Common Problems in Cooling Towers

Scale Deposits & Fouling

As dissolved minerals concentrate, scale deposits form on heat transfer surfaces and heat exchangers. These deposits reduce heat transfer efficiency and increase energy consumption.

Scale inhibitors are required to prevent scale formation and maintain system performance.

Corrosion of Metal Surfaces

Cooling tower water can become highly corrosive due to dissolved solids, oxygen, and chemical imbalance. Corrosion affects metal surfaces, piping, and process equipment.

If not controlled, corrosion leads to system damage, leaks, and premature equipment failure.

Biological Growth & Microbial Contamination

Cooling towers are highly susceptible to biological growth due to warm water and nutrient availability. Microbial growth and microbiological growth can result in:

• Slime formation

• Reduced heat transfer

• Fouling of tower systems

• Increased risk of Legionnaires disease

Effective chemical treatment programs must control biological growth using oxidizing and non oxidizing biocides.

Improper Blowdown & Water Quality Issues

Cooling tower blowdown removes concentrated dissolved solids from the system. Without proper tower blowdown, damaging impurities continue to build up, increasing fouling potential and corrosion risks.

Proper blowdown treatment and monitoring are critical to maintaining stable water quality.

Our Cooling Tower Water Treatment Approach

Aquatrol provides hands-on cooling tower water treatment services focused on maintaining stable system conditions and preventing performance issues.

Water Analysis & System Review

We evaluate each cooling water system based on:

• Makeup water quality (city water or other sources)

• Dissolved solids and suspended solids

• System load and heat rejection requirements

• Tower operation and recirculated water conditions

This allows us to develop a tower water treatment program tailored to your system.

Chemical Treatment Programs

Our cooling tower treatment programs include the use of treatment chemicals designed to:

• Prevent corrosion using corrosion inhibitors

• Control scale deposits with scale inhibitors

• Control biological growth with biocides

• Maintain deposit control and water quality

Chemical dosing is adjusted based on system conditions to ensure proper treatment without overuse.

Blowdown & Cycles Management

We monitor tower blowdown and makeup water rates to maintain proper cycles of concentration. Managing higher cycles helps reduce water usage while preventing excessive scale and corrosion.

Proper blowdown treatment helps remove damaging impurities and maintain system balance.

Filtration & System Support

In systems with high suspended solids or fouling potential, we implement side stream filtration to remove suspended particles and improve water quality.

This helps protect heat exchangers, reduce fouling, and improve system performance.

Monitoring & Ongoing Service

Cooling tower water treatment requires continuous monitoring. Aquatrol provides:

• Routine testing of water quality

• Adjustment of treatment chemicals

• Inspection of cooling tower systems

• Monitoring of system’s performance

This hands-on service approach helps prevent problems before they impact operations.

Improving System Efficiency & Reducing Costs

A properly maintained cooling tower water treatment program improves:

• Heat transfer efficiency

• Overall system efficiency

• Cooling system performance

• Equipment reliability

• Operational costs and maintenance costs

Reducing scale deposits, corrosion, and biological growth leads to measurable cost savings and improved system performance.

Environmental & Safety Considerations

Cooling tower water treatment also plays a role in environmental impact and safety. Proper water management helps:

• Reduce water usage through efficient blowdown control

• Minimize discharge of treatment chemicals

• Control biological growth and reduce health risks

• Support compliance with safety standards

Managing microbial growth is particularly important in preventing conditions associated with Legionnaires disease.

Applications Across Industrial Facilities

Aquatrol supports cooling tower water treatment for:

• Industrial cooling towers

• HVAC cooling systems

• Manufacturing facilities

• Process equipment cooling systems

• Open circulating water systems

Each system requires a tailored treatment system based on water chemistry, load conditions, and operational requirements.

Keep Your Cooling Systems Running Efficiently

Cooling tower water treatment is not a one-time adjustment – it requires consistent monitoring, proper chemical treatment, and regular service to maintain system performance.

Aquatrol works directly with facility teams to manage cooling tower systems, control corrosion and biological growth, and maintain efficient operation.

If your facility is experiencing scaling, corrosion, or inconsistent cooling system performance,

Contact our team to schedule a cooling tower water treatment review.