Cooling Tower Nozzle Cleaning

Cleaning cooling-tower nozzles is essential to maintain even water distribution, prevent hot spots, and keep tower performance at design conditions. Below is a clear, practical cleaning procedure used by HVAC and industrial maintenance teams.

 ✅ How to Clean Cooling Tower Nozzles (Step-by-Step)

1. Safety & Shutdown

1. Turn off:

* Fan motor

* Circulation pump

2. Lockout/tagout if required.

3. Allow water to drain down to a safe level.

4. Wear PPE (gloves, eye protection, mask—bacteria/mold may be present).

✅ 2. Access the Distribution System

Crossflow Towers

* Remove hot water basin covers.

* Nozzles are attached to the basin floor.

Counterflow Towers

* Remove distribution header/branch pipes or access above fill.

* Nozzles hang from pipes (threaded, snap-on, bayonet, or push-fit).

✅ 3. Remove the Nozzles

* Twist off threaded nozzles.

* For snap-in ABS types, squeeze tabs and pull downward.

* For counterflow orifice nozzles, pull straight out.

Tip: Take care not to damage the slotted or target plate.

✅ 4. Clean the Nozzles

A. Manual Cleaning

* Soak in warm water + mild detergent.

* Use a soft brush or plastic pick to remove:

* Scale

* Slime

* Debris (sand, leaves)

* For target nozzles, clean around the **center stem and diffusion plate**.

B. Descaling (If Hard Water)

Soak in:

* 5–10% vinegar, or

* Dilute citric acid, or

* Non-acid coil cleaner safe for plastics

Avoid strong acids (HCl) unless manufacturer-approved, as they can weaken ABS/PP.

C. Pressure Rinse

* Rinse inside and outside with clean water.

* Avoid high-pressure that can damage slots or narrow throats.

✅ 5. Clean the Distribution Pipes/Basins

Often the real clog is in the pipe or basin, not the nozzle.

* Remove sediment/mud from hot-water basins.

* Inspect pipe holes/orifices and clean with a plastic probe.

* Flush the system with clean water.

✅ 6. Reinstall the Nozzles

* Ensure nozzles are fully seated and oriented correctly.

* Verify spray target/direction matches manufacturer spec.

* Reassemble pipes/basins.

 ✅ 7. Restart & Check Spray Pattern

Turn on pump (fan still OFF):

* Look for uniform coverage across the fill face.

* Confirm there are no dry spots.

* Check that each nozzle produces the correct full-cone / umbrella / target spray.

Signs Nozzles Need Cleaning

* Uneven fill coverage

* Elevated cold-water temperature

* Visible clogging (algae, scale, sand)

* Reduced water pressure at headers

* Nozzle “streaming” instead of coning

Recommended Cleaning Frequency

* Light commercial towers: every 3–6 months

* Industrial towers or dirty water: monthly or bi-monthly

* Post-LOTO restart: always check nozzles after long shutdowns