood, dairy products, and pre-packaged foods over extended storage periods.
Why water-cooled for cold storage:
- Stable condensing pressure even when outdoor ambient exceeds 40°C
- Indoor installation eliminates dust-clogging issues common with air-cooled condensers
- Lower discharge temperature extends compressor service life in heavy-duty cycles
- Compatible with central cooling tower water loops for multi-unit facilities
2. Food Processing & Preservation
From poultry slaughterhouses to dairy processing lines, food-grade refrigeration demands rapid pull-down capability and uninterrupted 24/7 operation. XNAIR water-cooled condensing units are specified for process cooling tunnels, blast freezers, and ingredient chillers where heat rejection into ambient air would compromise hygiene or exceed noise limits.
3. Pharmaceutical & Medical Cold Chain
GMP-compliant pharmaceutical warehouses and vaccine storage facilities require refrigeration systems with minimal temperature deviation (±1°C tolerance). Water-cooled condensing units, with their inherently stable condensing pressure, reduce compressor cycling frequency and help maintain the ultra-stable evaporator temperatures essential for WHO-prequalified cold chain storage.
4. Supermarket & Retail Refrigeration
In urban supermarket environments where rooftop space is limited and noise ordinances restrict air-cooled condenser placement, water-cooled condensing units installed in basement or rear plant rooms provide a compact, low-noise alternative. They serve multiplex compressor racks for display cases, walk-in coolers, and prep-room refrigeration.
Global Adaptability – Engineered for Regional Compliance
XNAIR water-cooled condensing units are pre-configured to meet the electrical, environmental, and operational requirements of diverse global markets. Below are the regional adaptations we support.
Africa & Middle East – High Ambient & Dust Resilience
For regions where daytime temperatures routinely exceed 45°C and airborne dust is prevalent, water-cooled condensing units eliminate the performance degradation that plagues air-cooled systems. The shell-and-tube condenser operates with a closed cooling tower loop, keeping the refrigerant-side condensing temperature stable at 38–42°C regardless of ambient conditions. Optional epoxy-coated condenser shells and stainless-steel water connections resist corrosion from brackish or treated cooling water.
Europe & North America – Low-GWP Refrigerant Compliance & Certifications
XNAIR offers full R290 (propane, GWP=3) and R449A (GWP=1397) configurations to comply with EU F-Gas Regulation (EU 517/2014) phase-down schedules and North American AIM Act requirements. For R290 models, all electrical components are ATEX/IECEx-certified for Zone 2 hazardous areas, with integrated gas detection and emergency ventilation interlocks as standard. Units carry CE marking and can be supplied with UL/CSA certification upon request for North American projects.
Southeast Asia & South America – High Humidity, Corrosion Protection & Rugged Shipping
In tropical coastal regions with relative humidity above 85%, corrosion is the primary threat to refrigeration equipment longevity. XNAIR applies a marine-grade anti-corrosion coating to all external steel surfaces, uses 304 stainless steel for water-side connections, and treats electrical enclosures to IP65 ingress protection rating. For overland transport on unpaved roads, units are packed in reinforced fumigated plywood crates with internal vibration-dampening foam cradles.
Engineering Details – Materials, Safety & Construction
Every XNAIR water-cooled condensing unit is built with industrial-grade materials selected for longevity under continuous operation. The following engineering details define the construction quality.
- Compressor: Semi-hermetic reciprocating design with serviceable valve plates, oil pump lubrication, and built-in crankcase heater. Compatible with Bitzer Ecoline and Frascold series for global spare parts availability.
- Condenser Shell: Carbon steel with internal epoxy coating; tube bundle uses internally grooved copper tubes (Ø19mm) with removable water-side heads for mechanical cleaning—critical for regions with hard water.
- Refrigerant Piping: Type L copper tubing throughout, brazed with 15% silver-content filler under nitrogen purge to prevent internal oxidation.
