Cooling towers are heat exchangers that channel heat from air-conditioning systems to the outdoor surroundings using water and air. Most commonly, they are used to remove heat from the condenser water that's leaving the refrigerator. Cooling towers are usually located on rooftops or on other outdoor sites.
Importance of Cooling Tower Maintenance
You can avoid a soiled cooling tower with regular (ideally annual) preventive maintenance. Regular maintenance of your cooling tower ensures that:
- The cooling tower reserves its capacity for cooling
- It prevents unnecessarily premature wear of your cooling tower.
- Minimized risk of Legionella disease
- Your cooling tower's operating reliability remains optimal.
- Your cooling tower's work life is extended (so you do not have to replace your cooling tower before time)
- The cooling tower continues to function as it should
Tips for Cooling Tower Maintenance
Ensure Proper Airflow Inadequate airflow often leads to poor fan performance, air that doesn’t feel cold, and can even lead to system breakdown. There are various reasons for airflow interruptions, such as improper fan alignment, loose components, and insufficient gearbox maintenance. Reduced airflow is also caused by damaged fan blades. Debris might collect within your fill or tower, so you should check your unit regularly. Sometimes, airflow is blocked by sludge buildup on the basin floor of your cooling tower. This sludge buildup must be removed with a tower vacuum. Add a biocide to your cooling towers if you notice significant algae and other bacterial growth.
Ensure Adequate Pump Performance Water is transported via pump over the tubes in a closed-loop cooling tower for evaporative cooling.. Optimum heat transfer relies on proper water flow. Hindrances such as cavitation, clogged strainers, loose connections, failing bearings, operating outside of design conditions, and excessive vibration can lead to low efficiency, premature equipment failure, and reduced water flow.
The Merrick Group has more than 25 years of experience in cooling tower maintenance. Contact The Merrick Group for a cooling tower consultation.
|