Filtration Selection for Cooling Tower Water (OR-16-C019)

HVAC water systems (cooling tower/condenser water) are frequently operated without filtration—leading to reduced efficiency. Filtration selection for cooling tower water is accomplished by determining the type of solids present in the water, water quality requirements, physical space availability, weighing the pros and cons of the various filtration options and budget constraints. Selecting the wrong type of filtration is akin to taking vitamins for pain relief: good product but wrong application. This paper compares the differences between barrier and non-barrier filtration options and when to apply each option. Either type of filtration, when correctly applied, assists HVAC equipment to operate at design efficiency.