Cooling towers are typically used to cool water for buildings in the energy sector. There are also industrial cooling towers. Cooling tower fill is used to maximise cooling of the water in the tower. Cooling tower fill replacement is required over time. There are signs that indicate when cooling tower fill should be replaced.
How does cooling tower fill work?
Cooling tower fill is used to increase the surface area of the water so that the amount of air the water comes into contact with is increased. This is also used to lengthen the time that the water comes into contact with the air for. This cools the water. There are two types of film available; these are called splash and film fill. Splash fill is used to break water into droplets which exposes the water surface to the air. Splash fill is typically made of PVC or Polyethylene. Film fill consists of sheets of material which the water can flow over.
When cooling tower fill replacement is required
Cooling tower fill eventually wears out and needs to be replaced. If it is not replaced, the cooling tower uses more energy to work. If the cooling tower is using more energy than it normally does this may be an indication that the fill needs to be replaced.
Another indication that the cooling tower fill may need to be replaced is when the water is not being distributed evenly across the fill. This can occur when the fill is blocked or damaged, and it reduces the efficiency of the cooling tower. Cooling tower fill sags as it ages and it can also warp from the heat. When this occurs, the water distribution is no longer even. The fill should be replaced in this situation.
Another reason that cooling tower fill replacement may be required is due to the build-up of calcium. This is noticeable when the water contains dissolved substances, including calcium. Calcium can collect in the fill and cause blockages. When this occurs, the fill cannot work properly. The fill may be able to be restored through cleaning, or it may need replacing.
Support grids are used to hold cooling tower fill in place. Over time, support grids can become damaged or degraded. This can cause the fill to warp, sag or fall out of place. If the fill is not in the correct place, it will not work effectively to cool the water. The support grid may need to be replaced if this occurs.
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