Cooling Tower Maintenance Tips

Over time, a neglected cooling tower’s outlet water temperature will increase, which will raise the energy costs by up to 6 percent for every 2°F increase. However, a well-maintained cooling tower will continue to been operated at the original designed optimum efficiency, keeping energy costs low.

The following preventive cooling tower maintenance tips may help you save up to 15 percent on electricity costs when operation. Routine maintenance also helps to conserve water and extend the operating life of cooling towers.

MANDATORY MAINTENANCE

Following these 10 simple maintenance tips to get the most out of cooling towers.

1. Check the overall condition of the cooling tower and listen for any uncommon noises to establish a baseline of any potential issues.

2. Before starting any hands-on work, be sure to follow proper lock-out procedures and disconnect motor switches to ensure your safety.

3. Inspect and clean the debris from strainers to keep the system free of excess materials.

4. Inspect the water distribution system and check for dry areas over the fill section to avoid scale buildup and increase system capacity. If the surface is not fully wetted, check the nozzles for cracks and clogs.

5. Flush dirt and debris from the cold water basin through the tower drain or sump strainer to maintain water filtration and keep dirt from collecting. Installing basin sweeper piping in addition to a filtration system will function as automatic maintenance.

6. Check the makeup water supply for the appropriate predetermined water level to conserve water and reduce air entrainment.

7. Adjust the bleed rate accordingly per your local water quality and evaporation rate regulations, preventing accumulation of solids in recirculating water.

8. Fix any tension problems on the belt to ensure optimal belt-drive system performance.

9. Routinely check oil level, oil quality, and shaft alignment for a gear-drive system following the manufacturer’s recommendations to assure reliable service.

10. Lubricate fan shaft bearings every three months, at a minimum, to maintain proper operation. Installing automatic bearing greasers is easy and can eliminate monthly bearing maintenance.

Maintenance frequency varies depending on the condition of the circulating water and the environment in which the unit operates. Good maintenance habits will help prevent equipment failure and extend equipment life. Storing critical parts in inventory will also help reduce downtime in the event of an emergency.

Save time, money, and energy with these 10 easy tips, and get the most out of your cooling equipment.