Cooling towers are designed to provide cost-effective and energy-efficient cooling for office buildings, schools, and other facilities. As you’d probably expect, they are expensive – and more importantly, require proper upkeep.
On average, a new system costs well over $100,000. That’s a big impact on your bottom line if yours fails due to a lack of cooling tower cleaning and maintenance.
So, what can you do to prevent incurring such a huge expense?
OSHA recommends that cooling towers be cleaned and disinfected at least twice per year. When not properly maintained, cooling towers run the risk of having significant problems develop over time. If the problem festers for long enough, the solution may require a cooling tower replacement.
Here’s why regular cooling tower cleaning and maintenance are so important.
What Is the Purpose of a Cooling Tower?
Cooling towers are heat removal systems that use a water transfer process. They work on the principle of removing heat from water by evaporating a small portion of water that is recirculated through the tower. When the warm water mixes with cooler air it releases latent heat vaporization which causes the water to cool. That then allows cool air to be pumped back into the building.
An air cooling tower provides large-scale air conditioning for buildings where traditional AC units can’t be used or are cost prohibitive. They are used for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. These commercial cooling tower systems are much larger than HVAC systems – and more expensive.
Cooling towers are used to transfer heat and cool water from a building for reuse in the tower’s system. Operators can control the environment inside the building and set the climate for optimal comfort or productivity. Cooling towers also facilitate the reuse of water as part of a building’s heating ventilation and air conditioning system. Proper maintenance cooling tower cleaning is crucial for safety as well as for efficiency and the life of the unit.
Health Hazards
Cooling tower water can easily become a breeding ground for microorganisms such as Legionella, which can lead to serious illnesses like Legionnaires’ disease. Legionnaires’ disease is spread when someone breathes in water droplets containing the Legionella bacteria. It’s estimated that nearly 10,000 people contract this annually, although the CDC says that the numbers are most likely higher due to cases being under-reported.
Regular cooling tower cleaning and maintenance do a lot to prevent the growth and spread of harmful microorganisms. If left unchecked, cooling towers become the perfect place for bacteria to flourish. To protect your operators (and the public at large), there are steps you can take to mitigate any health issues.
Here are some things you can do to keep your air cooling tower in operating order and in compliance with health and safety regulations:
- Flush your tower out and remove any debris that’s collected
- Filter the system and disinfect the tower
- Treat the water to control scale formation, reduce corrosion and avoid biological contamination
Regular cooling tower cleaning and maintenance can keep your system operating efficiently and safely – and prevent a Legionnaires’ outbreak. Any outbreak or illness can lead to costly cleaning and remediation and a shutdown by your local public health department. It’s always a good idea to call a cooling tower service professional if you have any questions regarding your system and safety concerns. They will help you develop a cooling tower cleaning procedure to help maximize your investment.
Preventing Equipment Damage
Scale and sediment buildup can lead to clogged pipes – and equipment failure. This leads to expensive repairs (or potentially a replacement). Dirty cooling towers are ideal environments for biofilms or slime. Biofilms are the root cause of many different problems in cooling tower systems including the following:
- Clogged pipes
- Reduced transfer efficiency
- Microbial corrosion
- Legionella transmission
The buildup of debris and stagnant conditions in equalization lines, drains, side stream filters, and off-line equipment make these places more favorable for biofilm growth. Once they start growing, biofilms are very difficult to remove. Regular cooling tower cleaning and maintenance are crucial to prevent this buildup and keep your cooling tower running smoothly.
If your tower develops a serious issue, it can be costly in terms of cooling tower repairs – and also in downtime.
While there are some things that your operators and technicians can visibly see, most maintenance should be performed by a cooling tower technician. These professionals are trained to spot small issues – and fix them before they become larger and more expensive.
Efficiency and Cost Savings
Dirty cooling towers can lead to decreased efficiency, resulting in higher energy bills. Towers that operate with fouled heat transfer surfaces or inadequate water treatment will increase your operational costs. This can also lead to breakdowns and unplanned outages for corrective maintenance and cooling tower repairs.
When not maintained, bacteria, airborne dirt/debris deposits will collect on the different components of your cooling tower. This restricts airflow, forcing the fans and pumps to operate longer and harder to maintain water temperature. If water temperatures increase by as little as 2-3 percent, the chiller also works harder and longer. These deficiencies lead to higher energy costs and reduced cooling effectiveness.
The Wrap Up
No one wants to think about the expense of a costly cooling tower replacement.
When it comes to your cooling towers, one of the most important things you can do to extend their life cycle and maintain efficiency is preventative cooling tower maintenance and regular cooling tower cleaning. Like anything else, you want to perform regular maintenance and cleaning at least twice per year to elongate the unit’s life.
Contact us
At Pinnacle CTS, we’re a cooling tower services and repair company that’s safety-driven, detail-oriented, and quality-focused. Serving the Greater Tri-State area, we specialize in cleaning, preventative maintenance, and repairs of all makes and models of cooling towers. Our factory-trained mechanics and technicians are available 24/7 for on-call emergency services.
Contact us today for a complimentary inspection, walk-through, or inspection of your cooling tower.
