98-04: Fill Fouling Control in Cooling Towers

The introduction of high efficiency film fill has significantly increased cooling tower performance. However, film fill is more susceptible to fouling than conventional splash fill. This paper discusses two power plants which both have a long history of fouling problems using film fill despite various biocide treatment programs. With the implementation of combined biocide/biodispersant treatments, effective fill fouling control is achieved. Significant reductions in film fill deposits were observed in both power plants. In addition, one cooling tower also gained significant thermal performance (expresses as % capability) shortly after the treatment started.