Cooling-water-treatment-chemicals

Water Treatment Chemicals For Cooling Towers

Protect your cooling system with advanced chemical treatments designed to prevent scale, corrosion, and biological fouling. 

Well-maintained cooling towers help preserve the longevity and performance of your entire operation. Therefore, it’s essential to monitor the condition of your system and apply the right cooling tower chemicals; that’s precisely where B & V Chemicals can help. 

 

Why Cooling Towers Need Chemical Treatment

Cooling towers, by the nature of their operation, are susceptible to scale, corrosion and microbial growth; the correct selection and application of cooling tower water treatment chemicals are an integral part of the strategy of maintaining safe and efficient water systems. HSG274 Part 1 guides the control of Legionella bacteria in evaporative cooling systems.

Cooling tower chemical treatments offer many benefits. Prevention of scale build-up, microbial growth, such as legionella bacteria, and prevention of system corrosion caused by oxidation and chemical reactions. 

With regular, monitored application of effective cooling tower chemicals, you can rest assured that your water systems are working efficiently and in line with industry regulations. This will provide a reliable water cooling infrastructure that meets your evolving needs.

 

Key Chemicals Used in Cooling Tower Water Treatment

Scale Inhibitors

Scale inhibitors work by preventing the bui,ldup of scale-forming mineral deposits. They achieve this by either inhibiting the growth of existing scale crystals, preventing new ones from forming, or dispersing existing scale particles. This helps maintain the efficiency of the cooling tower and extends the life of the equipment. 


Corrosion Inhibitors

Cooling towers are at risk from corrosion, which can weaken equipment and contaminate water if not treated correctly. Chemical corrosion inhibitors work by interfering with the electrochemical reactions that occur and cause metals to corrode. Corrosion inhibitors contain components to mitigate corrosion and help extend the lifespan of your equipment. 


Biocides & Algaecides

Biocides and algaecides are chemicals used in water treatment to prevent microbial growth, such as algae, fungi, and bacteria such as Legionella. They include oxidising and non-oxidising treatments, which will help support and maintain clean and efficient water conditions.


Dispersants & Antifoaming Agents

Biofilm buildup within a system will greatly inhibit the heat transfer efficiency of the system as well as block pipework. A build-up of biofilm within a system will also encourage the growth of Legionella bacteria and may promote the formation of under-deposit corrosion. Bio-dispersants can be incorporated in the treatment regime for cooling towers in several ways, including within the formulations of some of our range of scale and corrosion inhibitors. Antifoam agents are usually kept on hand for the rare occasions that foaming occurs within a cooling system.

 

How to Choose the Best Water Treatment Chemicals

Selecting The Right Cooling Tower Chemicals For Your System

Legislation requires that cooling towers must prevent the proliferation of Legionella bacteria within these systems as a precaution against the outbreak of Legionnaires' disease. It is therefore critical that the correct treatment regime is implemented and regular checks are carried out to ensure that conditions within the system are kept under control. When choosing the best chemical water treatment for your cooling tower, there are several factors to consider, such as:

 

  • Water quality

  • System metallurgy

  • Manufacturer specifications

  • Treatment control systems

  • Regulatory compliance

  • Cost-effectiveness

  • Industry requirements

  • Environmental impact

 

At B & V Chemicals, we’ll work with you to assess your current setup and introduce the most effective cleaning chemicals for your cooling tower.

 

Get Expert Advice On Cooling Tower Chemical Treatment

Need help selecting the right chemicals and water treatment for your cooling system? You’re in the right place. Our experts are on hand to answer your questions and recommend the right cooling tower chemicals for you. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best chemical for cooling tower scale prevention?
Phosphonates, acrylate polymers, and copolymers are great chemical options for preventing scaling in cooling towers. They each help prevent minerals from settling and adhering to metal surfaces, which contributes to corrosion, will interfere with heat transfer and can promote microbial growth.
How often should cooling tower chemicals be applied?
Cooling tower treatment chemicals should be applied continuously and automatically via a dedicated dosing and monitoring system. The exact treatment and dosage should be selected according to the system metallurgy, water conditions and usage.
Are cooling tower chemicals safe for the environment?
When maintained correctly, cooling towers are safe for the environment. The correct water chemical treatments can support an eco-friendly approach by optimising the efficiency of cooling systems, helping to minimise energy consumption.
How often should I test the water quality of my cooling tower?
Cooling tower water should be tested every week, as a minimum. Regular testing ensures that key metrics such as pH and alkaline levels, water hardness, biocide levels, conductivity, and microbiological contamination are monitored. This provides assurance on the effectiveness of the water treatment program and on the condition of your water and associated systems.

