Cooling Tower Inspections in Arizona

What’s included in a Bunney’s cooling tower inspection

Mechanical systems

• Fan wheels/blades (damage, pitch, balance)

• Gearbox or belt drive (oil condition, backlash, alignment, belt tension)

• Motors and bearings (amp draw, heat, vibration, insulation checks)

• Louvers, drift eliminators, air inlets (damage, blockage)

Thermal & hydraulic performance

• Fill media condition (scaling, fouling, brittleness)

• Water distribution: nozzles, spray headers, coverage pattern

• Approach and range (in/out water temps), airflow observations

• Basin conditions: sediment, biological growth, leaks

Structural & safety

• Casing, framework, fasteners, fan stacks, cold-water basin integrity

• Access systems: ladders, platforms, handrails, fall-protection anchor points

• Corrosion mapping and recommended coatings/repairs

Electrical & controls

• Starters/VFDs, wiring, protection settings, safeties and interlocks

• Control sequencing and sensor sanity checks (level, conductivity, temp)

Water treatment snapshot (non-intrusive)

• Visual microbiological risk indicators, scaling/corrosion evidence

• Conductivity, pH (field checks when requested) and blowdown observations

Documentation you receive

• Photo log and condition grades by component

• Priority list: Immediate / Next outage / Plan & budget

• Repair scopes with parts lists and recommended methods

• Budget ranges and schedule considerations

• Hygiene and cleaning recommendations tied to observed risk

Ready to plan your project? Get a site walk and budgetary estimate from our paving team.

Built for Arizona conditions

• Dust & debris management: Intake screening, louver cleaning plans, basin sediment control

• High heat strategy: Fan pitch and load checks for peak ambient days

• Monsoon readiness: Wind anchoring, overflow and stormwater checks, enclosure integrity

• Sun/UV exposure: Fill and FRP aging assessment, coating/stain recommendations

How often to inspect

• Monthly quick checks: Water level, basic housekeeping, alarms/faults

• Quarterly (or each season): Mechanical, electrical, distribution, basin condition

• Annual shutdown (full tower): Confined-space cleaning, nozzle replacement/rodding, detailed structural review, drift eliminator/fill condition, NDE as needed

New systems or problem towers may need enhanced monitoring during the first year or after major repairs.

Signs you need an inspection now

• Rising supply water temperature or reduced approach

• Excessive fan vibration/noise, hot bearings, or frequent belt/gear issues

• Uneven plume, visible drift, or heavy algae/slime in basin

• Frequent conductivity alarms, scaling in heat exchangers, or unusual blowdown rates

• Leaks, soft spots, or corrosion at basins, joints, or fasteners

Our process

1. Pre-visit call: System overview, access/LOTO, and shutdown needs

2. On-site inspection: Safety briefing, measurements, photos, and operator Q&A

3. Same-day summary: Top risks and immediate actions

4. Full report (typically within 48 hours): Findings, priorities, scopes, and budgets

5. Follow-through: Quote repairs, schedule cleaning, or support your in-house team

Budget & scheduling factors

• Number of cells and access complexity (confined space, rope access)

• Drive type (gear/belt/direct) and fan diameter

• Need for seasonal shutdown vs. live inspection

• Cleaning scope (light, full CIP, or basin rehab)

• Structural/NDE testing or coating evaluations

Ask for a site walk + quick estimate to get schedule, scope, and cost options you can act on.

FAQs

How long does a typical inspection take?
Most single-cell towers finish in a few hours; multi-cell industrial systems may take a full day. If confined-space entry or full cleaning is included, plan additional time.

Do you inspect while the tower is running?
Yes—many checks are performed live. For internal components (fill, basins, nozzles) we recommend a controlled shutdown for safety and accuracy.

What standards do you follow?
We align our practices with manufacturer guidance, Cooling Technology Institute (CTI) best practices, OSHA safety procedures, and the intent of ASHRAE 188 for Legionella risk management.

Can you help with water treatment issues you find?
We document observations and coordinate with your water-treatment provider, or we can bring in a vetted partner if you’d like a second opinion.

What repairs can you perform after inspection?
Fan and motor work, gearbox/belt service, drift eliminator and louver replacement, nozzle/header repairs, basin patching/coatings, alignment, vibration correction, and full tower cleaning.

How do you minimize downtime?
We stage parts in advance, combine cleaning with repairs, and schedule work during off-peak hours or planned outages.

Is an annual “deep dive” really necessary?
In Arizona’s dusty, high-heat environment, an annual shutdown inspection with cleaning pays back in energy savings, reliability, and water quality.