If you are in charge of managing a cooling tower, you may find that determining which water treatment methods work best is challenging. If you should be aware that your water needs chemicals in order to help your cooling towers function at peak performance, you have a number of options to choose from. An experienced water treatment expert can analyze your specific water situation and advise you on which chemicals would be needed most, but going into the conversation with basic knowledge of your choices will make the process simpler.
Chemicals Used To Clesn Cooling Towers
Nearly all cooling towers and HVAC systems benefit from using chemicals in their water. These chemicals, which vary in both function and type, serve a number of purposes; primarily, they are meant to increase the longevity of the cooling tower and prevent issues like fouling, corrosion, and Legionella over time.
Corrosion Inhibitors
One of the primary issues that cooling towers face is corrosion and degradation of metal parts due to the natural breakdown forming rust and compounds that break down metal. Over time, corrosion will weaken the mechanical parts of a water tower and cause malfunctions, contamination of the water used in the tower.
The most common corrosion inhibitors are called bicarbonates. These materials protect metal components by neutralizing acidity in the water. Bicarbonates directly tackle common corrosive compounds such as chlorides and sulfates, which will eat away at a cooling tower’s structure and components over time.
Algaecides & Biocides
Another common issue that cooling towers face is the development of organic material. This may include anything from algae and biofilms to organic contaminants that have crept into the water due to leaks. Because these materials are actually alive, they can proliferate and overtake a cooling tower in a surprisingly short time. For this reason, most cooling towers are treated with some sort of biocide (anti-biotic) to prevent a sudden bloom or burst of organic life that fouls components in the system and can also cause health concerns.
Algaecides, as their name might suggest, is intended to kill algae and other related plant-like microbes in the water. Biocides can reduce other living matter that remains, improving the system and keeping clean and efficient water usage in a cooling tower. One of the most common options when it comes to biocides for your water is bromine.
Scale Inhibitors
Among the issues that cause the most damage and strain to a water tower’s systems is scaling. When an unwanted material or contaminant in the water builds up in a certain area, it can create deposits that grow over time. This can cause issues ranging from the narrowing of pipes to total blockages and equipment failures.
Scaling is typically caused by the presence of minerals in the water, and the water’s alkalinity will determine how much calcium carbonate scale you might expect. Silica is also known for creating large deposits that can impact the performance of your system. If scaling is an issue in your cooling tower, you may be able to tackle it using phosphoric acid.
Importance Of Cooling Tower Water Cleaning
If your cooling tower is currently functioning as it should, you may feel that there is no need to bother with water treatment. However, common issues like corrosion, contamination, and scaling can cause significant problems—and it is impossible to tell when or where these might occur. Fouling in a cooling tower can result in a complete loss of productivity, extended downtime, and significant hassle and expense for repairs.
This is why it is critical that you work with a skilled water treatment expert who can examine your unique cooling tower water treatment system and advise you on the next steps to take—whether that is to change your strategy or to incorporate a water treatment system for the first time. The upfront investment of time and money will more than pay off many times over in the long term thanks to increased longevity, efficiency, and effectiveness in your cooling tower.
Reach Out To An Experienced Cooling Tower Water Company
Regardless of whether or not you rely on water treatment in your cooling tower, you should consider evaluating your current water usage and locating improvements to extend the life and effectiveness of your cooling tower. The experienced technicians at Tower Water set the standard in water treatment and would be happy to review your current situation and offer personalized suggestions for your cooling tower-based specifically on your local water conditions and the type of equipment that you use.
Reach out to speak with an expert and schedule a time for a visit. Since each water treatment plan is unique, we will assist you in determining the specific properties of your water and how best to tackle problems ranging from alkalinity and pH imbalances to biofilms and pollutants. Get in touch to schedule an appointment at a time that is convenient for you.