 

Scale and Corrosion Inhibitors

Product code Composition Comments
BV46 A blend of phosphonates, polymers and azoles Concentrated all organic corrosion and scale inhibitor for soft waters. Suitable for water hardness 25 – 250ppm
BV664 A blend of phosphonates, polymers and azoles All organic corrosion inhibitor for medium hardness waters.
BV48 A blend of phosphonates, polymers and azoles. Medium strength all organic corrosion inhibitor for high hardness waters.
BV45 A blend of phosphonates, polymers and azoles & sodium bromide All organic corrosion inhibitor for naturally soft waters. Contains sodium bromide for cost effective generation of hypobromous acid when dosed with sodium hypochlorite.
BV50 Silicate based soft water inhibitor Concentrated low toxicity silicate based corrosion inhibitor for naturally soft and softened water.
BV52 Sodium molybdate based soft water inhibitor Concentrated high molybdate based corrosion inhibitor designed for soft water. Benefits from some hardness being present.
BV1260 Sodium molybdate based soft water inhibitor Cost effective molybdate based soft water inhibitor. Benefits from some hardness being present
BV540 A blend of phosphonates, phosphates, polymers and azoles. A phosphate based product specifically designed for the passivation of Galvanised towers.
BV250 Supplementary product to control phosphates where there are high levels of phosphates in make-up water. A blend of polymeric dispersants.
BV197 Zinc based corrosion and scale inhibitor A zinc based corrosion inhibitor for cooling towers.
BV472 An acidic zinc based aqueous solution. A specialist scale and corrosion inhibitor for use in cooling systems, can processing, pasteurisation, and sterilisers.

 

Scale Inhibitors

Product code Composition Comments
BV456 A blend of phosphonates, polymers and azoles & sodium bromide All organic corrosion inhibitor for medium hardness waters. Contains sodium bromide for cost effective generation of hypobromous acid when dosed with sodium hypochlorite.
BV457 A blend of phosphonates, polymers and azoles & sodium bromide All organic corrosion inhibitor for high hardness waters. Contains sodium bromide for cost effective generation of hypobromous acid when dosed with sodium hypochlorite.
BV785 Silicate based soft water inhibitor & sodium bromide Concentrated low toxicity silicate based corrosion inhibitor for naturally soft and softened water. Contains sodium bromide for cost effective generation of hypobromous acid when dosed with sodium hypochlorite.
BV974 Zinc based corrosion and scale inhibitor & sodium bromide A zinc based corrosion inhibitor for cooling towers. Contains sodium bromide for cost effective generation of hypobromous acid when dosed with sodium hypochlorite.

 

Corrosion Inhibitors

Product code Composition Comments
BV1437 A blend of phosphonates, polymers and azoles & biodispersant All organic corrosion inhibitor for low hardness waters. Contains biodispersant.
BV1436 A blend of phosphonates, polymers and azoles & biodispersant All organic corrosion inhibitor for high hardness waters. Contains biodispersant
BV1435 Silicate based soft water inhibitor & biodispersant Concentrated low toxicity silicate based corrosion inhibitor for naturally soft and softened water. Contains biodispersant
BV1438 Sodium molybdate based soft water inhibitor & biodispersant Cost effective molybdate based soft water inhibitor. Benefits from some hardness being present. Contains biodispersant

 

Oxidising Biocides

Product code Composition Comments
BV54 14/15% sodium hypochlorite + biodispersant A chlorine-based biocide for the treatment of cooling towers. Dosed 1:1 with BV1422 to generate hypobromous acid
BV102 Sodium Hypochlorite Sodium hypochlorite 14/15%
BV138 Concentrated sodium bromide solution A solution of sodium bromide for the treatment of cooling towers. Dosed 1:3 with BV54 to generate hypobromous acid.
BV476 Bromine tablets A mixture of brominated and chlorinated hydantoins.Releases both bromine and chlorine in the form of hypobromous acid and hypochlorous acid. The product should be dosed using a purpose built brominator to ensure good dose control.
BV1422 Sodium Bromide solution A solution of sodium bromide for the treatment of cooling towers. Dosed 1:1 with BV54 to generate hypobromous acid.

