9
operation
Tower Startup
Microorganisms including Legionella bacteria can exist in premise
plumbing including cooling towers. The development of an effective
water management plan (WMP) and implementation of maintenance
procedures are essential to prevent the presence, dissemination and
amplification of Legionella bacteria and other waterborne contami-
nants throughout premise plumbing. Before operating the cooling
tower, the water management plan and maintenance procedures
must be in place and regularly practiced.
Water System:
1. Consult a knowledgeable water treatment professional to clean and treat
your new cooling tower prior to startup. Cooling towers must be cleaned
and disinfected regularly in accordance with ASHRAE Standard 188 and
Guideline 12.
2. Do NOT attempt any service unless the fan motor is locked out.
3. Remove any and all accumulated debris from tower. Pay particular at-
tention to inside areas of cold water basin, entire hot water basin, and
hot water inlet. Make sure that cold water suction screens are clear and
installed in place.
4. Fill the water system to an approximate depth of 76mm in the elevated
section of the cold water basin. This is the recommended operating water
level. Adjust the float valve so that it is essentially closed at that level.
Continue filling the system until the water reaches a level approximately
3mm
below the lip of the overflow.
5. Start your pump(s). Observe system operation. Since the water system
external to the tower will have been filled only to the level achieved in the
cold water basin, a certain amount of “pump-down” of the basin water level
will occur before water completes the circuit and begins to fall from the
fill. The amount of initial pump-down may be insufficient to cause the float
valve to open. However, you can check its operation by pressing down
on the operating lever to which the stem of the float valve is attached.
6. Continue pump operation for about 15 minutes, after which it is recom-
mended that the water system be drained, flushed, and refilled in order
to clean the system.
Warning
