scope:

The equipment and materials in a cooling tower are subjected to a harsh environment and usually a less than ideal inspection program. This chapter deals with the cooling tower inspection format, associated equipment and material problems, and suggested inspection and maintenance procedures.

The "Cooling Tower Inspection Format" has been developed as an operational maintenance tool and record of general tower conditions. The inspection format is meant to be used in conjunction with tower manufacture's operation and maintenance manuals. It utilizes CTI Publications such as Bulletin WMS-104 "Wood Maintenance," for the analysis of types of deterioration found in cooling towers, as well as a standardized rating system for the degree of deterioration.

The frequency at which the inspections should be performed is dependent on the users individual preference based on operational or general maintenance criteria.

Normally each manufacturer will recommend inspection intervals based on past experience records. The inspection procedures used may vary from user to user. CTI Bulletin WMS-104 records three basic procedures and observation techniques for wood consisting of visual, strength, touch and probe. These methods can be augmented by additional technical sampling for water analysis, timber and component part cross section sampling, E modulus testing, etc.