The frequency with which your cooling tower will need to be cleaned depends on several
factors. If your cooling tower is being used seasonally (comfort cooling during the cooling
seasons), a full-service Spring start-up cleaning and maintenance procedure combined with a
Fall shutdown is conventional. If the tower is being used as heat rejection for a process facility,
planned shutdowns should be scheduled at least once per year in order to address mud and
scale buildup.
Heavy and light duty pillow block bearings, as well as 4-hole flange mount bearings, should be
greased at least once per month during the cooling season. Smaller cooling towers may also
incorporate a split sleeve bearing, which will have a small reservoir to fill periodically as
needed. Belt tension should be monitored continuously, and tightened about once per month
on average.factors. If your cooling tower is being used seasonally (comfort cooling during the cooling
seasons), a full-service Spring start-up cleaning and maintenance procedure combined with a
Fall shutdown is conventional. If the tower is being used as heat rejection for a process facility,
planned shutdowns should be scheduled at least once per year in order to address mud and
scale buildup.
While the manufacturer recommends changing gearbox oil on a schedule that can range from
once every 2 to 5 years, CTM recommends changing gearbox oil yearly as a part of the regular
service and maintenance cleanings. For the cost of the oil, it isn’t worth maintaining a schedule
that, if missed or neglected, could result in gear failure.
Assuming proper maintenance procedures are followed, and the machine is operating under
typical operating conditions, a cooling tower will last between 30-40 years before requiring
replacement. A major overhaul (fill media, motors, replacement rotating assembly, and epoxy)
should be budged for after approximately 20 years, and in many cases (assuming the
undergirding structural supports are in good condition) a cooling tower can be overhauled
more than once.
