What water chemistry test is used to determine cooling tower cycles of concentration?

The test for chlorides is essential in determining the cycles of concentration in cooling tower water chemistry. Cooling towers operate by evaporating water to dissipate heat; as water evaporates, the concentration of dissolved solids, including chlorides, increases in the remaining water.

By measuring the concentration of chlorides, you can assess the level of contaminants in the system and calculate the cycles of concentration, which is the ratio of the concentration of a specific compound in the water in the tower to that in the make-up water. Higher cycles indicate greater efficiency and lower water usage, but they also require careful monitoring to prevent scaling and corrosion.

Understanding the relationship between chlorides and cycles of concentration is vital for effective cooling tower management. Other tests, like pH, calcium hardness, and alkalinity, provide valuable information about water quality but do not specifically indicate cycles of concentration as chlorides do.