94-14: Fouling of Film Forming Cooling Tower Fills - A Mechanistic Approach

Cooling tower fill fouling is a major water problem facing the cooling and utility industries. This phenomenon can result in the reduced efficiency of the cooling towers it affects and create the need to replace the fill sooner than expected. This paper focuses on identifying the three main causes of fouling honey-comb PVC fill — suspended solids, such as silt or clay, sparingly soluble minerals, and biofilm. The phenomenon of cooling tower fill fouling was studied by examining the relationship of microorganisms, extra cellular polymers, clay particles, and precipitates during the fowling process. Laboratory and pilot cooling towers containing Munsters Fill were used during this research. The conclusions that were drawn are verified with field data.