As water flows through the cooling towers, minerals settle and create scale on internal surfaces, which can reduce efficiency. This scale can reduce efficiency, damage parts, and impact air and water quality. Descaling keeps your system running longer, more efficiently, and safer for everyone around it.
A 2024 study published in Frontiers in Water found that the descaling of cooling tower systems can cut power use by as much as 50% by improving how well heat moves through the system.
This blog will walk you through the steps of the cooling tower descaling procedure, from identifying scale buildup to the best removal techniques.
Here we go:
Step 1 – System Assessment & Shutdown
Before starting the descaling process, technicians check your system thoroughly. They check for visible signs of scale or corrosion and determine how deeply the buildup has affected your system. This helps decide on the best approach to clean it.
Once the inspection is complete, the team powers down the system. They follow all safety protocols, including lockout and tagout, to make sure the workspace is secure. It is a routine part of the process, but it sets the stage for a safer, more efficient job.
Preparation like this helps keep cooling tower systems running efficiently over the long haul.
Step 2 – Physical Debris Removal
Once the tower is powered down, technicians clear away debris such as sludge, leaves, and dirt. This step ensures that descaling chemicals can directly target the scale buildup.
After the inspection, the team powers down the system. They follow safety procedures like lockout and tagout to ensure the area is secure before starting work. Taking the time to do this right helps avoid issues and keeps everyone safe.
Setting things up correctly from the start significantly impacts long-term performance, so you should hire professional cooling tower services at least once a year to keep everything running smoothly.
Step 3 – Selecting the Right Cooling Tower Descaler
Using the wrong descaler can cause damage to your system or even harm the environment. Working with a professional who knows the ins and outs of the chemicals involved is a practical decision.
There are several types of descalers for cooling towers, such as acid-based and eco-friendly options. The trick is choosing the right one, depending on your system’s materials and local regulations.
Also, remember that caustic chemicals can be risky, so they must be handled only by trained professionals with the proper equipment.
Step 4 – Applying the Descaling Solution
After selecting the right descaler, it is carefully circulated through the system. This process ensures the solution reaches all areas, giving it enough time to break down the scale. Technicians monitor dwell time to ensure the chemical has enough contact with the buildup.
During this step, keeping track of things like pH, temperature, and flow is essential. This helps prevent overexposure and protects the system components. It’s a step that requires patience and attention to detail to get it just right.
Step 5 – Rinsing and Flushing
After descaling, the system is thoroughly rinsed. This helps remove any dissolved scale particles, leftover chemicals, or other lingering contaminants.
Sometimes, neutralizing agents are added to balance the water chemistry, which protects the system and the environment. Skipping this step could lead to corrosion or cause chemicals to carry over when the system starts back up, which could cause bigger problems down the line. It’s a straightforward but important part of the cooling tower descaling procedure, making sure everything is in good shape for the next phase.
Step 6 – Inspection and Repeat as Needed
After rinsing, technicians inspect the system to ensure thorough cleaning. They focus on areas that tend to hold onto buildup, like the fill, basin walls, and nozzles.
If there’s still some scale left behind, a second round of descaling or a quick spot treatment might be needed. In systems with heavy buildup, it can take more than one round of cooling tower cleaning and descaling to bring performance back to where it should be.
Step 7 – Restart and Ongoing Maintenance
After everything checks out, the system is safely brought back online. Technicians monitor the water chemistry and watch for any early signs of trouble.
Descaling works best as part of a regular maintenance routine. You can stop the scale from building up again by checking the system often, treating the water right, and monitoring performance.
Regular maintenance and timely repairs make sure your cooling tower runs smoothly throughout the year, preventing issues before they start.
Benefits of Proper Cooling Tower Cleaning and Descaling
Descaling improves system efficiency by enhancing heat transfer and reducing strain on key parts. You get lower energy bills and less wear over time, which helps the equipment last longer.
Scale buildup can create an environment where harmful bacteria like Legionella grow. Keeping the tower clean through a consistent descaling process of cooling tower systems reduces that risk, which matters for performance, public health, and compliance standards.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you face recurring mineral deposits or need to meet compliance checks, it’s best to call trained technicians. They have the right tools, understand the cooling tower descaling procedure, and work with the proper chemicals.
Working with a team that does this day in and day out means the job gets done right. It also takes the pressure off your crew, knowing the system is in good hands.
Learn more about our expert cooling tower installation and descaling services for your facility.
Final Thoughts
Cooling tower cleaning and descaling are essential maintenance tasks. It keeps your cooling tower running efficiently. The difference shows when each step is done right, from the first check to the final restart.
If you are dealing with scale or want to stay on top of routine care, Pinnacle CTS can help. Our team handles everything from one-off cleanings to complete system assessments tailored to your setup needs.
Call us at 732-570-9392 or Contact us today to book your next cooling tower descaling service.
