Cooling towers

Cooling tower systems and evaporative condensers play an integral role in cooling large-scale HVAC applications.

UNLOCK OPTIMAL COOLING

Cooling towers can be a cost-effective and efficient way to cool commercial spaces when properly maintained.

However, with older units or without a proper maintenance plan, building owners and facility managers run into issues that impact the cooling tower’s productivity.

    • Corrosion
    • Scaling
    • Biological Contamination
    Cooling tower on rooftop

    STRATEGIC COOLING TOWER SOLUTIONS

    Since many operational processes generate significant quantities of heat, it needs to be dissipated as quickly as possible.

    We offer a wide range of solutions for cooling towers:

    • Design, Installation, and Service
    • Conversion and Retrofit
    • Systems Analysis and Evaluation
    • Cleaning, Water Testing, and Treatment

    hydronic system Services

    We service, design, analyze, and retrofit a wide range of hydronic systems.

      • Cooling Towers
      • Chillers
      • Water Source Heat Pumps
      • Geothermal

      Sample Projects

      1200 TON COOLING TOWER REPLACEMENT

      Designed and installed a 1200 ton, stainless steel, Evapco cooling tower. The regional newspaper’s production facility had corrosion problems with the previous unit due to the proximity to the oceanfront so a stainless steel tower was selected.

      The work included structural steel fabrication, design and installation of all new electrical and control systems. Time frame constraints limited demolition and new work schedule to a 10 day shut down – schedule met with 3 days to spare!

      HOTEL COOLING TOWER REPLACEMENT

      Replaced a 40+ year old wood cooling tower at a hotel with a new 250-ton Marley cooling tower. Work included removal and proper disposal of asbestos fill  from the cooling tower, fabrication of a new tower support, all new schedule 40 PVC supply and return water piping to existing line outside the building, new make-up water and drain line piping and new electrical branch circuit to outside the building.

      “Exceptional is not a stretch to describe your service and team. You are true to your word and philosophy. It shows in the people I have interacted with that work for you. Today’s facility management is so much about partnering with service providers. Thank you for all that you and your company provide to ours.”

      -H.D. Brown, Norfolk Botanical Garden

      Cooling tower FAQ’S

      WHAT REGULATIONS DO I HAVE TO FOLLOW IN VIRGINIA/MARYLAND FOR MY COOLING TOWER?

      The CDC states, “Devices in buildings that can spread contaminated water droplets should have a water management program even if the building itself does not.” 

      If you have a cooling tower in Virginia or Maryland, you should have a water management program for that device. This is to reduce the risk of Legionella growth and spread. For additional information, see Developing a Water Management Program to Reduce Legionella Growth & Spread in Buildings.

      What is Legionella?

      Legionnaires’ disease is an extreme type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. Although typically found in natural water sources, Legionella can be found in purpose-built water systems. Legionella can make individuals sick when contaminated water from building water systems that are inadequately maintained is inhaled. In the United States, Legionnaires’ disease is rising.

      Cooling towers are common areas where Legionella can grow and spread even if considered a cold water distribution system. Facility managers and building owners are responsible for ensuring their occupants’ safety, so a water management program is crucial.

      WHAT IS COOLING TOWER DRIFT?

      Cooling tower drift is the tiny droplets of water carried out of the cooling tower with the exhaust air. The drift droplets can contain chemical additives, like corrosion inhibitors. While this is a natural process, excessive drift can cause more significant issues:

      Water loss: Makeup water must be added back to bring the water levels up to the appropriate functioning level
      Chemical Loss: Drift that contains beneficial chemicals must be added back so corrosion and bacteria don’t become an issue. Additionally, a chemical loss can have implications on the surrounding environment.
      Health Concerns: Drift can contain a microorganism called Legionella. If inhaled, various health risks, like pneumonia, can occur.

      What is makeup water in a cooling tower?

      This is just the water added back into the facility to compensate for any loss or water drift.

      Water Quality testing

      Cooling tower water is the medium through which heat is absorbed from the process and then dissipated into the atmosphere. The water’s ability to absorb and carry away heat is crucial for efficient cooling.  

      Good quality water is essential to the lifespan and efficiency of your system and the health of your employees and customers.

      Stay cool! ❆

      Cooling tower applications ranges from indoor comfort control to chilled water for production processes.

      Cox-Powell provides cooling solutions for air conditioning, industrial processes and refrigeration.