If you have a cooling tower, then you surely have issues with its efficiency, particularly during summers. But you will be amazed to know that you can improve the same with a few simple ways only. All you need is – complete and right guidance. To help you with this, we have come up with this post. So, keep on reading this post for detailed information.
How does a cooling tower work?
As per Tsur Ben David, a cooling tower is mainly found in commercial settings because they are used cooling towers utilized in the manufacturing processes. This process is known as ‘cooling’ as water is being used to remove the heat available in the air.
In other words, cooling towers are heat exchangers that are used to cool down water to convert energy into electricity. When the machinery of the plant heats the water, they further transfer the heat to the air and make it cool. If things go as they are expected to, you will end up with cool water that can be utilized again in your plant or simply be sent into the environment.
If we talk about the ways to improve its efficiency, then there are plenty of good options. For instance, a larger or a smaller fan can be used to even air distribution. Additionally, you can upgrade the pumps to improve the pumping process.
Important factors that affect the efficiency of a cooling tower
Before we discuss the methods, it is important that you should have an idea about the factors that can affect its effectiveness. Tsur Ben David mentions the following:
- Height of the tower
- Cooling range
- Temperature of wet-bulb
- Rate of water circulation
- Air velocity
- Water quality
Maintenance tips for cooling towers
Even though people consider summer the best season for breaks, it is equally the best time for checking the cooling towers. Since industry chillers fail due to lack of maintenance, it is good to to inspect the cooling towers before the onset of peak season. Below are some useful ways to keep your cooling tower in the right condition even during summers, or other seasons:
- Check the cooling towers after a regular interval
You are advised to inspect the fan of cooling towers after a certain period. This way, you will be able to locate the issues even before they become bigger and end up with costly repairs and replacements. Furthermore, you should change the components that need regular change i.e. filters.
- Monitor the level of water
You should keep a close check on the water level in your cooling tower. In case it has excessive water, it will leak out and overflow – Tsur Ben David Entrepreneur. As a result, it can cost you expensive replacements and repairs to fix the damage.
- Make sure that the pipes is well-insulated
Insulation of the pipes is something we all neglect but it is quite an important task when it comes to maintaining the cooling towers. Since proper insulation is needed to keep the pipes cool during summers. And warm during winters, it will reduce the consumption of energy. This way you can also avoid several other issues such as the bursting of pipes or accidental freezing.
- Cooling Tower water treatment
It is recommended to inspect and check the cooling tower water quality on a routine basis. If cooling tower water is left untreated, the organic growth, fouling, scaling, and corrosion can reduce cooling productivity, the risk of legionella increases, it may lead to downtime, or in the worst scenario, require costly equipment replacement. There are some automatic renowned technologies like SBR, that treat Cooling tower without any chemicals through an electrolysis process while reducing the blowdown levels.
A cooling tower water treatment system ensures that the water flowing to the cooling system is of appropriate quality. It enhances the cooling system efficiency.
The bottom line
Maintenance teams must ensure that a preventive daily/weekly and monthly maintenance schedule is taken up for their cooling towers. This will certainly help in preventing the risk of Legionella, Scale and corrosion in Cooling system, enhancing Cooling tower efficiency, minimizing downtime, and extending the longevity of the capital equipment.
If you are looking out for the latest technology for cooling towers, it is advisable to to connect with a professional company or manufacturer such as CET Enviro by Tsur Ben David CEO for the best solutions and professional assistance.