Water cooling towers are essential for dissipating the heat created by power generation and maintaining safe operating temperatures. They use closed water systems to capture heat and carry it upward, where it mixes with cooler water. Unfortunately, this creates ideal microbial growth conditions, which can ultimately destroy even stainless steel components.

What Is Microbiological Fouling?

Water cooling systems can promote algae, mold, and bacteria development on interior surfaces, pump components, and filtration systems. Even with regular disinfecting, these water systems can pick up spores from the air and deliver them to the tower's interior.

Different areas of the system can play home to various types of microorganisms, which develop into thin films that coat tank surfaces and components. These biofilms can cause maintenance issues and substantially decrease the life span of pumping and filtration equipment.

What Issues Are Caused by Microbiological Fouling?

Microbiological blooms bond to surfaces, releasing chemicals that can change the chemical nature of the metal. This accelerates corrosion, which can substantially weaken tank walls and mechanical parts. Not only does this lead to more frequent, costly maintenance, but it can also prompt unexpected breakdowns. For power plants, unscheduled downtime can be extremely disruptive for the entire community.

How Can Owners Minimize Microbiological Fouling?

Unfortunately, chemical purifiers are only minimally effective for purifying water cooling tower systems. Bleach and other chemicals are usually absorbed by water outside the tower and may never reach the microbes deeper in.

Mechanical cleaners are typically the most effective means for keeping microbiological films from developing in the first place. These systems may use small balls, scrubbers, or scrapers to remove microbes from surfaces before they take root. Once dispersed into the water, algae and bacteria are more vulnerable to chemical dispersants or sanitizers.

Since 1982, Western Environmental Management has provided customized water treatment systems to power plants throughout New Mexico and El Paso, TX. Their team has the experience to minimize the effects of biological fouling in a wide range of equipment, including in water cooling towers. Visit their website for more on their broad range of services. Call (575) 885-5709 to discuss your needs with a member of their team.