Cycles of concentration (cycles) measure the degree to which dissolved impurities of makeup water are concentrated in a cooling tower or steam boiler system.
Optimising the cycles is essential for sustainability because it minimises water, energy, and chemical consumption.
The chart below shows the calculated water usage in a cooling tower system operating at 500 tons of refrigeration load at varying cycles of concentration. As cycles increase, the water blown down from the system decreases.
Water usage is reduced when the cycles get higher, but there is also an increased risk of deposition which can cause system damage and inefficiencies. Often increasing cycles above 6 may provide minimal return versus the risk taken.
In the table below, you can check other options to reduce freshwater usage and increase cycles of concentration.
*Air handler condensate, ground water, rainwater, municipal, site-specific recycled water
If you want to know the optimal cycle of concentration for your water system and its water quality, ask one of Chem-Aqua´s experts to assist you. We will be pleased to help!
