Why Do Cooling Towers Tend To Freeze in Winter? An Article Will Help You Clear Up Your Doubts!

Cooling towers are prone to icing in winter, which not only affects the cooling effect but may also cause damage to the equipment. So, what are the reasons why cooling towers are prone to icing and what are the preventive measures?

I. Reasons for the freezing of Cooling Towers in Winter

Low temperature of circulating water: In winter, when the temperature is relatively low, the circulating water is prone to freezing during the cooling process. When the temperature of the circulating water is below 0℃, water molecules tend to condense into ice crystals.

Unreasonable air flow organization: The air flow organization inside the cooling tower has a significant impact on the cooling effect. If the design of the air inlet, spray device and packing is unreasonable, it may cause water droplets to stay in the tower for too long, thereby increasing the risk of freezing.

Poor atomization effect of spray water: When the atomization effect of spray water is not good, water droplets tend to accumulate on the packing and form ice.

Improper discharge control: Improper discharge control leads to an excessively high salt content in the circulating water. The salt precipitates at low temperatures to form hard scale, which in turn affects the smooth flow of water and increases the possibility of freezing.

II. Preventive Measures for Freezing of Cooling Towers in Winter

Adjust the temperature of the circulating water: According to the local winter temperature conditions, appropriately increase the temperature of the circulating water to reduce the risk of freezing. The water temperature can be raised by using equipment such as heaters or anti-freezing pumps.

Optimize air flow organization: Rationally design the air inlet, spray device and packing to ensure smooth air flow and reduce the retention time of water droplets in the tower. For large cooling towers, it is advisable to consider installing spoilers or air flow guide plates.

Improve the atomization effect of the spray water: Regularly check whether the nozzles are clogged or worn, and replace those with poor atomization effect in a timely manner. At the same time, adjust the spray water volume and pressure to enhance the atomization effect.

Control sewage discharge: Regularly carry out sewage treatment to reduce the salt content in the circulating water. Adjust the frequency and volume of sewage discharge reasonably according to the water quality conditions.

Strengthen inspection and maintenance: Regularly inspect the operation of the cooling tower, with a focus on whether there is any icing on parts such as the cooling tower packing,cooling tower nozzles and water pools. If ice is found, it should be cleared in time and corresponding measures should be taken. At the same time, strengthen the daily maintenance of cooling towers to keep the equipment in good operating condition.

Select antifreeze: Add antifreeze to the circulating water to lower the freezing point of the water and prevent freezing. However, it is necessary to choose reliable antifreeze and strictly control the addition amount.

Install anti-freezing electric heaters: Install anti-freezing electric heaters at appropriate locations on the cooling tower to reduce the risk of freezing through heating. However, the power and installation position of the electric heater should be reasonably selected to avoid excessive energy consumption or potential safety hazards.

Take good insulation measures: Insulate the water pipes, water pumps and other equipment of the cooling tower to reduce heat loss and lower the risk of freezing. Insulation materials or insulation coatings can be used for insulation.

Freezing of cooling towers in winter is a common problem, but the risk of freezing can be effectively reduced through reasonable preventive measures. In actual operation, corresponding preventive measures should be taken according to specific circumstances to ensure the normal operation of the cooling tower. At the same time, strengthen the daily maintenance and inspection of equipment, promptly identify and solve problems, and provide a guarantee for the long-term stable operation of the equipment.