TP20-17: Extending the Life of Reinforced Concrete Cooling Towers

Reinforced Concrete Cooling Towers are a mainstay of industries that require the cooling of systems and process water. The environment these cooling towers see varies widely from forced-air cooling towers for mineral water to natural draft cooling towers for brackish water. All these environments can have a detrimental effect on the condition and longevity of the reinforced concrete. This presentation will look at options for repairing and extending the life of these reinforced concrete cooling towers. The topic will be explored using two case studies; Coal Creek Station in North Dakota using structural concrete repair, waterproofing, beam replacement, and protective coatings; and a Mid-Atlantic Generating Station with a variety of impressed current and galvanic cathodic protection systems. Each repair and restoration is expected to extend the life of the cooling tower in excess of 25 years.