When operating cooling towers for industrial or domestic uses, whether in Brentwood, Sydney, Melbourne,or any other place, it is imperative to know how to conduct routine maintenance. If proper cooling tower maintenance is not conducted, it can reduce equipment life and the burgeoning of energy costs.
Yet another factor is the prevention of growth of Legionella bacteria that has become an industry-wide issue. Since cooling towers have become one of the common sources of bacteria growth, proper measures of maintenance like disinfecting and cleaning are crucial.
With the passage of time, neglect of a cooling tower leads to an increase in water temperature, boosting energy costs by around 6% for every 2-degree F rise in temperature. But a well-maintained cooling tower will still function at the original optimum efficiency, keeping energy costs low. This is true even of leading brands like Shinwa, Superchill, Evapco, BAC, etc.
To help plants and facilities optimize their cleaning operations, one must take care of a few details. Some simple but effective maintenance tips for cooling towers can help users save nearly 15% on energy costs. Routine maintenance can help in the conservation of water and extension of the operating life of equipment of cooling towers.
Follow these simple tips for great cooling tower maintenance:
1. Conduct at least monthly inspection of towers. Slime, scale, and sediment can cause build-up and promote the growth of Legionella bacteria. Regular inspections of parts like air intake louvres will help determine when cleaning needs to be scheduled.
2. Clean the surfaces of tower basins. In case sediments are visible, the basin should be cleaned. Cooling tower vacuums make it easy to remove contaminants without draining or shutting down the system.
3. Check the complete condition of the unit and be alert to any uncommon noises for setting up a baseline for any possible issues in parts like drift eliminators.
4. Before starting any hands-on work, ensure proper lock-out procedures are followed and ensure safety by disconnecting motor switches.
5. Conduct inspection and cleaning of debris from strainers to keep the system clean from excess substances.
6. Inspect the water distribution system and look out for dry areas over the fill coil section to avoid the build-up of scale and improve the system's capacity. In case the surface is not completely wet, check nozzles for clogs and cracks.
7. Flush debris and dirt from the cold water basin via the sump strainer or tower drain to maintain water filtration and to avoid collection of dirt. By installing basin sweeper piping, apart from the filtration system, the functioning of automatic maintenance is ensured.
8. Descale the fill. The tower fill is ideal for the growth of bacteria like Legionella. By using a descaler, one can dissolve the scale and deposits which bacteria prefer to hide in, rendering the surface ready for deep cleaning.
9. The next step is to clean the fill pack. Fill cleaner for the cooling tower will remove debris and dirt and inhibit the growth of other bacteria when used in combination with suitable biocides.
10. Now, one must disinfect the tower. The reason is that cooling towers are dangerous breeding grounds for bacteria, making it urgent to lower the nutrients that aid in the growth of microbes.
11. Check the supply of make-up water for pre-determined, suitable water levels for conserving water and reducing air entrainment.
12. Adjust the bleed rate as per the local water quality and evaporation rate regulations, preventing solids from accumulating in water that re-circulates.
13. Repair any issues related to tension on the belt for ensuring optimal belt-driven system performance.
14. Conduct routine checks on oil level, shaft alignment, and oil quality for a gear-drive system, following recommendations of the manufacturer to ensure reliable service.
15. Every 3 months, lubricate the bearings of the fan shaft for proper maintenance.
16. Gear drives are crucial elements of the functioning of cooling towers. A precise examination must be conducted to check the functioning and operations of these components. It is best to hire a professional to conduct maintenance on these parts.
17. It is vital to check and inspect the cooling towers' infrastructure physically. This will allow you to find out about any cracks or damage so you can schedule the necessary maintenance or replacement promptly.
18. One major aspect of cooling tower maintenance is cleaning the tower itself. This is typically done using disinfectants and completed at least 3 or 4 times annually to maintain its proper functioning and purity.
19. Since water is the main component used to cool down the heat produced, its level should be monitored regularly. This helps not only to conserve water and energy but also to maintain the tower.
20. Before operating the cooling tower, always check all fuses and switches. Besides switches, all locks should also be checked for any leakage. Any issue can be controlled by switching off the power supply.
In sum, save energy, time, and money by using these tips for cooling tower maintenance and gain the maximum out of your equipment. Good maintenance habits will help prevent the failure of equipment and prolong their life period.
She writes in several genres. Marta and her Husband, Kevin, to whom she dedicates all of her published works, and their dog, Buddy, live in Melbourne, Australia. A regular contributor to New Path Web Morning Edition. Marta is a member of several writers groups and has won several awards from her colleagues and the publishing industry.