 

Non-Oxidising Biocides

Product code Composition Comments
BV63 Concentrated THPS based biocide & biodispersant Low toxicity. Excellent against Pseudomonas spp, Legionella spp and algae. Concentrated formulation. The biodispersant in the formulation enhances biocidal activity, removes biofilm and prevents the formation of additional biofilm.
BV66 Contains a polymeric quaternary ammonium compound Very effective algaecide for use in open cooling systems and swimming pools
BV67 Quaternary ammonium chloride A broad spectrum disinfectant and biocide. Effective against Legionella. Effective in heavily soiled systems. Good surfactant properties. Rapid biocidal action.
BV105 BNP A broad-spectrum bactericide. Low toxicity. Effective against Legionella.
BV529 DBNPA Has a broad spectrum of activity against bacteria and their spores, fungi, also effective against Legionella spp. Rapid biocidal action.
BV963 Biodispersant Extremely low foaming. Improves the effectiveness of any biocide programme.
BV1507 Glutaraldehyde Has a broad spectrum of activity against bacteria and their spores, fungi, also effective against Legionella spp. Rapid biocidal action. Concentrated product.
BV1528 Proprietary A highly effective non-oxidising biocide containing a synergistic combination of biocides. Ideal for use in closed circuit or open cooling systems. Effective against, Pseudomonas spp and Legionella spp.
Product code Composition Comments
BV2 Mineral Hydrocarbon Versatile antifoam which can be used in open cooling, process water and waste water treatment applications. Low dose rate, long lasting antifoam

 

Pack Cleanse Range

Product code Composition Comments
BV740 phosphoric acid and surfactant Foam cleaning detergent for the cleansing of cooling tower pack. Forms a stable wet foam that is able to slowly flow through the tower packing. Mildly acidic so as to remove inorganic scales. An effective alternative cleaning solution where it is not possible to remove cooling tower pack.
BV743 Contains stabilised chlorine dioxide. A powerful disinfectant for use in the cleaning and disinfection of cooling tower packing. Activated when mixed with BV740 or BV741.
BV744 Silicone based antifoam De-foamer for use in cooling tower foam cleaning. Breaks down stable acidic foam. Apply to the tower sump at the end of the pack cleaning procedure.
BV745 Contains acid and chlorine neutralisers. Neutraliser for use in cooling tower foam cleaning

 

Specialist on-line descaler for cooling towers

Product code Composition Comments
BV846 Contains a unique polyphosphonate. A very effective calcium carbonate and calcium sulphate scale inhibitor which also effectively removes calcium carbonate scale on-line during normal cooling tower operation.

 

Acid descalers

Product code Composition Comments
BV8 Mineral oil based antifoam Gives foam control during descaling operations.
BV13 Aliphatic amine based corrosion inhibitor Confers corrosion inhibition during descaling with Hydrochloric acid
BV42 Sulphamic acid crystals Mild acid descaler. Crystals. Dissolve in water to produce a 5 – 10% solution.
BV41 + BV42 Sulphamic acid crystals + amine based corrosion inhibitor. A highly active combination of acid cleaner and descaler with corrosion inhibitor to protect carbon steel, copper and brass against acid attacks. It can be used on a wide variety of metals including stainless steel. Dissolve crystals in water to produce a 5 – 10% solution then add inhibitor as instructed on product data sheet.
BV78 28% Hydrochloric acid. For acid descaling.
BV231 Sulphamic acid solution Ready to use Sulphamic acid descaler.
BV532 Formic acid + corrosion inhibitor Less corrosive than hydrochloric acid. Recommended for stainless steel. Corrosion inhibitor included.
BV1535 Hydrochloric acid 32% + corrosion inhibitor A highly active acid cleaner and descaler. Also includes a corrosion inhibitor to protect bare metal surfaces particularly carbon steel. Removes both calcium and iron deposits.

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Supply Partners

HuwaSan specialise in the production and distribution of chemicals for water treatment. B & V Chemicals are water treatment supply partners in the UK.