What the Chiller Actually Cools
On an MRI, the cooling loop carries heat away from the gradient coils, the RF power amplifier, and the cryocooler compressor that keeps the magnet cold. On CT and linear accelerators (radiotherapy), it cools the X-ray tube or accelerator and its electronics. In every case the manufacturer — GE, Siemens, Philips, Canon — publishes a precise cooling spec the chiller must meet.
Why Uptime Is Everything
A scanner that loses cooling stops scanning, and a hospital imaging suite cannot afford that. Worse, on an MRI a prolonged cooling loss can threaten the magnet itself. So imaging cooling is specified for continuous, year-round operation with redundancy — commonly a duplex (N+1) arrangement so one chiller can be serviced or fail while the other carries the load.
Match the OEM spec line by line. Supply temperature, flow, pressure, and stability are all set by the scanner manufacturer. Meeting them is typically required to keep the equipment warranty and service contract valid.
Typical Requirements
| Requirement | Why |
|---|---|
| Continuous 24/7 operation | Magnet and electronics must never lose cooling |
| Redundancy (N+1 / duplex) | Service or failure without downtime |
| Tight temperature stability | Image quality and equipment protection |
| OEM-matched flow & temperature | Warranty and service-contract compliance |
Planning a New Suite
Cooling should be designed alongside the room, not added after. Get the scanner’s heat-rejection and flow spec early so the chiller, piping, and redundancy are right the first time and the install passes the manufacturer’s commissioning.
FAQ
Why do imaging chillers need redundancy?
A scanner that loses cooling stops working, and on an MRI a long cooling loss can risk the magnet. Hospitals specify N+1 or duplex chillers so one can fail or be serviced without taking the scanner down.
Can we use any chiller that hits the right tonnage?
No — the scanner OEM specifies temperature, flow, pressure, and stability, and meeting them is usually required for the warranty and service contract. The chiller has to match the full spec, not just capacity.
When should cooling be planned for a new suite?
At room-design time. Getting the heat-rejection and flow figures early lets the chiller, piping, and redundancy be designed in so the install passes OEM commissioning.
See the full Radiology & Imaging page for system options.
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