Preparing for Autumn: Your Second Cooling Tower Clean and Disinfection
Back in March, we highlighted the importance of a spring cooling tower clean. Now, with September here and autumn underway, it’s time to carry out the second clean of the year. After a busy and very dry and dusty, summer period, organic matter and other deposits are likely to have accumulated again. An autumn clean ensures your cooling towers remain compliant, efficient, and ready for the colder months ahead.
Why Clean Your Cooling Tower in Autumn?
L8 and HSG 274 Part 1 states that cooling towers should be cleaned twice per annum, typically spring and autumn face year-round challenges from airborne debris, fluctuating conditions, and nutrient-rich water. These factors create the perfect environment for biofilm and microbial growth. An autumn clean helps reset system performance and manage risk:
Legionella Control - Regular cleaning and disinfection are key to reducing risk, protecting compliance, and safeguarding public health.
Efficiency Gains - Removing biofilm, scale, and fouling restores heat transfer and keeps energy and water treatment costs down.
L8 Compliance - The Importance of Two Cleans Per Year
The HSE’s Approved Code of Practice (L8) makes clear the importance of routine cooling tower cleaning and disinfection. Ideally a full pack clean is the optimum method to approach this. For most systems, two cleans per year - spring and autumn - are best practice for Legionella control. To achieve this dispersants and other cleaning procedures should be considered to ensure fouling is eliminated.
Biocide and Dispersant Options to Consider
While sodium hypochlorite is a common choice for oxidising disinfection, your system may require a tailored approach to achieve the best results.
Alternative Oxidising Biocides - Chlorine dioxide and bromine-based products provide strong and stable biofilm removal
Bio Dispersants - Disrupt biofilms, making biocides more effective at penetrating and eliminating microbial contamination.
Combined Programmes - Blending oxidising biocides with dispersants often delivers the most reliable long-term protection.
Get Ahead This Autumn
September is the perfect time to carry out your second cooling tower clean before poorer winter weather arrives. By acting now, water treatment providers and facilities managers can ensure compliance and protect system performance.
Contact our team today to discuss the right biocides, dispersants, and treatment programme for your autumn clean.
