Parts 1 and 2 of this series examined issues related to scaling and corrosion in open recirculating cooling systems, i.e., those systems with cooling towers, and it also provided an overview of modern chemistry methods for scale/corrosion control. An issue that frequently dwarfs these concerns is microbiological fouling. Without proper control, microbes can rapidly establish colonies at many locations within cooling systems. These colonies can degrade heat transfer, restrict fluid flow and induce under-deposit corrosion. Cases are known where heavy microbiological fouling and accumulation of silt and other debris caused partial collapse of cooling towers. This installment provides an overview of common microbiological fouling issues, with discussion also about macro-biological fouling. Parts 4 and 5 will examine current and evolving microbial control methods.
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