Chemical Engineering Interview Question:

What could be a possible cause for sudden foaming in a cooling tower?

Submitted by: Administrator

Assuming that no other changes have been made, especially to the water treatment chemicals, the most common outcome to this mystery is a leaking heat exchanger.

Begin a systematic check of all of the heat exchangers that use the cooling tower water and inspect them thoroughly for leaks. Even small amounts of some chemicals can cause big foaming problems in the tower. In addition, not all of these components will set off a conductivity alarm.
Submitted by: Administrator