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TECHNICAL SELECTION GUIDE
How to Select Cooling-Tower Water-Treatment Chemicals
Evaporation in an open cooling tower concentrates dissolved salts. A treatment programme controls scale, corrosion, biological growth and suspended solids while protecting water and energy efficiency.
Direct answer
Evaporation in an open cooling tower concentrates dissolved salts. A treatment programme controls scale, corrosion, biological growth and suspended solids while protecting water and energy efficiency.
Technical review: MDES Engineering Technical TeamUpdated: 2026-10-25
Scale and cycles of concentration
Make-up hardness, alkalinity, silica, conductivity and chloride are evaluated with target cycles. Scale inhibitor, dispersant, pH control and blowdown setpoint follow that calculation.
Corrosion control
Carbon steel, copper alloy, galvanized and stainless components carry different risks. The inhibitor package follows chemistry, metallurgy, temperature and flow, with coupon or probe monitoring.
Microbiological control
Biofilm reduces heat transfer and can cause blockage and microbiologically influenced corrosion. Oxidizing and/or non-oxidizing biocides are scheduled by volume, contact time, pH and organic load.
Monitoring and optimization
Monitor conductivity, pH, hardness, alkalinity, chloride, inhibitor residual, oxidant residual, microbiological activity and corrosion rate. Calibrate blowdown, make-up and dosing equipment.
Cooling-tower control areas
| Risk | Control | Verification |
|---|---|---|
| Scale | Inhibitor, dispersant, blowdown | Hardness, conductivity, indices |
| Corrosion | Metallurgy-specific inhibitor | Coupons/probes, iron-copper |
| Biological growth | Biocide programme | ATP/count, oxidant residual |
| Suspended solids | Dispersion and filtration | Turbidity, inspection |
Key points
- Analyse make-up and tower water.
- State system volume and circulation.
- List all metallurgy and process contamination.
- Verify biocide programme in the field.
Frequently asked technical questions
What are cycles of concentration?
The ratio of a selected dissolved constituent in tower water to make-up water, controlled mainly by blowdown.
Is one biocide always sufficient?
No. Biofilm, pH, organic load and resistance risk require a site-specific programme.
Is less blowdown always better?
No. It saves water only while scale, corrosion and salt limits remain controlled.
What is needed for quotation?
Water analyses, tower/system volume, circulation and make-up flow, temperatures, metallurgy, current doses and problems.
Technical references
- Veolia Hydrex cooling-water guidance
- Tower and heat-exchanger manufacturer limits
- Water, corrosion and microbiology records
- Product technical and safety data sheets
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