Management of the risks from legionella in cooling towers and evaporative condensers

If not vigilantly controlled, the risks from legionella in cooling towers and evaporative condensers can become serious, and problems can build up rapidly. Fortunately, the means of control are well understood. An effective approach is set out in HSE’s Approved Code of Practice.

The cooling system may consist of a cooling tower, evaporative condenser or other cooling element, the re-circulating pipe work, the heat exchanger, pumps and ancillary items such as supply tanks and pre-treatment equipment.

If you have a cooling tower or evaporative condenser, you should put in place appropriate measures to prevent or control the risk of legionella as described in Legionnaires’ disease: The control of Legionella bacteria in water systems^[1] Otherwise, other measures need to be put in place to prevent or control the risk from legionella and must be as equally effective.

HSG274 Part 1Legionnaires’ disease: The control of Legionella bacteria in evaporative cooling systems ^[2]

Ph Water & Air are able to provide a complete package of services comprising of annual cleaning through to fully comprehensive maintenance packages, chemicals, inspections and repairs to ensure that you meet your statutory obligations.

The primary function of a boiler water treatment program is to keep heat transfer surfaces (steam generating and associated tubes) free from scale and deposition. The second requirement is corrosion inhibition. Boiler deposits are problematic, as they typically contain undesirable levels of metal oxides, mineral scale, sludge, or various combinations. Corrosion generally occurs because of excessive levels of dissolved oxygen but can also develop under tube deposits. Deposits and corrosion can lead to boiler tube failures that result in costly repairs and downtime.

Ph Water & Air are able to provide comprehensive maintenance packages, to include analysis, treatment chemicals & inspections.