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Prepare for the Hot Melbourne Summer: Ways to Know if Your Cooling Towers are Working Properly

Summers in Melbourne can get scorching hot. Even if we are used to this heat, we still need to rely on some equipment and machinery to help us beat the summer heat. Whether you are in your office, shop, or even at home, there is an immense possibility that we all use some sort of cooling solution. These solutions are necessary so that we won’t get any sickness and grave medical conditions out of the heat. 

While residential properties can already maximise the potential of air conditioning units as a remedy to heat, commercial and industrial buildings require more comprehensive equipment to combat the summer heat. This equipment known as the cooling tower cools water stream that can be used by the building’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. 

And if you are among business owners who have a cooling tower, then it is vital to know if your equipment is ready to face the looming heat. Here are some of your cooling tower’s components that you must check and inspect to determine if it is still working accurately. However, make sure that you wear proper safety equipment first when inspecting your cooling tower.

Tower Casing and Structure

Look for any leaks, cracks, holes, or air leaks between adjoining panels of your tower casing. Make sure that the casing to the structure is in good condition. The steel casing must be free from any corrosion or scale build-up. The wood casing, on the other hand, must be free from any signs of decay or rot. As for the structure, check the tightness level of the bolted joints. You must also look for any signs of corrosion for bolted joints, as well as the joint connectors.

Stairway, Ladder, Handrail, and Walkway

Watch out for loose treads, handrails, or deteriorated stringers around the stairway. The bolted connections must also be tightened to make sure everything stay intact. The connection between the ladder, walkway, and the tower must also be established effectively. Make sure that the welds on steel and aluminium ladders and handrails are all in good condition. Any damage or deterioration on these components may pose a safety hazard for people who will be operating your cooling tower.

Cold Water Basin and Distribution Basin

If there is any build-up of sludge and accumulated debris on cold water basin, then it is recommended to remove them immediately. Sump screen must also be free from any trash. Just like the steel and wood components from other parts of the cool tower, you must also check for any signs of corrosion and decay on both the cold water basin and distribution basin. The basin support members must also be in good condition. 

Piping, Valves, and Spray Nozzles

The iron pipe of your cool tower, as well as the PVC or fibreglass pipe must be from any signs of corrosion and deterioration. The bolted joints on the piping must also be tightened and free from any leaks. Moreover, you must spot for any signs of wear and corrosion on the basin flow-control valves. You can operate the valve manually through its full range of travel and restart the valves to balance water flow. This procedure must also be done to the float valve. As for spray nozzles, check for any clogging or signs of internal wear. These components must also be in place and work according to their functions.

Fan and Fan Cylinders

If you have towers with centrifugal blowers, then you must check for broken or missing blades. You must also check the condition and tightness of the hub and the tightness of the bushing between the hub and the shaft. Fixed-pitch fan blades must also be free from any corrosion or erosion. If necessary, readjust blades to the manufacturer’s recommended pitch angle. As for the fan cylinder, you must check its condition and the tightness of its assembly. You can also adjust the cylinder according to the manufacturer’s instructions. These parts are just a few of the components that you must look out for your cooling tower. If you want to have an in-depth discussion about cooling towers, then contact us now at Protector Air Care. 

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