Side Stream Filtration for Cooling Towers: Essential Guide

Cooling towers are integral to many industrial and commercial processes. They face challenges such as scaling, fouling, and biological growth, which can hinder performance. Implementing side stream filtration for cooling towers is an effective solution to these issues, ensuring optimal operation and longevity.

Professional Grade High Efficiency Cooling System Filter

What is Side Stream Filtration?

Side stream filtration continuously filters a portion of the water circulating through the cooling tower. This process helps remove suspended solids, debris, and other contaminants that cause scaling and fouling. Consequently, it maintains the efficiency of the cooling system.

How Side Stream Filtration Works

Side stream filtration systems typically use a combination of mechanical filters and chemical treatments to remove impurities. The filtered water is then returned to the cooling tower, maintaining optimal water quality. These systems operate continuously, ensuring ongoing protection against contaminants. By filtering out debris and suspended solids, side stream filtration helps maintain a cleaner and more efficient cooling system.

Advantages of Side Stream Filtration

Enhanced Efficiency: Side stream filtration removes impurities, which improves heat exchange efficiency and reduces energy consumption. This process ensures that the cooling towers operate at their highest efficiency levels.

Prolonged Equipment Life: Clean water reduces wear and tear on cooling tower components, thereby extending their lifespan. Regular filtration prevents the build-up of contaminants that can cause damage over time.

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Module By Design

Modular Design has been used with cooling towers, boilers, air compressors, etc. for years. The reason is flexibility and redundancy.

Modularity allows for a system to be more accurately matched to the required load. If the requirements increase, additional modules can be added to meet the new load without replacing the entire system. Alternatively, if the load decreases, modules can be shut off individually to reduce excess product and can be restarted without system interruption.

More on Modularity

One common misconception is having one large unit means less equipment to inspect and maintain. The reality is modular make maintenance more affordable and less invasive by working on a single unit without having to shut down the entire system. Smaller modules mean smaller components that are easier to work on and less costly to replace.

Many times, modularity takes less space and provides more flexibility for installation.

​Modularity just makes sense.

configurations for cooling towers

CT Series High Efficiency Cooling Tower Filter

  • SUB-MICRON FILTRATION
  • MODULAR DESIGN/EXPANDABLE CONFIGURATION
  • EASE OF OPERATION
  • AVAILABLE BACnet COMM PACKAGE

Modular design: Multiple filters allow for effective filtration of larger systems providing maximum versatility.

Non-corrosive design: PVC/FIBERGLASS/POWDER-COATED ALUMINUM
Durable GRUNDFOS pumps with optimal hydraulics; TEFC MLE motor that exceeds the premium efficiency ration UL NEMA 3R environmental rating.

Ease of installation/operation: Solid state programmable controller for simple reliable timed or on demand operation. Rugged NEMA4 enclosure with motorstarter and safety disconnect. Three way motorized ball valves. Single point electrical  connection. Powdercoated aluminum skid for optimal mobility.

Backwash options: City water or tower water backwash source can be used, backwash initiation by differential pressure, 24 hour timed operation or manual push button operation.

Sub-micron Filtration: Innovative gradient media design achieving optimal particulate and suspended solid removal with unique scrubbed surface filtration.

CT70 Filtration Unit

Specifications:

Footprint for Central Sterile System

Specifications for Side Stream Cooling Tower Filtration System

Advantages of Side Stream Filtration

Enhanced Efficiency: Side stream filtration removes impurities, which improves heat exchange efficiency and reduces energy consumption. This process ensures that the cooling towers operate at their highest efficiency levels.

Prolonged Equipment Life: Clean water reduces wear and tear on cooling tower components, thereby extending their lifespan. Regular filtration prevents the build-up of contaminants that can cause damage over time.

Reduced Maintenance Costs: Continuous filtration minimizes the need for frequent cleaning and maintenance, saving both time and money. It allows for longer intervals between maintenance cycles, reducing labor and material costs.

Improved Water Quality: By maintaining higher water quality, side stream filtration prevents microbial growth and biofilm formation. This results in a healthier system that is less prone to biological fouling.

Key Considerations for Effective Side Stream Filtration

When implementing side stream filtration for cooling towers, it is essential to consider several factors to ensure the system’s effectiveness:

Flow Rate: The filtration system must be capable of handling the volume of water circulating through your cooling tower. An undersized system will not effectively remove contaminants, while an oversized system may lead to unnecessary operational costs.

Filter Type: Different contaminants require different filtration methods. Choosing the right filter type is crucial for effectively removing the specific impurities present in your system. Options include sand filters, cartridge filters, and bag filters, each suited for different types of debris and particulate sizes.

Maintenance Requirements: Opt for systems that are easy to maintain and have a low total cost of ownership. Automated systems with self-cleaning capabilities can reduce manual maintenance efforts and ensure continuous operation.

Compatibility: Ensure the filtration system is compatible with your existing cooling tower setup. This includes considering the physical space available for installation and the integration with existing water treatment processes.

Installation and Operation

Proper installation and operation of side stream filtration systems are critical for maximizing their benefits. Here are some best practices to follow:

Professional Assessment: Conduct a thorough assessment of your cooling tower system to determine the appropriate side stream filtration requirements. This includes analyzing water quality, flow rates, and contamination levels.

System Design: Work with experienced professionals to design a filtration system that meets your specific needs. Custom-designed systems can address unique challenges and provide optimal performance.

Regular Monitoring: Continuously monitor the performance of the side stream filtration system to ensure it is operating effectively. Regularly check filter conditions, flow rates, and water quality to identify any issues early.

Side stream filtration for cooling towers is a crucial component of effective cooling tower maintenance. By continuously removing contaminants, it enhances efficiency, reduces maintenance costs, and prolongs equipment life. Therefore, investing in a high-quality side stream filtration system can lead to significant operational benefits and cost savings. Have questions about side stream filtration for your cooling towers? Contact us today to learn more about how we can help improve your system’s performance and longevity.

Before and After Particle Analysis for Cooling Towers

Before Filtration Side Stream Cooling Tower Particle Analysis
After Filtration Side Stream Cooling Tower Particle Analysis

Product Options

CT 70

CT70 Filtration Unit
CT70 Footprint diagram from two angles

CT 30

CT30 NuStream Filtration Unit
CT30 Footprint diagram from two angles