Cooling Towers Test

There are a number of quick and simple tests and inspection techniques that you can perform that will give you an idea of the condition of your cooling tower and the effectiveness of your treatment program. Listed below are a few that may prove helpful.

Cooling Tower Sump

Using a long object, such as a broomstick, probe the bottom of the cooling tower sump, checking for debris and sediment. This can provide conditions conducive to microbiological growth, including legionella. If the sediment is black this could indicate anaerobic, or septic conditions.

Cooling Tower Wood

1. If the surface appears crosschecked this could be an indication of microbiological attack.
2. If the wood is separated into distinct layers (delamination) this is usually an indication of high temperatures or chemical attack.
3. If the wood is dark in color, brittle and checked this could be an indication of fungi attack, commonly known as "brown rot."
4. Delignification is the selective removal of lignin from the wood. Tower wood subjected to delignification is usually white to light cream in color. If this localized, it usually indicates microbiological attack. General delignification usually indicates chemical attack.
5. If fibers of the wood are easily removed with gentle rubbing this indicates defibrillation. This is usually an indication of chemical attack; however it may also result from alternate freezing and thawing of the tower.