Autumn is the perfect time to make sure that your equipment safely transitions towards the cold season. EWK, our international partner, offers a wide range of cooling towers (with open or closed circuit), known for durability, efficiency and low noise level. These towers benefit from Fiberglass Reinforced Polyester casings which prevent corrosion and resist extreme temperatures, as well as from SANIPACKING® fills which reduce the risk of development of bacteria. Even with these construction advantages, correct maintenance in the autumn season is indispensable for maintaining the performance and reliability of the equipment.
1. Preparation in advance for autumn and possible sub-zero temperatures
Make sure that the cooling towers and the heat exchangers are cleaned properly and have active measures of frost protection. Check that the water circulates through the system at a sufficient minimum flow and control the concentration of antifreeze in the closed circuits, where it is the case, so that the freezing point of the fluid is below the expected minimum ambient temperature.
If the towers will also operate during the freezing period, take additional measures against the formation of ice: for example, maintain the temperature of the recirculated water above ~6°C, since a higher thermal point considerably reduces the risk of ice appearing on components. Check the functionality of the anti-frost resistances and of the thermostats which control them.
2. Revision, cleaning and reconditioning of the industrial cooling equipment
After a demanding summer season, autumn is the ideal moment for a complete revision of the cooling towers and auxiliary systems, so that these enter into the rainy season in optimal condition.
- Visual inspection and replacement of worn components: Carefully check the structure of the tower, the fans, the motors, the pumps, as well as the internal components (fills, distribution nozzles, drift eliminators etc.). If you notice wear or incipient defects on parts such as motors, transmission belts, bearings or filters, replace them preventively before they fail completely. Make sure that you use original spare parts, approved by the manufacturer.
- Cleaning of deposits and debris: Remove the dry leaves, twigs, dust and deposits gathered in the water basin of the tower and on the fill packs. During autumn, such debris can block the flow of water and reduce the efficiency of cooling, or can even favor the local freezing of stagnant water. According to specialists, regular cleaning of cooling towers can increase the efficiency of the system by 20–30%.
- Check the water treatment systems: Control the parameters of the chemical treatment of the water in the circuit. Autumn is the perfect moment to adjust the corrosion inhibitors, the anti-scaling systems and the biocides, so that the water in the system remains clean during winter. Test the pH, hardness and concentration of the chemicals, keeping them within the recommended limits in order to prevent the formation of crust, the corrosion of the metallic components and microbial proliferation in stagnation periods.
- Lubrication and preparation of the mechanical parts: All moving components of the tower and the dynamic equipment, in general, must be correctly greased before winter. Apply the lubricants recommended by the manufacturer on bearings, bushings, joints and check the tensioning and alignment of the drive belts (if the case). Also, change the oil from the gearbox with an oil of viscosity suitable for the cold season.
3. Renting industrial equipment for the autumn-winter period
In case you have additional requirements during the cold season – either to take over the load during the shutdown of some machines for revision, or to supplement the cooling capacity in special conditions – take into consideration in advance the option of renting equipment. We provide flexible rental solutions and mobile water filtration units, which can supplement or improve the existing installation in the cold season.
4. The benefits of autumn maintenance and the services offered by Consultech
By investing time and resources in preventive autumn maintenance, you will observe numerous benefits in the following months:
- Avoiding major breakdowns: Proactive measures (protection against freezing, replacement of worn parts, general revision) prevent incidents that can lead to unplanned shutdowns.
- Increased energy performance and reduced costs: Cleaning biological and mineral deposits, as well as the adjustments performed, will increase the efficiency of the cooling system. This translates into smaller energy bills and a reduced impact on the environment. At the same time, equipment that functions without obstructions and vibrations has an extended lifetime.
- Sanitary compliance and operational safety: By proper treatment of the water and hygienization of the towers, you reduce the risk of proliferation of dangerous bacteria (such as Legionella). EWK technologies such as Sanipacking® help in this sense, but their efficiency is maximal only when combined with a rigorous program of periodic cleaning and disinfection.
- Specialized support from Consultech: Our team is at your disposal with integrated maintenance services and technical consultancy. As a certified distributor of EWK, we provide original spare parts, fast interventions and customized solutions for any challenge encountered.
Autumn offers the ideal window for preventive maintenance of cooling towers, before the cold puts their resistance to the test. By following the recommendations above, you will ensure that your installations function efficiently, safely and without interruptions during the winter.
For more details and information, do not hesitate to contact us.
