Cooling towers are an integral component of many refrigeration systems, providing comfort or process cooling across a broad range of applications.  They are the point in the system where heat is dissipated to the atmosphere through the evaporative process, and are common in industries such as oil refining, chemical processing, power plants, steel mills, and many different manufacturing processes where process cooling is required.  They are also commonly used to provide comfort cooling for large commercial buildings including airports, office buildings, conference centers, hospitals, and hotels.

Cooling tower structures vary greatly in size and design, but they all function to provide the same thing: liberation of waste heat extracted from a process or building system through evaporation of water. 

Some common problems include:

• Deterioration of concrete structures through chemical attack
• Spalling and cracking due to corrosion of steel reinforcement
• Rotting of wooden lattice work and distribution trays

One of our University’s was recently saved from a large recurring water bill.  The institute was wasting hundreds of gallons of water per week due to damage at the concrete basin of their cooling tower.  The concrete sump was exposed to the harsh elements over the years, which led to the cracks along the bottom surface.

The University was very familiar with the benefits of using Belzona, which had solved countless issues on various applications.  The most recent applications include:

• Belzona 5811 (Immersion Grade) on a cooling tower pan
• Belzona 5231 (SG Laminage) on the mechanical room floor
• Belzona 1131 (Bearing Metal) to replace a Babbitt bearing
• Belzona 5131 (EG-Cladding) to waterproof and protect the insulation on air conditioner ducts

The recommendation to repair the leak was to apply Belzona 3121 (MR-7) over the expansion joints and cracks followed by two coats of Belzona 5811 (Immersion Grade) over the entire concrete basin.  It took four workers an entire week to complete the job. 

Tell us, how can we help you repair, protect and improve your component equipment?

Stephanie Rumford
srumford@rumfordgroup.com
937-435-4650
RumfordGroup.com