Bacterial Control

The growth of microbiological contaminants in cooling tower water such as bacteria, algae, and fungi, can cause, corrosion and fouling of cooling tower equipment.

Biological growth can occur in any kind of cooling tower system, but happens most in open-loop systems whereby the cooling tower water is more readily exposed to the elements and favorable environments for biological growth.  

If you choose not to treat the cooling tower water for biological growth, chances are microbe growth will run rampant,causing leaks and fouling in the system, and promoting slime formation that can reduce heat transfer and accelerate the rate of corrosion.

Cooling towers grow harmful bacteria, such as legionella, which is naturally present in surface water and has been known to cause people to get extremely sick and can even lead to death. 

Most states have mandates for legionella treatment and testing. Depending on the microbiological contaminants present, certain membranes are efficient, as well as bio-dispersants and oxidizing and non-oxidizing biocides.

Sampling and testing for bacteria growth is an essential part of the water treatment program, where sampling and testing of open loops and closed loop systems must be conducted on a regular basis to prevent bacterial fouling.

Certain deposits and impurities in the cooling tower can act as a food source to promote biological growth. 

Fouling occurs in cooling towers where deposits that are not as hard as scale supply a food source to microbiological organisms.

Contaminants that are food source to bacteria and promote growth and fouling can include:

• Colloidal and suspended solids
• Biological contaminants
• Silt
• Sand

Cooling tower water, especially in open-recirculating system, are susceptible to microbial growth.

These biofilms occur when favorable conditions promote the growth of bacteria that lead to fouling, corrosion, and other system issues. 

The application of adequate amounts of Biocides, bio-dispersants and oxidizing and non-oxidizing biocides will maintain the water free of bacterial activity.

The level of problematic bacteria will vary depending on the water source and the type of cooling tower a facility has, but in general, cooling towers can be a breeding ground for certain type of bacteria, fungi, and algae. 

It’s important to closely monitor these growths and treat them as necessary since most states have mandates for treatment and testing.

Depending on the microbiological contaminants present,certain membranes are efficient, as well as certain bio dispersants and oxidizing and non oxidizing biocides.

Cooling towers that are left untreated and grow excessive amounts of bacteria must be completely re mediated to rid the tower and the loop pipe system of bio slime.

The remediation process must be conducted in all the inner surfaces where surface water contact is made.

The re mediation process will be followed by physical testing of the circulating water to ensure the it is bacteria free.