Composition and Key Milestones of the Procurement Cycle
The chiller procurement cycle includes technical confirmation (2-3 weeks), production material preparation (3-4 weeks), manufacturing and processing (4-6 weeks), assembly and testing (2-3 weeks), factory acceptance testing (1 week), transportation (2-3 weeks domestic / 4-8 weeks imported), and on-site delivery. Domestic brands take approximately 10-14 weeks, while imported brands take approximately 16-24 weeks. Key milestones: technical agreement signing (within 2 weeks), raw material arrival (within 5 weeks), compressor arrival at factory (within 7 weeks), complete unit assembly (within 10 weeks), FAT testing (within 12 weeks), shipment (within 13 weeks), and site arrival (14-20 weeks).
Coordination of Delivery Schedule with Construction Progress
The chiller delivery schedule must be coordinated with civil works and installation construction progress. Delivery timing should consider: equipment foundation completion time (curing completed 2 weeks before delivery), lifting access route availability, on-site warehouse availability, and installation contractor mobilization time. The delivery schedule is divided into the foundation construction phase (4-6 weeks before delivery), equipment arrival phase (delivery week), and installation and commissioning phase (2-4 weeks after delivery). When potential delays are identified, an emergency plan should be activated to adjust the construction sequence.
Special Management Requirements for Imported Chillers
The procurement cycle for imported units is 6-10 weeks longer (ocean shipping 3-5 weeks, customs clearance 1-2 weeks). Regarding technical standards, foreign products may use different certification systems (CE instead of CCC, AHRI instead of GB), and standard equivalence must be specified in the technical specifications. For electrical parameters, note that foreign standard voltage levels may differ (380V/50Hz vs 460V/60Hz). Key aspects of delivery management: ocean shipping tracking (weekly updates), customs clearance document preparation (invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin prepared in advance), and customs inspection response (allow 2-3 days buffer).
Delivery Acceptance and Storage Protection
Chiller delivery acceptance should follow the unpacking inspection procedure: verify that the model and nameplate parameters match the contract; check for transportation damage to the appearance; verify accompanying documents and spare parts. The unpacking inspection should be attended by the purchaser, supplier, and construction contractor, with a signed record. Storage protection: if installation cannot proceed immediately, the unit should be stored in an indoor warehouse or an outdoor area with a rain shelter. The equipment base should be raised no less than 200mm and covered with a waterproof canvas. Moisture-proof measures should be taken for the control cabinet. Storage should not exceed 3 months; if exceeded, nitrogen pressure holding checks should be performed monthly.