Did you know that the appearance of algae and plants in cooling towers and similar equipment can be a problem due to the growth of bacteria in water? Water is the main liquid used by cooling towers to cool the environment in industrial settings.
Correct maintenance of these devices depends on thorough monitoring of water quality to prevent the appearance of algae and bacteria. Good maintenance is not only necessary to prevent the appearance of legionella, but also to improve the efficiency of appliances.
Below, we review the aspects to take into account when carrying out cooling tower maintenance and the role played by adequate water control.
Cooling tower maintenance: How should it be carried out?
In order to properly maintain a cooling tower and other cooling devices such as fans, it is necessary to know how these devices work.
The operation of a cooling tower is very simple. It is a device that is used to reduce the temperature of water or other fluids.The main use is industrial and is used for the purification of circuits in factories and other environments, as well as for cooling water in industrial processes.
In some cases it also cools the environment. This is done by transferring heat to the air, which is then blown through the tower by fans.
In the case of cooling processes, pipes and pools It is necessary to pay attention to certain parts such as the fans, the hot water inlet, the pipes, the filling area and the water pump.
The quality of the water in these units is vital to prevent the appearance of algae. Did you know that one of the main sources of infection for legionella bacteria are the circulation and cooling systems in industrial buildings, hotels and hospitals, among others?
Most of these buildings have air conditioning and refrigeration systems, which is where bacteria accumulate. Bacteria grow with algae and easily originate in hot, sealed environments such as water pumps in cooling towers.
Algae can be a major problem in cooling towers, causing a number of problems such as excessive water consumption and decreased efficiency. To avoid algae problems, it is important to pay close attention to the maintenance schedule of your cooling tower, so it is advisable to pay attention to the following aspects:
- Regularly check filter parameters, as well as filter media and hygiene levels.
- Prevent excess nutrients from entering your cooling system through leaks or over-loading of the tower. This factor is key as it reduces the growth of bacteria.
- Maintain sanitary water flows at a constant rate to avoid stagnation.
- Carry out periodic inspections to ensure that all components are in working order.
- Keep pipes and facilities clean through the application of algaecides and specific products.
- Prevent the appearance of incrustations at the inlet and outlet mouths of the pipes.
By following these simple tips, Most problems can be avoided and a cooling tower can operate properly for a long time.
However, to ensure that a cooling system operates at an optimal and efficient level, it is important to know how often to perform maintenance.
Here's how.
Frequency of maintenance in refrigeration: How often should it be performed?
When it comes to cooling tower maintenance, there are a few important points to keep in mind.
Firstly, It is important to take into account the frequency of regular maintenance.
This may vary slightly depending on the type of tower used, but in general It is best to keep the tower clean and free of debris at least once a week.Another important consideration is the location of the cooling tower.
¿Where the tower is located within the facility? This can have a major impact on the type of cleaning and waste disposal required, as well as the costs associated with maintaining it.
Finally, it is essential to take into account any access restrictions to the tower for security reasons to prevent the passage of unqualified personnel.
It is therefore important to perform regular maintenance on your cooling tower to optimise its overall efficiency and ensure it continues to perform its function effectively for many years to come.
If you want a cooling tower to do its job for a long time, stick with these keys to determine maintenance frequency summary;
- Refrigeration equipment needs a complete inspection every six months. This review visually checks the condition of the equipment, pipes, fans and dispersion systems.
- The frequency of maintenance depends on several factors: such as its location, the number of fans, the surface to be cooled and the time of year.
- The time of year is another aspect to take into account.For example, in summer the temperature of the circuits is higher, so it is key to check the condition of the filters and study the quality of the water.
- As a general rule, Regular cleaning and pre-maintenance is necessary once a week.
Algae control: what aspects should I take into account?
Algae are a major threat to the health of your cooling tower as they block filters and pipes with scale, as well as corrode and rust important components such as drain pans or the cooling tower itself.
To EVITED these problems, It is important to control algae growth using products such as algaecides.
Basically, an algaecide It is a product to prevent the emergence of these aquatic organisms.
There are many types of algaecides, each with different characteristics and properties of use.
- Algicides for algae in general.
- Algicides for specific strains: These products are specifically designed to kill specific types of algae..
- Algaecides and other organisms: These “universal” algaecides are able to prevent the growth of algae and other organic bodies (molds and mosses) that grow easily in areas where there is humidity. To easily eliminate these organisms These products contain organic and cationic compounds, as well as alkyl chloride derivatives..
Choosing an algaecide for all types of these organic bodies is key to preventing their growth. A perfect product to perform this task is our algaecide Algae for cooling towers.
It is a product capable of preventing the growth of mold, moss and algae in cooling towers and other equipment.
Simply follow the instructions and use one litre per 4.000 litres of water in the maintenance phase. In the attack phase, the attack dose is half that, 2 liters of Algae product for every 2.000 liters of water.
Preventing algae growth in cooling towers and other equipment is easier with the right product!