One of the most effective ways to ensure that your cooling tower water treatment remains in good condition for many years to come is to incorporate a filtration system into the water that feeds your tower. Choosing the best cooling tower filter system for your needs can be a tough task. Make sure you understand the different types of filters that are commonly used in cooling towers before making your decision. If you need assistance, do not be afraid to reach out to a professional or a cooling tower manufacturer.
What Is The Role Of Filtration In A Cooling Tower?
Cooling towers conduct heat exchange by the use of water. The cooling tower is formed when air and water come together, and the heat is dispersed out of the tower—hence the name. Nevertheless, particulates, sediments, and other contaminants in the water can have an adverse effect on the ability of a cooling tower to perform this function, and too much residue in the water can even spoil parts of the system, resulting in the need for costly repairs and the premature replacement of your equipment.
Fouling occurs when dirt and other debris within the system stick to a microbiological layer, resulting in the formation of an insulating film that has a negative impact on the thermal conductivity of the heat exchange surfaces. In a system, the best recipe for fouling is a combination of microbiological development that include bacteria, algae, fungi, and so on and suspended particles that include debris, dirt, sand, grass, pollen, scale, and much more. The majority of tower owners include biocides and other strategies in their chemical treatment programme to combat microbiological growth and the potential health risks (such as Legionella) that can arise as a result of it. However, handling the second half of the fouling equation, suspended solids, is a step that is frequently forgotten once chemical treatment is completed. Mechanical filtration is the most effective method of dealing with suspended solids in a system since it is cost-effective. Filtration may be a viable solution to this problem because filters can collect undesirable suspended particles and other elements and prevent them from passing through the system further.
Factors That Need To Be Considered While Choosing The Right Filter System
When selecting a cooling tower filtration system, there are a number of factors to consider that include:
1. The Level Of Filtration Required
A particle size distribution analysis provides information on which size (micron) particles are taking up the maximum amount of volume. The result will depend on the source and quality of water that is supplied in your area.
2. The Rate Of Flow
What is the maximum flow rate that a system must be capable of handling? Check if it is constant or there is variable pressure loss and choose a filter system accordingly.
3. The Method Of Installation
When it comes to installation methods, these are the most effective filtration methods: basin sweeping, side stream, and full stream. Go for the one that suits your requirements the best.
4. Water Consumption And Maintenance Are Two Important Considerations
The backwash (water loss) and routine maintenance requirements of some filtration types are significantly higher than others.
5. The Size Of The System’s Footprint
The overall footprint of a filtration system can vary significantly depending on the type of system, the flow rate, and the installation method chosen.
6. Cost
Conduct an evaluation of the initial capital investment, annual operating costs, and anticipated savings from implementing a filtration system. Also, check how long does it take for the investment to pay off.
However, while the considerations listed above are a good starting point, there are various other factors that one may consider. Cooling tower suppliers will be more than happy to assist a tower owner in selecting the most appropriate solution for their particular application.
Wrapping Up
Cooling towers perform a wide range of critical roles for buildings, including everything from providing critical support to the HVAC system to generating electricity and much more. While managing and operating a cooling tower can be challenging, one of the most challenging aspects is the use of water. Bacterial growth, residue buildup, and the quality of the water all have an impact on not only how efficiently the tower operates, but also whether or not its parts and equipment deteriorate over time. Repair and maintenance of cooling towers can be a costly affair be it crossflow cooling towers or evaporative cooling towers. So, to avoid such a situation investing in a good filter system is a must. And this article has all the points covered to guide you on how to choose a filter system for your cooling tower!
