Just like your plant electrical system, telecommunication equipment or data network infrastructure, a process-cooling water failure can shut down a facility and may even involve safety issues. Let’s outline some of the steps you can take to minimize downtime.

Avoiding Trouble

Most cooling-system failures are not catastrophic, merely expensive and disruptive. The most common problem is fouling – accumulated dirt, debris, products of corrosion, mineral scale and biofilms that coat heat-transfer surfaces.
  • Buy equipment that is cleanable and easy to maintain.

  • Install filtration equipment to keep systems clean and help in monitoring for excessive build-up.

  • Use closed-loop systems for furnace equipment. Keep the system sealed, clean and oxygen-free to control corrosion and fouling.

  • Install redundant systems, especially pumps, fans and filters.

  • Have a backup source of water in the event of power failure (e.g., fuel-fi red pumps, municipal water or electric generator).

  • A well-designed cooling system shouldn’t require a baby sitter, but a regular maintenance schedule can help avoid surprises.

  • Check pump pressures and temperatures regularly to detect any adverse trends.

  • Pay attention to alarm conditions and rectify the problem before it gets out of control.

  • Change filter bags when required.

  • Hire a local water-treatment service company to check and maintain water chemistry.


Design it Right the First Time

Plan for future growth. It is more cost effective to provide additional capacity while equipment is being installed. Simple planning for the addition of future pumps (e.g., providing extra valved ports on tanks) and space for heat-transfer equipment (e.g., pouring a larger pad or adding extra piers) can save considerable money down the road with little up-front expenditure. Consider installing one size larger piping for the main distribution supply and return. If this is not possible, make sure you can add an additional piping run on the hangers you will install now.

Above all, be sure to include all necessary drains, vents, isolation valves and plenty of instrumentation. These items are critical aids in maintenance, troubleshooting and future system expansion.

Dry Coolers Inc.
(248) 969-3400
www.drycoolers.com
info@drycoolers.com

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