What are splash bars and chemical methods used to protect cooling towers against?

Splash bars are elements found within cooling towers that are designed to distribute water evenly and increase surface area for cooling through evaporation. The use of splash bars plays a significant role in controlling biological fouling—this refers to the unwanted growth of microorganisms such as algae, bacteria, and fungi, which can lead to clogs, reduced efficiency, and potentially harmful effects on the cooling system.

Chemical methods, on the other hand, are widely employed in cooling system maintenance to combat biological fouling. These methods usually involve the application of biocides or other treatments that prevent microbial growth in the water. By utilizing splash bars in conjunction with proper chemical treatments, cooling towers significantly mitigate the risk of biological fouling, ensuring optimal performance and longevity of the cooling system.

The protection against scale deposition, thermal shock, or corrosive gases, while important aspects of cooling tower performance, is not the primary focus of splash bars and chemical methods in this context. Both splash bars and chemical treatments specifically target the prevention of biological contamination, making it the best fit for this question.