Large Volume Cooling Systems
We understand the unique needs of clients with large heat rejection requirements having designed and installed large volume cooling systems across the UK. We specialise in replacing large timber constructed cooling towers that have come to the end of their service life and are no longer meeting regulations.
If your cooling system is a timber structure it is likely the timber is at risk from chemical deterioration formally known as delignification. Delignification is usually caused by high chlorine residuals (more than 1 ppm free chlorine) and high alkalinity concentrations (pH more than 8) occurring simultaneously.
Delignification manifests itself in a white or bleached appearance of the timber and can result in surface fibres of the timber structure washing into the cooling system. This can result in blocked filter screens, pipework etc. and serve as focal points for corrosion when these fibres accumulate within the system.
Although timber towers are becoming less common place in the UK there are still a significant number of these towers still on production sites, particularly within the larger industrial sector. Today there are far better manufacturing materials available for the construction of large industrial cooling towers that should be considered when replacing an ageing timber tower. If you are looking to replace your failing timber tower, you may wish to consider the following:
Your Environment
Saving water
Should your site have the available footprint, adiabatic coolers provide a great option for reducing water consumption. It’s possible to achieve as much as a 90% reduction in water consumption compared to a cooling tower delivering the same duty – ideal for sites with restricted access to water or for those looking to reduce their water consumption.
Saving power
Our SMART range of towers and coolers reduce energy consumption using scheduling capabilities to only run the tower or adiabatic unit during set periods of the day. As a result, less energy is used, and lower noise levels are observed during your production’s off-peak hours.
Minimal operating noise levels
If your site is within proximity to residential areas, consider limiting operating noise by introducing sound attenuators to your cooling units. Vistech offers several discharge attenuator options to best suit your requirements. Our sales engineers can discuss this in depth at the design stage. It’s also possible to install attenuators retrospectively, on existing units.
Remote monitoring for peace of mind
We are used to working with clients with busy production lines. We offer 24-hour monitoring for your peace of mind to ensure any issues are dealt with promptly and down time is kept to a minimum. You can also keep an eye on how your unit is continually performing with real time monitoring and monthly performance reports.
System Sustainability
Corrosion resistant material
All Vistech units are manufactured using Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP), a corrosion resistant material. This will significantly extend the life span of your unit, compared to steel and timber structures.
You may find your existing timber tower does not lend itself to the harsh environment of evaporative cooling towers and wood deterioration can shorten the life of a cooling tower from an anticipated 20-25 years to 10 years or less. A timber cooling tower’s operation will become inefficient, and repair and replacement costs can become excessive over the lifetime of the tower.
and the Installation of two new EWK-1800/15 GRP towers, complete with discharge silencers, large pack access doors, access platforms and new stainless steel sumps positioned beneath.
Intelligent design to increase longevity
Our Evaporative Panel Coolers are designed so that water does not contact the heat exchange surface/coil, limiting corrosion and increasing the longevity of your cooling unit.
Air Intake Screens
To minimise the introduction of biological contaminants such as pollen, insects and dust into your cooling system and distillery process.
Health & Safety
Water treatment costs
Legionella and water quality is a likely headache for many businesses across the UK. Perhaps your water treatment company’s risk assessment for your current systems has given rise to issues concerning your cooling tower. Timber towers can be problematic where water treatment is concerned. Environmental concerns over leaching, the loss of wood preservative chemicals into the water flowing through a cooling tower, has led to stricter industry controls and new chemical preservative formulas.
With our adiabatic range There’s no need for an expensive water treatment regime as the water used is typically provided from a mains supply therefore neither retained or reused, making the risk of legionella negligible.
Aerosol free design
Vistech’s evaporative panel design avoids spraying water so no aerosols are generated; you will therefore not be required to register your unit under the Notification of Cooling Towers and Evaporative Condensers (NCTEC) to the local authority or HSE.
Legionella Protection
All our GRP cooling towers are impregnated with a biocide, greatly reducing the risk of legionella. Removable pack and drift eliminators can be easily cleaned and once at the end of their life span can be economically replaced. We can also supply anti-legionella packing and drift eliminators as extra protection against legionella bacteria.
Installation of your new GRP tower or cooler
If your company is considering a replacement cooling tower system down time can be a major factor to consider.
Vistech’s new EWK Modular range of towers are pre-assembled at the factory and erected at final place within a matter of days not weeks. This results in a far more competitive product, reduced transport time and costs and decreased lifting time and costs for you. Typically, the installation time can be reduced by as much as 50%.
Plus, reduced time on site means an overall reduction in risk for your project delivery.
Cooling Tower or Adiabatic System?
Vistech Cooling Systems offers both cooling tower and adiabatic units depending on your site’s requirements, this helpful system comparison can assist you in deciding which system is best suited to your site.
| Cooling Towers | Adiabatic Coolers | |
|---|---|---|
| Footprint | ||
| Water Consumption | ||
| Power Consumption | ||
| Sound level | ||
| GRP casing lifespan | ||
| Aerosols and plumes | ||
| Water Treatment | ||
| Capital cost |