Cooling towers work by using heat exchange. Water is constantly circulated through the system, and, when it enters the cooling tower heated due to industrial processes, it is exposed to the air, resulting in evaporation. This reduces the temperature of the water enough that it can be recirculated and used for cooling. Of course, this cycle of evaporation requires the supply of water to be continuously replenished. However, the water that is fed into the cooling system is typically rife with contaminants, which can cause scale and corrosion. The chemicals that water treatment companies use are designed to address and prevent these issues.
The cost of your water management program represents approximately 2–4% of the overall operating costs to run your steam system. Just 1/8” of scale can increase fuel consumption by 12%. That’s why it’s important to invest in a well-executed program that delivers results over the asset life cycle.
