In the manufacturing industry, periodic cleaning of cooling towers is essential in the HRSG cleaning process. This step helps to limit the problems of blockage and system rust. It ensures the system is always in a stable operating state, and the overall performance of the tower is not affected. So how is the tower cleaning process done?
HRSG cleaning – The role and process of cleaning cooling tower in the manufacturing industry
Cooling towers are widely used in refrigeration, seafood, metallurgy, and pharmaceutical industries… with the role of reducing the temperature of the water stream by extracting heat from the water and releasing it into the atmosphere. Cooling tower cleaning is an important part of the HRSG cleaning process. For the cooling tower to operate normally, regular cleaning and maintenance should be carried out to prevent the growth of microorganisms and dirt.
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1. Develop a proper cooling tower cleaning and HRSG cleaning plan by learning about the structure of the tower
To conduct HRSG cleaning and effective cooling tower cleaning, you should understand the tower’s structure. Cooling towers are made up of different components that work together to ensure the efficiency and functionality of the entire system. These components will wear out over time and require servicing or retrofitting throughout the tower’s life. Cooling tower cleaning is usually done periodically with specialized equipment and techniques. The main parts of a cooling tower and their functions include:
- Frame and tower’s body: Most large capacity towers have a solid metal frame supporting the outer body. While smaller towers, the body acts as the frame. This frame is made of stainless steel, which resists corrosion and protects the device from enduring harsh weather conditions.
- Buffer block (or radiator plate): It is usually made of hard plastic or wood to support optimal heat exchange between water and air. There are two types of spacers commonly used in cooling towers: spray and membrane blocks.
- Coldwater tank: It is located near or at the bottom of the tower to receive cool water flowing down through the buffer block. The tank usually has a water collector or a depression to discharge cold water down the pipeline to cool the plant’s machinery system.
- Fan: This is one of the important parts of the tower with the task of forced ventilation in the tower to bring the largest amount of air to effectively cool the water in the system.
- Water blanket: is used to collect water droplets trapped in the air stream, avoiding loss into the atmosphere.
- Nozzles: Most cooling tower nozzles are made of plastic. The nozzles have the function of wetting the buffer block, allowing uniform distribution of hot water inside the cooling tower cell.
In addition, the tower also has other parts that can be mentioned, such as the air inlet port, the gearbox, the engine, and the reducer box… There are also many particular types of towers made up of various enhancements.
2. The role of cooling tower cleaning in HRSG cleaning processes
Cooling tower cleaning is an integral part of the HRSG cleaning process. Because after a period of operation, the tower accumulates dirt and has the invasion of microorganisms that cause corrosion processes. Businesses should have a maintenance plan, including cleaning the cooling tower, if you want the tower to function properly. Not only that, but the tower cleaning also plays many other important roles such as:
- Cleaning the tower prevents the growth of microorganisms: Over time, operating with ideal temperature conditions, bacteria and algae multiply in the unclean water in the tower. Physical membranes filled with bacteria are also corrosive and harbor harmful pathogens with unpleasant odors. If the tower is not cleaned for a long time, there will be dirt, and moss, causing pipe blockage and local corrosion.
- Reduce water treatment costs: Failure to perform periodic cooling tower cleaning will require the plant to have regular treatment measures to keep the water clean. Suppose the plant has a regular cleaning plan, the water treatment will be more effective in preventing corrosion, bacteria, and scale. In fact, skipping tower cleaning does not save money. On the contrary, it also costs businesses more money to repair system failures and water treatment.
- Ensure efficient system operation: tower cleaning and water treatment prevent solid minerals from settling throughout the system. Scale buildup and corrosion can reduce water flow, impede cooling, and make systems less efficient. It is so important to prevent them through water treatment and tower cleaning.
Cleaning and treating the water in the cooling tower doesn’t just keep the system clean; it also prevents corrosion and scale formation as well as microbial growth. Thereby reducing costs incurred and increasing the efficiency of the whole system.
3. The 5 steps to clean the cooling tower in the HRSG cleaning process
Regular cooling tower cleaning (vệ sinh tháp giải nhiệt) and water treatment are part of an overall maintenance plan for the HRSG cleaning process. The steps in this cleaning process will make the system more durable, perform better, and help reduce negative impacts on the environment and worker health.
Remove scale
We need to maintain a certain amount of water in the tower used to dissolve cleaning chemicals in this step. It is necessary to choose a specialized solution with an appropriate concentration and degree of cleaning so as not to affect the durability of the tower and ensure the safety of workers.After pouring chemicals into the tower, they will open the valves and pipes and turn on the pump to let the chemicals go through the system to perform the cleaning task, cleaning the accumulated dirt.
Chemical discharge in the tower
Depending on the size and time of cleaning the cooling tower, the circulation will begin to discharge the chemicals in the tower after a certain period. Operators must neutralize chemicals before removing them from the system to not adversely affect the environment. Continue to refill and repeat the sterilization process and then drain all chemicals in the pipeline. Use purple litmus to measure pH; if the pH of the rinse water is neutral, it means the rinse water has met the standard.
Using chemicals to remove moss
Using chemicals to kill algae in both the vents and nozzles to remove dirt and bacteria prevents fungi and moss growth and development in the tower effectively. This chemical mixture creates a thin film that protects the surface of the parts from the adhesion and rooting of microorganisms. In addition, the technician performing the cleaning can also use a UV light for this step to kill bacteria in the tower system.
Clean the water distribution pipes
When cleaning the cooling tower in the water distribution pipes, technicians follow the following steps: disassemble, spray, and clean dust and moss on the radiator panels and distribution pipes. Once completed, proceed to assemble the system as before.
Cleaning components and machine case
Other parts of the cooling tower system also need to be cleaned, such as the tower body, tower shell, propellers, mesh panels… The tower’s surfaces can also contain bacteria on the surface from the cooling water or from ozone. Clean all surfaces and sinks, and disinfect any surface that comes in contact with water. After disassembling for cleaning, it is necessary to check for any damaged parts to make repairs or replacements if necessary before proceeding. This ensures all system components are in top condition, increasing the life and efficiency of the tower.
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It can be seen that, whether the system is small or large, cleaning the cooling tower is a necessary option for the HRSG cleaning process. It brings great benefits in terms of cost and time and keeps the system stable, durable, and good working order. However, to ensure effective and trouble-free cleaning, choosing a quality tower cleaning service provider is a matter of careful consideration.With more than 27 years of experience, VIVABLAST will bring to your business an ideal cooling tower cleaning solution with a team of professional technicians, advanced technology, and a systematic and cost-optimized implementation process. For advice on a suitable, economical, and effective cooling tower cleaning solution for your project, you can contact VIVABLAST – one of the most ideal mechanical – insulation contractor:
- Tel: (+84-28)38 965 006/7/8
- Fax: (+84-28)38 965 004
- Email: vivablast@vivablast.com