Common Cooling Tower Problems and
How to Fix Them

Common Cooling Tower Problems and
How to Fix Them

Cooling towers are the backbone of industrial cooling, ensuring uninterrupted operations in power plants, HVAC systems, chemical industries, and manufacturing units. However, like any industrial equipment, they face performance issues if not maintained properly. As a trusted cooling tower manufacturer in India, Rakshan Cooling Towers has identified the most common cooling tower problems and practical solutions to keep your system running efficiently.

1. Scaling and Fouling

Problem: Minerals present in water often deposit on fill media, pipelines, and nozzles, leading to reduced heat transfer efficiency. Over time, scaling can increase energy consumption and damage the system.
Fix:

  • Regular water treatment and chemical dosing
  • Periodic descaling using industry-approved cleaners
  • Installing drift eliminators and splash bars for better water circulation

Learn more about water treatment standards from Cooling Technology Institute (CTI).

2. Algae and Biological Growth

Problem: Stagnant water in cooling towers becomes a breeding ground for algae, bacteria, and fungi. This not only impacts performance but also poses health risks like Legionella contamination.
Fix:

  • Regular chlorination and biocide treatment
  • Ensure proper circulation of water
  • UV-based or advanced water purification systems for large plants

3. Mechanical Wear and Tear

Problem: Moving components such as fans, gearboxes, motors, and bearings face continuous wear. Poor lubrication or imbalance leads to vibration, noise, and reduced efficiency.
Fix:

  • Regular inspection and lubrication schedule
  • Balancing and alignment of fans
  • Upgrading to FRP fans and energy-efficient motors

4. Drift Losses

Problem: Water droplets escaping with exhaust air cause high water consumption and corrosion in nearby equipment.
Fix:

  • Use high-performance drift eliminators
  • Maintain correct airflow patterns
  • Periodically check eliminator condition and replace if worn

5. Reduced Cooling Efficiency

Problem: Over time, cooling performance drops due to clogged fill, scaling, or insufficient air circulation. This increases process temperature and affects production output.
Fix:

  • Clean fill media and nozzle systems
  • Upgrade to high-efficiency FRP cooling towers
  • Optimize tower design for site-specific requirements with expert consultation from industrial cooling tower services providers like Rakshan Cooling Towers

Why Choose Rakshan Cooling Towers?

As a leading cooling tower manufacturer, Rakshan provides:

  • Custom-designed cooling towers for various industries
  • Comprehensive industrial cooling tower services – installation, inspection, and maintenance
  • ISO-certified solutions trusted across India and the Middle East

Whether you need new installations or service support, Rakshan is your reliable cooling tower manufacturer in India delivering performance-driven solutions.

Recent Posts

FAQ
The most common cooling tower problems include scaling, algae growth, mechanical wear, drift losses, and reduced cooling efficiency. These issues can be prevented with regular maintenance and professional industrial cooling tower services.
Scaling happens due to mineral deposits in circulating water. The best fixes are proper water treatment, descaling chemicals, and regular inspection. Choosing a reliable cooling tower manufacturer in India also ensures the right design and fill materials to reduce scaling.
Most experts recommend quarterly inspections and annual deep servicing for cooling towers. However, the frequency may vary depending on water quality, operating hours, and industrial load. Partnering with professional industrial cooling tower services ensures the right schedule.
Drift eliminators are the best way to minimize water losses. A quality cooling tower manufacturer will always use CTI-compliant eliminators to reduce drift below 0.005% of circulating water.