Tech Tips
 
March, 2009

COOLING TOWER AND EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE/TECHNICAL TIPS

  • Upon start up, fill the tower to approximately ½" below the overflow level before starting the unit. This will provide enough water to fill the rest of the system without draining the tower on start-up. After the system is running, adjust the water level as shown in your operation manual. Monitor the operating level for the first 24 hours of operation to make sure it is set properly.
     
  • Many commercially available float balls are hollow and are not suitable for the rigors of evaporative cooling equipment. While running, the inside of your equipment can resemble a hurricane, with high winds and extreme temperature swings. Without the added structural rigidity from the foam filling, the float ball may easily crack, allowing the float to fill with water and cause the system to run improperly.
     
  • The BALANCE CLEAN® Chamber acts as an extra step of security in keeping your water distribution system clean. Even with this added protection, it is important to inspect the strainer and spray nozzles regularly to ensure proper wetting of the fill and to maintain peak performance.
     
  • It is important to maintain a clean suction strainer at all times for proper system operation. A clogged strainer will cause low system flow and pump operation problems.
     
  • When cleaning nozzles in a gravity-feed system such as a BAC® Series 3000 or 1500, do not use a screwdriver of other instrument to force debris through the nozzle. The bottom of the nozzle is a target area that diffuses the water over the fill media in an umbrella type pattern. If the target area is broken, the water will pour straight onto the fill surface, possibly damaging the fill. In addition, it is possible the debris can now begin to clog the fill.
     
  • Proper spray water distribution is important to the long-term efficiency of your cooling tower. A fully wetted coil or fill surface will resist scaling and dirt build-up while maintaining peak thermal efficiencies.
     
  • The best way to ensure maintenance is performed on a timely basis is to make it easy to accomplish… maintenance that is hard to do will not get done as required. Add ladder extensions and safety cages. OSHA- compliant.