Preparing Your Cooling Towers for Winter: Quick Guide to Avoiding Costly Freezing Issues

With winter approaching, it’s essential to safeguard cooling towers from freezing temperatures. Despite harsh weather, cooling towers can function effectively if you take the right precautions.

Winter Cooling Tower Challenges Cooling towers exposed to the cold can face serious risks, from ice on the air inlets to accumulation on the fans, which may lead to major operational issues. Ice formation on the fans can affect functionality, cause extensive damage, and disrupt operations, while ice on the structure can strain supports, adding unnecessary costs and risks to your facility.

Key Steps for Winter Preparation

1. Conduct Regular Inspections: Stay vigilant with regular inspections year-round, increasing the frequency in freezing conditions.
2. Start Cold Weather Operations Early: Activate cold weather protocols before temperatures hit freezing.
3. Maintain Heat Load and Flow Rates: Keeping a consistent heat load and above-minimum flow rates can prevent freezing.
4. Manage Airflow: Balancing airflow across cooling tower cells helps prevent localized ice buildup.
5. Avoid Manual Ice Removal: Allow ice to melt naturally to protect equipment and personnel.
6. Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: Manufacturer recommendations are essential for adapting operations in cold weather.

Proactively managing your cooling towers in winter ensures continued performance and safety. As a leader in water treatment solutions, Chem-Aqua offers expertise and custom programs designed to keep your operations running smoothly through every season.