Spike Glycol Chiller User Guide

Spike Glycol Chiller

Specifications

• Product Name: Spike Glycol Chiller
• Capacity: 6-8 gallons
• Power Source: Electric
• Includes: Pump, Tubing, Casters

Product Usage Instructions

Assembly

Follow these steps to assemble the Spike Glycol Chiller:

1. Attach the casters using the caster bolts provided.
2. Connect the tubing as per the included diagram.

Getting Started

1. Remove all packaging materials and tape from the chiller.
2. Place the chiller upright on a flat surface and let it sit for at least 24 hours before powering on.
3. Ensure proper spacing for airflow and prevent overheating.
4. Fill the reservoir with a mixture of glycol and distilled water, maintaining a level between 6-8 gallons.

Operating

Using the Chiller

1. Plug the chiller into a wall outlet.
2. Turn on the chiller using the power switch at the back.
3. Monitor the temperature displayed on the screen, which indicates the glycol reservoir temperature.
4. Adjust the reservoir temperature by pressing SET, using arrow keys, and pressing SET again to confirm.
5. Check for the snowflake icon to ensure active chiller operation.

Warnings

IMPORTANT
Place the unit upright for 24 hours before plugging in.

• Read and keep these instructions.
• Follow all instructions and warnings.
• Do not use your appliance near water.
• Clean only with a damp cloth.
• Do not block any ventilation openings. Follow the installation process from the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Do not install near any heat sources, such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
• Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when your appliance has been damaged in any way, such as spilled liquid, objects falling onto the appliance, your appliance being exposed to rain or moisture, or the appliance does not operate properly.
• To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose your appliance to rain, moisture, dripping or splashing.
• No objects filled with liquids should be placed on top of the appliance.
• Your appliance is not intended for use by any person (including children) with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities or lack of experience or knowledge, unless given supervision or instruction concerning use of your appliance by a person responsible for their safety.
• Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with your appliance.

ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD: DO NOT OPEN

Failure to follow these instructions may result in electric shock, fire or death.

• Keep ventilation openings in your appliance, clear of obstruction.
• Do not use mechanical devices or other means to accelerate the defrosting process, other than those recommended by the manufacturer.
• Risk of children entrapment.
• Before you throw away your old appliance, remove the electrical connection wiring and also ensure that the lid is removed to prevent children from being trapped inside – DANGER OF SUFFOCATION!
• Maintenance – Disconnect the power source from your appliance before carrying out user maintenance on it.
• If a component part is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer, its service agent, or similar qualified persons to avoid a hazard.
• Follow local regulations regarding the disposal of your appliance due to flammable refrigerant and gas. All refrigeration products contain refrigerants, which under the guidelines of federal law must be removed before disposal. It is the consumer’s responsibility to comply with federal and local regulations when disposing of this product.
• Do not store explosive substances such as aerosol cans with a flammable propellant in this appliance.
• WARNING – To avoid a hazard due to the instability of the appliance, it must be fixed in accordance with the instructions.

Setup

Getting Started

Ready to get your chiller up and running? This guide will show you how with step-by-step instructions and key visuals.

1. Start by carefully removing all packaging materials. This includes any tape fixing accessories. Place the chiller in an upright position on a flat surface and allow it to sit for at least 24 hours before connecting power. This is essential to allow the refrigerant to settle for normal operation.
   PRO TIP: Ensure the chiller has at least 2” of spacing from the lower side vents and any obstruction. This will allow for proper airflow and prevent overheating.

2. After the chiller is set up, you will want to fill your reservoir with a mixture of glycol and distilled water. You can use the sight glass to see how much distilled water/glycol you are adding.
   A distilled water to glycol ratio of 67%distilled water (2 parts) to 33% glycol (1 part) is recommended. This is commonly referred to as a 2:1 ratio.

Operating

Now that your chiller is fully assembled, it’s ready for use.
Follow the steps in this user guide for a simple and easy experience.

Using the Chiller

1. Plug your chiller into the wall outlet.
2. Turn on your chiller. Locate the power switch on the back of the chiller and switch it on. Your chiller is now operational.
3. The screen on the front of your chiller will turn on and you will see a temperature displayed on the screen. This is the temperature of your glycol reservoir.
4. To set the chiller reservoir temperature, press the “SET” button. The temperature setting should start blinking. Use the arrow keys to change the set temperature up or down to your desired value. Press the “SET” button again to lock in the set temperature.
5. To confirm whether your chiller is actively running or not check for the snowflake Icon. If the snowflake icon is illuminated, the chiller is actively running.

PRO TIP:
For optimal performance and to prevent freezing, set the chiller to a target temperature of 28°F.

Changing Temperature Units

By default, the controller will display units in °F℉. If you prefer to change the units to ℉°C follow the process below.

1. Press and hold the °C℉/℉°F button for 3 seconds. The temperature units will switch to °C℉.
2. If you want to switch back to °F℉, press and hold the °C℉/℉°F button for 3 seconds.

Using with the TC-100 Bundle

1. Lower your cooling pump into the reservoir of the chiller. Using the suction feet on the pump, press it securely to the bottom of the reservoir and align it with one set of internal tubing.
2. Then feed the power cord of your cooling pump through the cord routing cutout on the back of the chiller.
3. Connect the provided internal tubing to the outlet port on the top of your cooling pump.
4. Take the insulated tubing provided with your TC-100 bundle and attach it to the outside ports of your chiller.
5. Connect the cooling pump to your TC-100 temperature controller using the power cord you threaded in step 2.
6.  Continue using the kit as described in our TC100 User Guide. This comprehensive guide will walk you through setting the desired temperature, monitoring, and controlling the temperature of your brewing process.

Cleaning

Your Spike Glycol Chiller is a reliable cooling solution that requires minimal maintenance. Regularly monitor the glycol level through the sight glass, maintain the glycol/water concentration, and, if necessary, drain the chiller as described in this guide. Following these steps will help you keep your chiller in excellent working condition for years to come.

Maintaining glycol/distilled water ratio

1. The chiller features a sight glass. Periodically check it to monitor the glycol level. You may notice a decrease over time due to evaporation.
2. If the level in the chiller drops below the optimal level, add more distilled water or glycol to bring the ratio back to 2:1.

PRO TIP: Spike Brewing recommends checking the glycol/distilled water concentration annually using a refractometer. If necessary, adjust the mixture to achieve the correct 2:1 glycol/distilled water ratio.

Draining your chiller

NOTE: You do not have to drain your chiller during normal use. In some situations however you may need to drain your chiller. Follow these steps to do so.

1. To access the drain, remove the side panel of the chiller. It is secured with screws. (see above)
2. Inside the chiller, you will find a small tube attached to a valve.
3. To initiate the draining process, turn the valve to the open position.
4. Allow the liquid to drain out through the tube.
5. Turn the valve to the closed position before refilling the chiller.

FAQ

Q: How often should I clean the Spike Glycol Chiller?

A: It is recommended to clean the chiller regularly, especially after extended use or if you notice any buildup inside. Refer to the cleaning section in the user guide for detailed instructions.

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