Critical Maintenance Practices for Optimal Cooling Tower Performance
The cooling tower is an efficient device in cooling commercial and industrial setups. Therefore, you should consider installing this heat rejection system if you want to upgrade your company's HVAC or even your industrial machinery cooling elements. This type of cooling structure uses water to provide the required cooling effect. In simple terms, water absorbs heat from the interior spaces and machinery, and the heat is eliminated through evaporation. The system is reliable and can provide long-term service in your company. On the other hand, you must invest in proper maintenance of the cooling tower to prevent accelerated wearing of components and unexpected breakdown. Here is a short description of the type of maintenance tasks that you must perform after installing the cooling tower.
Water Treatment
You should make certain that the water in the cooling tower system is treated regularly. This maintenance task is crucial in preventing potential chemical damage to the components in contact with the liquid. Basically, the dissolved elements in the supply water will determine the potential problems in the cooling tower water. If the water is from surface reservoirs, it will be low in minerals but high in salts. This leads to corrosion of the cooling tower components. Groundwater is often high in mineral content which usually results in scaling. Water treatment using techniques such as pH adjustment and water softening will prevent the damage. You should also ensure that the liquid is treated with biocides to eliminate the growth of bacteria, fungi and algae.
Proper Cleaning
The cooling tower should be cleaned regularly to prevent excessive accumulation dirt. Generally, the water will leave particulate dust, algae and general sediment after evaporation. The material can be harmless in low levels but the eventual build-up will result clogging of the system and inefficient evaporation. You should ensure that water basin at the bottom of the tower is flushed to remove debris. The water sump screen which is designed to remove debris from the supply should also be cleared. Accumulation of sediment in the strainer will result in clogs. The components should be cleaned with industrial-grade agents and power wash for maximum effectiveness.
Inspection and Repair
Finally, you should commission a cooling tower technician to inspect the system and perform repair and servicing tasks regularly. This will ensure that the potential problems are identified and resolved early. Ideally, they should inspect the overall condition and diagnose unusual noises, smells and irregular temperature. Additionally, the interior gear-drive and fan-shaft components which are moving components should be always well-lubricated.
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