4 Tips for Recoating Cooling Towers Effectively

Cooling towers that were made from metals can gradually start corroding once the protective coating on their surface degrades. Recoating the metal surfaces can help to prolong the service life of the cooling tower so that premature failure of the system is avoided. This article discusses some useful tips that you can implement during the recoating project.

Set the Schedule Carefully

Some coatings fail to adhere effectively because building owners rush to return the cooling tower to service when the coating hasn't cured fully. The pressure to reassemble and restart the cooling tower can be reduced by applying the coating as the weekend is approaching, when the cooling tower will not be needed. That duration will be sufficient to allow the coating to cure so that reinstallation of the cooling tower's components can be done in time for the new week.

Install Box Fans

The metallic surface may need to be cleaned using several methods, such as sandblasting and pressure washing, in order to make it possible for the new coating to adhere to the substrate effectively. However, residual moisture on the cleaned surfaces can sabotage this adherence. It is advisable for you to use box fans to promote rapid drying of the metal surfaces within that confined space of the cooling tower. Don't just touch the surfaces in order to establish whether they are dry or not. Leave the fans to work for several hours so that all the moisture is dried off the surfaces. The fans will also reduce the accumulation of solvents in the air as you apply the coating later.

Use Brushes

It is advisable for you to use only brushes when you are applying the coating within your cooling tower. Other application methods, such as using pressurised systems, can cause the confined environment to be saturated with fumes from the product. This can compromise the health of the people involved in the exercise. Visibility may also be affected by the particles floating from the overspray. 

Apply Light Coats

Avoid applying the protective coating in thick layers because the coating may not adhere properly due to the trapped solvents within that thick coat. Thinner coats are better because they allow all the solvents to escape from the coating product once it is applied to the substrate. Let each coat sit for the recommended interval before you apply the subsequent one.

Timely maintenance and repair will keep the cooling tower working efficiently for a long time. Invite cooling tower repair experts to inspect your structures if the protective coatings that you apply keep failing after a short time.