With cooling systems, the launch phase of a new HVAC system marks the first major milestone in its operational lifespan. How this is managed from the start will determine the efficacy and longevity of the system, emphasizing the importance of proper treatment procedures.
To better understand the value of this process, this article provides a comprehensive guide to the cooling tower water treatment process for newly constructed systems.
Cooling Tower Startup For New Construction
There are two primary objectives prior to starting up a cooling tower coming out of construction —comprehensive cleaning and effective passivation. It’s important to understand the steps of these phases, including the use of specific chemical treatment products designed to remove in-transit oxidation and accumulated by-products, and how to eliminate oil and grease residues from manufacturing processes.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a beginner in the field, this guide offers valuable insights into the vital cooling tower water treatment process for newly constructed systems and establishes expectations for the professionals you rely on for your system maintenance. This includes the importance of cleaning and passivation procedures, the challenges encountered, and the major goals in startup chemical treatment.
Startup Chemical Treatment: Cleaning and Passivating
The two main purposes of a startup chemical treatment involve cleaning the system and passivating the various metal surfaces. Your water treatment technician will recommend suitable cooling tower chemical treatments according to the specific requirements of each system.
Comprehensive Cleaning
Comprehensive cleaning is the first step in the cooling tower water treatment process. The aim is to remove any possible contaminants that have settled during transportation and manufacturing processes. During this phase, specific chemical treatment products are used to cleanse the system piping thoroughly.
Preparation: First, the system is prepped for the cleaning process. This step often includes draining the system, closing all valves, and ensuring the water tower is ready for the chemical treatment.- Chemical Treatment: Next, specialized cleaning agents are introduced into the system. The chemical solutions are prepared according to the specific requirements of each system and help break down any potential contaminants present.
- Circulation: The chemical solution is then circulated throughout the cooling tower for a specific period. This duration ensures a thorough cleaning of all components. During this process, water quality parameters are tested and recorded periodically to ensure treatment is working.
- Rinsing and Flushing: Once the chemicals have done their job, the system is thoroughly flushed and rinsed to remove any remaining chemical residues and dislodged contaminants.
- Inspection: After the flushing, an inspection is carried out to ensure all contaminants are effectively removed and the system is ready for the next phase. If any contaminant is still found, the chemical treatment is repeated.
- Documentation: The results of the cleaning process, including any challenges faced or adjustments made, are then documented. This information can be used for future reference and continuous improvement.
By the end of the comprehensive cleaning phase, the cooling tower system should be free of any potential sources of contamination, providing a clean slate for the subsequent passivation process. Proper execution of this phase is integral to the cooling tower’s efficient and effective operation.
Effective Passivation
After comprehensive cleaning, the next phase in the cooling tower water treatment process is effective passivation. The purpose of this step is to safeguard the metal surfaces within the cooling tower from corrosion and wear.
- Preparation: The cleaned system is prepared for the passivation process. This involves ensuring that the cooling tower is free of any residual cleaning agents that could interfere with the passivation chemicals.
- Application of Passivating Agents: Specific chemicals are introduced to render the surfaces of the system’s components inert. These passivating agents form a thin protective layer on the metal surfaces, which acts as a barrier against corrosion and rust. The agents used can vary based on the specific requirements of each cooling tower system.
- Circulation: Similar to the cleaning phase, the passivation chemicals are circulated throughout the system for a certain period. This allows the passivating agents to coat every component evenly, providing comprehensive protection.
- Monitoring: Once the passivation chemicals have been circulated, the system is closely monitored to ensure the process has been effective. Tests are conducted to verify the protective layer’s presence and assess its quality.
- Final Flushing: After ensuring successful passivation, the system is flushed one final time to remove excess passivation chemicals. This step is essential to prevent any possible chemical buildup, which could interfere with the system’s operation.
- Documentation: The results of the passivation process, including the chemicals used, duration of circulation, and the outcomes of any tests, are recorded. This data is invaluable and should be documented for future reference and further optimizing the passivation process.
At the end of the effective passivation phase, the cooling tower system’s surfaces should be well protected against potential corrosion, wear, and tear. This phase is pivotal in ensuring the system’s longevity and continued efficient operation.
Trust Tower Water From The Start
As a leading specialist in New York City for cooling tower and HVAC water treatment, Tower Water provides unparalleled services in maintaining and enhancing the performance of your systems. Our experienced team takes a customized approach to ensure that your cooling towers and HVAC systems are correctly treated, optimizing their lifecycle and saving you unnecessary costs in the long run.
Trust us to do it right from the start, as we are the only water treatment pros offering post construction specialty cleaning and full service water treatment. Partnering with a reliable water treatment specialist who understands your facility’s unique requirements is essential for ensuring optimal water quality and system efficiency.
Take the first step towards safeguarding your cooling towers and HVAC systems by contacting Tower Water. To learn more about our water treatment services or to schedule a consultation, contact Tower Water at 212-518-6475 or visit our website today.
