Vital Chemicals for Cooling Towers

Cooling towers are used to cool down hot condenser water taken from chillers of air conditioning systems. The cooling effect of cooling towers are attributed to the evaporation of the water when it is blown through by air from the fans. After some time of circulating through the cooling towers, the water becomes more and more concentrated with the dissolved salts in the water. The concentrated water has to be drained off and fresh new water added into the system to make it less saline. However, when fresh water is added, it will not have any passivation chemicals to protect the piping and the component condenser parts from corrosion. So chemicals are added to protect the piping and the machinery. For cooling tower water, the chemical used serve 2 basic functions - a corrosion inhibitor and a biocide. The corrosion inhibitor is for preventing corrosion in the piping and the related parts. The biocide is to prevent growth of algae, bacteria and other micro organisms. Every water treatment chemical company has its own formula and special concortions. A typical corrosion inhibitor may contain about 1 - 10% Potassium Hydroxide or similar alkali. This is then further diluted when mixed with the water in the cooling tower. Being an alkali, it will neutralize any acids found in the water that can cause corrosion to occur. The cooling tower is installed outdoors. With the ample warmth from the chiller, fresh air and sunlight, the water it contains is a very ideal medium for the growth of micro organism. Micro organism growing in cooling tower water causes a lot of problems. Clumps of algae can cause chokages in the pump strainers. Long strands of microscopic plants can act like nets that can cause restrictions to the flow of the water. Some organisms cause diseases and other health related problems to people. A typical biocide contains Sodium hypochlorite with concentrations ranging from 10 - 20%. Again, this is further diluted when mixed with the cooling water. Even with the dosing of chemicals, the cooling tower needs to be cleaned every now and then. Dusts from the air still manage to settle down inside the sump of the cooling tower. So does the remains of dead micro organisms. These can stick to the infills and prevent the proper distribution of the water flow. Sometimes cooling tower plastic infills get brittle due to the exposure to ultraviolet rays found in sunlight. They often break up into small particles that can choke even coarse filters. Folks, it's time to clean up! Achieve Top Careers with Leading Skills! Opportunity to Earn Certifications in Over 425 of Today's Leading Skills! Measure and Develop Your Skills. Certify and Enhance. Reach Career Goals with Job Role Certifications Compare Your Skills to Those of Your Peers. Certify for Top Careers