Cooling towers are the unsung heroes behind many industrial production and processes, quietly keeping things cool while fighting a battle against some tough opponents—scaling, mineral buildup and excessive water usage. But what if you could flip the script and transform your cooling tower into a high-efficiency, low-maintenance machine? That’s where Hydroxyl-Based AOP water treatment (advanced oxidation process) swoops in like the superhero your cooling tower didn’t know it needed.
AOP isn’t just another water treatment method—it’s a game-changer that tackles scaling, boosts cycles of concentration (COC), and takes cooling tower performance to a whole new level. Let’s dive into how this cutting-edge cooling tower technology can keep your system running smoothly and your water usage in check.
What’s the Deal with AOP For Cooling Towers?
Picture this: Hydroxyl-Based AOP works by generating some of the most powerful oxidizing agents on the planet—hydroxyl radicals (•OH). These little guys are incredibly reactive and can obliterate contaminants like biofilm, organic matter, and minerals that lead to scaling and fouling. AOP systems like the ones from Clear Comfort (formerly Silver Bullet Water Treatment) generate hydroxyl radicals in a controlled way, creating a chemical-free cleaning powerhouse.
Here’s how AOP helps you win the fight against scaling and boosts your cooling tower’s COC game:
1. Push Your COC Limits Like Never Before
When we talk about cycles of concentration in cooling towers, we’re talking about how many times water can be reused before it needs to be dumped and replaced—aka blowdown. Higher COC means less blowdown, which translates to less water and fewer chemicals. But achieving high COC is tough if your water is loaded with contaminants that cause buildup or if you’re relying on tons of chemicals to keep things in check.
Here’s how AOP changes the game:
- Cleans up the water: AOP’s oxidizing power clears out organic matter and other contaminants that would normally limit how many cycles your water can run through the system.
- Less chemical dependency: By cutting down on the need for chemical additives like chlorine or biocides, AOP helps keep your water chemistry balanced, reducing blowdown frequency and saving you money on both water and chemicals.
The result? You can crank up your COC, reduce water consumption and cut operational costs—all without compromising performance.
2. Scale Prevention: Zero Tolerance for Mineral Buildup
Scaling prevention in cooling towers is an operator’s worst nightmare. When minerals like calcium carbonate or magnesium silicate decide to make themselves at home on your heat exchange surfaces, you’re looking at reduced heat transfer, inefficient cooling, and ultimately expensive downtime for cleaning or repairs.
AOP is here to make sure that never happens. Here’s how:
- Breaks down the bad stuff: Hydroxyl radicals get to work on dissolved minerals, breaking down the elements that lead to scale formation. They also zap organic matter that provides the sticky surface for scale to latch onto.
- Destroys biofilm: Biofilm is basically the glue that helps scale stick around. AOP knocks out biofilm so that scale has nowhere to go, keeping your surfaces clean and free-flowing.
- Protects flow and pressure: With AOP keeping things clean, you maintain optimal flow rates and avoid the pressure drops caused by scale-clogged systems. No more fighting with sudden 20-30 psi losses!
3. A Sustainable Win-Win
Here’s the best part: AOP doesn’t just save your cooling tower from scaling and inefficient cycles—it also makes your operation more sustainable. By pushing your COC to higher levels, you can use less water, reduce blowdown, and limit the use of harsh chemicals, leading to a smaller environmental footprint.
Plus, fewer chemicals mean less worry about discharges and potential regulatory headaches. It’s a win for your operation, your budget, and the planet.
Trusted Proof: AOP Third-Party Validation Matters
When choosing your cooling tower’s water treatment, it’s key to look for solutions backed by third-party validation. Independent studies and government-led evaluations ensure that a technology is truly effective and cost-efficient, not just in claims but in proven, real-world performance. This unbiased research ensures the technology meets industry standards, saving you from unexpected costs and maintenance issues.
Clear Comfort’s patented Hydroxyl-Based AOP technology has undergone such validation through a comprehensive study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) for the General Services Administration (GSA) and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
Here’s what this trusted third-party evaluation found:
- 26% Water Savings: Achieved estimated savings from 23% to 30%.
- 50% Maintenance Reduction: Significant decrease in maintenance requirements, improving operational efficiency.
- Meet with GSA Water Standards: Met rigorous standards without the need for additional chemicals.
- Rapid Payback: The technology pays for itself in just two years, based on GSA’s average water costs.
The Bottom Line: AOP is the Future of Cooling Tower Performance
Hydroxyl-Based AOP water treatment is the secret sauce your cooling tower needs to stay ahead of scaling issues, maximize water efficiency, and run smoother than ever. By harnessing the power of hydroxyl radicals, you can unlock higher COC, prevent costly scaling, and reduce your chemical load—all while cutting costs and improving sustainability.
If your cooling tower is ready to level up, AOP water treatment is the upgrade you’ve been waiting for. Don’t just settle for average performance—supercharge your system and keep things flowing like a pro.
Doug White
VP of Business Development
