Cooling Tower Usage Tips

Mechanical maintenance is reduced first of all by keeping the equipment clean and adjusted after frequent inspections. Grease the motor bearings, and add oil to the gearbox and speed reducers as recommended by the equipment manufacturers.

Keep all the clamps and bolts tightened. Inspect cooling tower fans, motors, and housing to avoid undue vibration they should be painted yearly, although the necessity for painting is most frequently determined by experience.

Check gearboxes weekly locate any unusual noise or vibration immediately and correct it. Check the oil level weekly and change the oil as recommended by the manufacturer or as the operating experience of the plant dictates.

At least once a year give the entire installation a thorough inspection dismantle the motors, gearboxes, etc., and check for structural weakness while tightening the bolts.

Do not permit the cooling tower to remain out of service (drained) for any length of time if avoidable. To avoid fires in the cooling tower, keep it wet. If the cooling tower is kept out of service "dry" for any length of time, fire extinguishers should be made available for emergency use and should be located for easy accessibility. In large plants, a fire-protection system should be operational.

The best guarantee of trouble-free performance is the adoption of a preventive maintenance schedule with a continuous record of performance. The life of a cooling tower depends on the care and attention it is given. Good operating and maintenance procedures should incorporate the recommendations of the manufacturer.