Cooling towers have a hard task. They have to work for long hours, frequently in tough conditions, and they have to do it every year without fail. The truth is that most major cooling tower issues don’t emerge all at once; they happen slowly when normal maintenance is put off or missed.
One of the easiest methods to keep a tower working well and avoid unexpected shutdowns is to make a good yearly maintenance plan.
Begin with a Careful Visual Inspection
Every year, it’s a good idea to start with a full examination. Walk around the tower and look closely at anything you can see, such fill, drift eliminators, louvers, and structural supports. Over time, exposure to the sun, vibration, and water chemistry may cause things to crack, bend, or rust.
Also, be sure to inspect the brackets, panels, and fasteners. It’s far easier to fix little problems like loose hardware or mild rust before they become structural difficulties.
Clean the Basin and Remove Debris
Dirt, dust, and organic matter naturally build up in cooling towers. Leaves, trash in the air, and silt often settle in the cold-water basin. Cleaning out the basin, removing sludge, and emptying strainers can help with circulation and put less stress on pumps and other equipment.
The Water Distribution System
Inspecting the nozzles, headers and pipes for possible blockages should be a no-brainer but it is often when spray patterns become inconsistent that these things are noticed. Make sure worn nozzles are attended to and for wear in other parts of the system for ordinary use.
Inspect Fans, Motors, and Drive Systems
Strange or unusual sounds may be a sign the belts are not working as they should. Whether they have tightened or work loose, it is worth inspecting them when you check out the motors to ensure they are running efficiently.
Review Water Treatment Practices
You should go over the water purification process. Checking the water quality, making sure the chemical feed systems are operating correctly is a step that should not overlooked.
Take a Close Look at Fill and Drift Eliminators
It’s easy to forget about drift eliminators and fill media. When they are clogged, brittle, or damaged, airflow and heat transfer get worse.
Keep Your Cooling Tower Operating Reliably
When you can purchase good parts, it’s much easier to take care of a cooling tower. Cooling Tower Products supplies parts and solutions that help towers work smoothly and reliably.
Looking For Cooling Tower Maintenance?
Cooling Tower Products has over 4 decades of experience with cooling tower maintenance and can help you with any cooling tower related project. Contact us today and get the professionals at Cooling Tower products on your side.
