Routine cooling tower inspections are one of the responsibilities that come with cooling tower management. Maintenance of a cooling tower is imperative, not only to keep efficiency running at its best to save you money on energy costs but to also prevent the growth of harmful bacteria such as Legionella, which can be expelled into the air. There are important things to know about cooling tower inspection in New Jersey before and during the inspection. Read on to learn more about the steps of inspection and tips to help inspection and maintenance run more smoothly.
Things to Know About Your Cooling Tower
There may be things you didn’t know about cooling tower inspection, especially if you’ve had one recently installed. Much of this information deals with local regulations, so follow up with local New Jersey regulations and codes if you’re unsure.
- You must always keep in Maintenance Program Plan (MPP) for your cooling tower. Ideally, you want to have this document in place before your install, but it must be in place while your cooling tower is operational. This document outlines how you plan to maintain your tower.
- You must register your tower with the city and the state. Every local municipality has its regulations, but every cooling tower must be recognized.
- You can’t perform all maintenance and inspection yourself. Some line items on your MPP must be completed by “qualified personnel.” According to your local laws, you may need an outside water technologist, industrial hygienist, or engineer.
- You must test for Legionella at least every 90 days. This ensures that harmful bacteria isn’t in your plant or office’s air systems
- If Legionella is found, you must immediately fix the problem. Typically, you only have 24 hours to fix the problem, or you must shut your cooling tower down.
This information is important to know because many cities crack down hard on violations. If you’re aware of all local ordinances, then it’s much easier to follow them.
Cooling Tower Inspection Guide: What Are the Steps?
Cooling tower inspection steps may differ slightly, depending on the size of your unit and where it’s located. Smaller units, such as those used in hospitals and offices, may be on the roof of a building, while larger units, such as those made for industrial plants, are standalone structures. Also, keep in mind that many of these steps may have to be performed by an outside licensed professional.
- Outfit yourself with personal protective equipment (PPE). Before beginning any type of cooling tower inspection, you must have the proper PPE for the job
- Visually evaluate the water in the system. Water should be tested using two separate types of water tests, once per week.
- Inspect the tower’s casing. You are looking for deterioration, such as cracks, holes, or leaks. Also, check the hardware in the casing and make sure it is in good condition.
- Look at the structure itself. You want to notice any signs of corrosion. When it comes to wood and other materials you can see with the naked eye, you can look for visual signs. You can also tap materials lightly with a hammer. Also check the joints of the structure.
- Look at decks and stairways. Check the fan deck, stairway, ladder, handrail, and interior walkway.
- Inspect the basins. Check for buildup and deterioration in the cold water basin and distribution basin.
- Check the piping and nozzles. Inspect the piping, basin flow-control valves, and spray nozzles for wear and leaks.
- Look at the fill (packing). Check either the splash or film packing for wear and tear.
- Check drift eliminators.
- Check internal parts. Make sure the louvers, belt fan drive system, gear drive, direct drive, driveshaft, couplings, fan cylinder, makeup valve, and the fan itself are in good working order. This inspection line item may require a licensed engineer.
If you inspect your cooling tower regularly and adhere to your MPP, you not only elongate the life of the unit, but prevent the growth of toxic bacteria, keeping you and your workers in good health.
Contact us
To learn more about cooling tower inspection and maintenance, or for questions about cooling towers, contact Pinnacle Cooling Tower Service today at 732-570-9392. We pride ourselves on the best in safety, service, and customer satisfaction.
