Cooling towers accumulate dirt, scale, algae, and other contaminants when they are in operation. To maintain your cooling tower, it is crucial to have a cleaning strategy in place. In this article, we will outline the key steps involved in cooling tower cleaning.
Frequency of Cleaning
Before we dive into how you clean, lets quickly discuss how frequently you should be cleaning your system. According to OSHA, you should clean and disinfect your cooling tower twice a year. Important Note: This is at a minimum and some units should be thoroughly cleaned more frequently.
Common Cooling Tower Cleaning Steps
1. Drain the cooling tower. Turn off power to the cooling tower and drain the water from the system. Close all water supply valves and isolate the tower from the rest of the HVAC system.
2. Remove any debris. Clear any visible debris from the tower basin and sump. Use brushes or power washers to remove dirt, leaves, and other loose debris.
3. Clean the fill media. Inspect the fill media and remove any large accumulations of debris or scale. Use high-pressure hoses or power washers to clean the fill media thoroughly. Be sure to pay attention to hard-to-reach areas and corners.
4. Clean the basin and distribution system. Scrub the basin walls and floor with brushes and a mild cleaning solution. Check and clean the water distribution system, including nozzles and spray heads. Remove any scale, algae, or sediment buildup using appropriate cleaning agents or biocides.
5. Clean drift eliminator. Inspect the drift eliminators for blockages or dirt buildup. Use brushes or high-pressure water to clean the drift eliminators and ensure unobstructed airflow.
6. Disinfect the system. Apply a suitable biocide or cleaning agent to disinfect the cooling tower and control microbial growth. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper dilution and application.
7. Flush and rinse the system. Flush the entire cooling tower with clean water to remove loosened debris and cleaning agents. Use high-pressure hoses to thoroughly rinse all components, including the fill media, basin, and distribution system.
8. Refill and restart the system. Refill the cooling tower with clean, treated water according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Restart the system, ensuring all valves and controls are functioning correctly. Monitor the tower’s performance to ensure proper operation.
Inspecting The Mechanical Equipment
Any good cleaning program follows up with good maintenance checks. A few key maintenance task you will want to complete are:
- Inspect the pumps to ensure they are working properly.
- Inspecting the belt drive and adjust tension.
- Check the mechanical float valve
- Inspect water distribution system nozzles
- Lubricate fan bearings
Chemical Cleaning
Which chemicals to use for your cooling tower cleaning depends on several factors, such as the type of contaminants and the material of the tower. Generally, you will clean cooling towers using a combination of mechanical cleaning methods and chemical treatments.
For removing mineral deposits, scale, and rust, you can use acid-based cleaners. These cleaners contain hydrochloric acid or phosphoric acid and are effective in getting rid of these types of buildup. However, it’s important to follow safety guidelines and instructions when using them.
If you need to remove organic deposits, greases, and oils, alkaline cleaners are a good choice. Sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide are examples of alkaline cleaners that can help with this.
To prevent the growth of microorganisms like bacteria, algae, and biofilms, biocides are a common solution. Different types of biocides are available, depending on the specific microorganisms you’re dealing with and the level of control you need.
It’s essential to have professionals with expertise in water treatment and cooling tower maintenance handle the selection and application of cleaning chemicals. They can assess your cooling tower system and determine the best and safest chemicals to use, ensuring optimal performance and safety.
Why Cooling Tower Cleaning Matters
Ensuring your cooling tower is clean is important for the efficient and reliable operation of commercial HVAC systems. Regular cleaning of cooling towers plays a crucial role in maintaining optimal performance, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality.
Over time, cooling towers can accumulate dirt, debris, scale, and biological growth. This leads to all sorts of problems like reduced heat transfer efficiency, increased energy consumption, and potential equipment failures.
By prioritizing cleaning, facility managers can mitigate the risks of bacterial contamination, corrosion, and system malfunctions, ensuring a clean and healthy environment. Effective tower cleaning removes contaminants, promotes proper airflow, optimizes heat exchange, and reduces the likelihood of costly repairs and downtime.
With professional cleaning techniques and adherence to recommended maintenance schedules, facility managers can maximize the lifespan and performance of their cooling towers. This will also allow them to provide a comfortable and safe working environment for occupants. Choose reliable HVAC experts to handle you cooling tower cleaning. This will ensure your unit is running efficiently and eliminate unforeseen breakdowns.
