Any and all commercial buildings that use a cooling tower must keep them inspected and maintained.
Any and all commercial buildings that use a cooling tower must keep them inspected and maintained. As with HVAC systems, regular maintenance is essential to keeping a smooth flow of operation. For a cooling tower to operate at maximum efficiency, it needs proper water treatment. In this blog, we will examine what maintenance for cooling towers entails. Keep reading to learn more.
What Does Fundamental Cooling Tower Maintenance Need?
Initial Water Treatment: The first key element of cooling tower maintenance is the initial water treatment. The water that is kept in the tower must be treated every day. Moreover, the treatment should be performed with two treating agents known as a biocide and a corrosion inhibitor. Biocides can kill any potential forms of bacteria lurking in the water, while the corrosion inhibitor can help prevent rust. Part of the initial water treatment step is to test the bacteria levels present. If a regular treatment cannot reduce the level of bacteria present, then the entire cooling tower needs professional cleaning and disinfecting.
Water Testing and Inspection of Equipment: What types of bacteria could be found in the water of the cooling tower? One bacterium is Legionella, which can cause Legionnaire’s disease, and by association, serious respiratory illness. This testing for Legionella must be conducted every three months, but general bacteria testing must be conducted every week. Water testing should be performed three times a week, as well. The equipment that needs inspection are as follows: chemical treatment station, cooling tower, and any mechanical equipment associated with them. Keep the results on file for at least three years.
Examination of the Cooling Tower: Cooling towers must be examined every three months. Examine all of the components of the tower, such as drains, basins, and nozzles. Look for both corrosion and scaling. Scaling can be caused by mineral accumulation in the cooling tower water. Minerals that can cause scaling include calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, and magnesium silicate.
A Deep Clean and Winterization: The towers must also be cleaned at least twice per year. Winterization is also an important step. Even though we are nearing the start of summer, preventative measures now can save time at the end of the year. Two types of cleaning processes are often needed when cleaning cooling towers. These two processes typically overlap as well. Mechanical cleaning involves using a power washer, a garden hose with a power spray nozzle, a shovel, a broom, and a squeegee. Then, there are the main two areas of the cooling tower that need to be cleaned: the hot deck and the tower fill. Start by cleaning the hot deck, and then move onto the tower fill. Chemical cleaning, on the other hand, involves three separate processes. The first process involves using dispersant substances to break up biomasses and to clean hard to reach areas. The second process involves using to acid to remove severe scaling. The third and final process involves disinfecting the cooling tower, both for bacteria and Legionella.
Overall System Maintenance: Replace all components, such as fans, belts, motors, and gears that may be faulty, and ensure that electrical systems are in order. If need be, turn to professional assistance.
Crockett Facilities Can Help!
Crockett Facilities Services, Inc. (CFSI) is committed to helping building owners, property managers, engineers, and facility professionals lower their operating expenses through HVAC preventive maintenance. We can develop a cost-effective, customized preventive maintenance plan for your commercial building that will provide you with peace of mind, improved comfort, and energy savings.
To learn more about the importance of HVAC Preventive Maintenance, please contact us at 202.600.2787 or sales@crockett-facilities.com. Our PM contract customers receive priority service with 24/7 emergency service in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC.