Business owners and commercial building owners who are responsible for the operation of their buildings’ cooling towers have likely wondered how often to conduct maintenance on their towers, as well as what tasks should be completed during this time. Cooling tower maintenance is an important part of ensuring that a cooling tower lasts for as long as possible and is safe during its regular operation. Cooling tower maintenance should include a plan for both regular attention to the tower and preventative actions.
Why Is Cooling Tower Maintenance Important?
Cooling tower maintenance is a critical aspect of ensuring that the tower operates at peak efficiency for as long as possible. Regular maintenance keeps heat exchangers working as they should so that the system uses as little energy as possible to perform its job. Without maintenance, the system can break down quickly, leading to costly repairs, more expensive energy bills, and even the need for total replacement.
Routine Maintenance For Cooling Towers
Cooling towers should undergo regular maintenance that includes repair and cleaning. First, an expert will visually inspect the tower to locate any easily identifiable problems. Components that have become fouled or rusted can be discovered during this step.
Next, some of the major features of the cooling tower will be cleaned. This includes the cooling tower fan as well as the basin, fill, and drift eliminators. Unwanted material can build up on these components, causing them to function with less efficiency or even stop working entirely.
Finally, once the cooling tower’s surfaces are clean, an important part of routine maintenance is lubricating the motors, fans, and pumps that allow the tower to function properly. Over time, these can become dry, leading to increased wear and early failure.
Some routine cooling tower maintenance should occur on a weekly basis, such as testing the quality of the water and examining the state of the screens, belts, and pulleys within the system. Excessive vibration should be fixed as soon as it is noticed. For easier regular maintenance, a sensor system can be installed that will alert you of immediate issues with the cooling tower.
At least monthly, strainers should be cleaned to remove any debris and dirt that has collected. The fill coil section may collect scale buildup, and the area may become dry; this should be examined regularly to ensure that the nozzles are not cracked or torn. Tension on the belt can also be readjusted to ensure that the belt drive is performing at maximum efficiency. At least once every quarter, lubricate the fan shaft bearings so that they do not begin to wear down.
By performing these actions regularly, you can save money on costly repairs and preserve the life of your cooling tower. A tower that is maintained on a regular basis will last longer and function more efficiently in its cooling and heat exchange capabilities, which saves additional money in energy bills.
Preventive Maintenance
Alongside routine maintenance for cooling towers is preventive maintenance. Preventive maintenance will never remove the need to regularly maintain a cooling tower, but it can dramatically reduce the difficulty of cleaning and make routine checks faster and easier. One of the most common elements of preventive maintenance for cooling towers is water treatment. A water treatment expert can assist with crafting a strategy that prevents dangerous bacteria such as Legionella while also reducing scale, corrosion, and suspended debris in the water.
The Most Important Time To Conduct Maintenance
While the needs of your cooling tower are unique to your building, regular maintenance is important, and you should conduct inspections at least once per week for certain aspects of the tower’s function. At least twice a year, be sure to work with a professional who can thoroughly evaluate your system. Cooling towers always work harder during the warmer months, so the tune-up and maintenance that occurs when bringing the tower out of its cool weather season is critical in ensuring that it does not fail when it is needed most. Spring is generally the best time to conduct a thorough maintenance check, in addition to the regular checks for individual features and functions that should be regularly attended to throughout the year.
Speak With The Experts At Tower Water For More Information
If you need assistance with cooling tower maintenance or developing a regular maintenance schedule that suits your facility, be sure to work with the experts. The technicians at Tower Water have years of experience in maintaining cooling towers and ensuring that they function at peak performance without the risk of dangerous Legionella bacteria and other complications. Reach out by phone at 212.518.6475 or schedule a consultation online to speak with a cooling tower maintenance expert today.
