Advancements in Cooling Tower Construction Improves Pre-Assembled Types in Design, Materials and Efficiency

Prefabricated cooling towers have not generally been the design of choice in the past. Today, replacing an old cooling tower can offer options that might have been dismissed previously. The labor savings over a field erected unit are not new. However, the latest advancements in technology have helped level the ‘field’. Less lead time and build time are some obvious advantages. The latest crossflow designs and advanced drift eliminators which improve efficiency are some of the new technologies in play. Materials such as composites reinforced with fiberglass (FRP) and other new composites are also being used, allowing compact designs and weight savings over old units.

Integral basins can also play a big part in a decision on construction type. On-site construction usually requires a concrete basin as a foundation, while most factory assembled units have a self-contained basin. Some newer designs, however, can be found with no basin, allowing existing basins for field erected units to be used when updating to a newer factory assembled cooling tower systems, thus adding additional savings. Multiple cells can be mounted even be mounted on an existing basin.

More Local Regulations Considered due to Recent Legionnaires’ Outbreaks

Minnesota State Rep. Cheryl Youakim has offered up legislation earlier this month creating the formation of a “state registry of cooling towers”, which would “…would prevent more people from getting sick in an outbreak…” according to the Representative. Details are to include required registration with the state health commissioner and fines for non-compliance. Required “inspection and cleaning guidelines” will be provided along with additional monitoring requirements. Cooling towers are not currently regulated in Minnesota.

Current guidelines by The Minnesota Department of Health recommends companies develop water management programs and adhere to existing industry standards.

Back in October of 2016 after a deadly outbreak in Hopkins, Youakim had said “Everybody’s digging into this to make sure that we can not only mitigate the spread of this disease when it happens, but really look at something that can prevent it from happening,” according to Nate Leding of local ABC affiliate Channel 5.

Nominations for the 2017 Commercial HVAC Contractor of the Year Award

Nominations are now being accepted by ContractingBusiness.com. “Candidates should be companies that can shed positive light on the HVAC industry and on the contracting profession.” Deadline for nominations is April 15, 2017. Now is the time to honor those who offer up the best and brightest future for the HVAC industry.