- Control System: XNAIR XC-200 microprocessor controller with phase-sequence protection, high/low-pressure cut-outs, compressor over-temperature protection, and Modbus RS485 communication for BMS integration.
- Frame & Base: Heavy-gauge structural steel with hot-dip galvanized finish; integrated drip tray with drain connection; vibration isolators pre-installed between compressor and base frame.
- Safety Compliance: Built-in pressure relief valve on the condenser shell (set pressure 28 bar), dual independent high-pressure switches, and emergency stop button on the control panel face.
Shipping & Logistics – Built for Overseas Transport
XNAIR understands that international B2B buyers need assurance that heavy industrial equipment will arrive intact. Every water-cooled condensing unit is packed to withstand the rigors of maritime shipping, container handling, and inland trucking over rough terrain.
- Fumigated plywood crate (ISPM-15 compliant) with internal bracing rated for 3-ton dynamic load
- Vibration-dampening foam cradles isolate the compressor from transit shock
- Desiccant packs (500g × 4) placed inside the crate to prevent moisture ingress during ocean freight
- Nitrogen holding charge (2 bar) maintained in the refrigerant circuit to verify hermetic integrity upon arrival
- Container loading photographs provided to buyer before vessel departure
Quality & Certifications – Factory Testing & Compliance
100% Full-Load Factory Testing Protocol
Before any XNAIR water-cooled condensing unit leaves our Shanghai manufacturing facility, it undergoes a mandatory 4-hour full-load run test on a calibrated water-loop test bench. The test protocol includes:
- Cooling capacity verification at three evaporating temperature setpoints (-25°C, -10°C, +5°C)
- Compressor discharge temperature and oil pressure monitoring under maximum condensing temperature (55°C)
- Shell-and-tube condenser water-side pressure drop measurement and leak-decay test
- Electrical insulation resistance test (megger test at 500V DC) on all motor windings
- Control system functional verification including phase-sequence protection and alarm simulation
A signed test report with serial number traceability is packed inside each crate. Buyers are welcome to witness the factory acceptance test (FAT) via live video call.
Frequently Asked Questions – Water-Cooled Condensing Units
Below are answers to the most common technical and procurement questions we receive from global buyers evaluating water-cooled condensing units for their projects.
What cooling capacity range do XNAIR water-cooled condensing units cover?
XNAIR water-cooled condensing units span from 5HP to 60HP (approximately 3.7kW to 150kW cooling capacity at -10°C evaporating temperature), covering small cold rooms up to large industrial freezer warehouses. For capacities beyond 60HP, we offer parallel compressor rack configurations. Contact our engineering team with your specific refrigeration load profile for a tailored recommendation.
Are XNAIR water-cooled condensing units compatible with low-GWP refrigerants like R290 and R449A?
Yes. All XNAIR water-cooled condensing units are factory-configurable for R404A, R449A, and R290 (propane). For R290 models, we integrate ATEX/IECEx-compliant electrical components and gas detection sensors as standard safety measures. The shell-and-tube condenser is rated for the higher discharge temperatures associated with R290 operation. Please specify your refrigerant preference when requesting a quotation.
What is the typical lead time for a customized water-cooled condensing unit?
Standard configuration units ship within 15–20 working days after order confirmation. Customized voltage (e.g., 460V/60Hz for North America), refrigerant (R290 with ATEX components), or corrosion-protection configurations typically require 25–35 working days. All units undergo 100% full-load factory testing before crating, which is included in the lead time. For large-volume orders (10+ units), please contact us for a production schedule.
How do you ensure the unit arrives undamaged for overseas projects?
Every XNAIR water-cooled condensing unit is packed in a fumigated ISPM-15 compliant plywood crate with vibration-dampening foam cradles, internally braced to withstand 40-foot container shipping. We maintain a nitrogen holding charge in the refrigerant circuit so you can verify hermetic integrity upon arrival. Container loading photographs are provided before dispatch. In the rare event of transit damage, our after-sales team responds within 48 hours with replacement parts or repair guidance.