Watertech Logo

CALL (414) 425-3339

Request a Site Survey
Time for Boiler Layup / Cooling Tower Start-up
Favorite this: 
Home
Knowledge Center
Time for Boiler Layup / Cooling Tower Start-up
 
It might not feel like it, but warmer months are on the way. If you refer to the list of Midwest Seasons below, I would say we are somewhere in the middle of “Mud Season,” so spring is right around the corner. Now is the time to perform seasonal maintenance on your boiler and cooling systems to get them ready for the warmer months.
 
 
Preventive Maintenance is Key to Saving Time and Money
Being proactive and thorough in your approach to maintenance saves time and money. Below are links to procedures and checklists you can download to help with your seasonal maintenance.  
 
 
Boiler Layup: What steps should I take to protect my system?
Now is a great time to review the steps you will need to take to layup a boiler during the off season. Our list is intended to be a guide and does not replace your operating manual, operational procedures, or local codes.   
 
Taking the time to be thorough during layup can help prevent pitting and corrosion due to increased oxygen in the system. To help ensure that you cover all the steps we have put together a sheet you can download. 
 

Cooling Start-up: What steps should I follow to prepare my system?
When starting up a cooling system after layup it is important to follow some basic steps to ensure peak performance and minimize the risk of Legionella, microbiological concerns, excessive debris buildup, and corrosion.  
 
Following a few proactive steps to prepare your cooling system for the summer months will help prolong the life of your equipment and improve operational, production and utility costs. Watertech has put together a sheet you can download to ensure all parts of your system are addressed.   
 
 
Your Watertech representative is a great resource for help with seasonal startups and layups. They have the experience to help make sure your systems are protected and ready to run efficiently throughout the season. Do not hesitate to reach out with questions, please click the link below, fill out the form and one of our Technical Engineers will be in touch.     
 
 
Tom Koeppen, PE | Watertech of America, Inc.
Tom Koeppen has over 25 years of experience in water treatment and more than 13 years with Watertech as a Territory Manager for Southeastern WI and Northern IL. Tom works with industrial customers in all areas of water treatment, and regularly leads training events to help customers get the most from their water treatment systems.


 
X
Sign In:
LOG IN
Don't have an account? Sign up:
CREATE AN ACCOUNT
Forgot your password? Click here
X
Enter your email address. If an account exists with that address, an email detailing how to reset the password will be sent to it.
RESET PASSWORD
X
Create Account

CREATE AN ACCOUNT
Already have an account? Log in:
LOG IN
Knowledge Center
Filter Show Filter...
Watertech Knowledge Center
Welcome to the Knowledge Center.
To store favorites or access our entire library, create an account.
SIGN IN
CREATE AN ACCOUNT
X
Filters
APPLY
Sort
Group by Document Type
Keywords
Topic
Favorites Only
Document Type
Articles
Blogs
Brochures
Calculators
Case Studies
Company News
Manuals
Newsletters
Presentations
Product Information
Technical Documents
Test Procedures
Videos
Watertech Employees
Application
Boiler Water
Cooling Water
Wastewater
Potable Water
Industry
Commercial
Dairy
Energy
Food & Beverage
Healthcare
Manufacturing
Waste to Energy
 
APPLY
Articles
EndoTherm Webinar
Save up to 15% on energy costs. EndoTherm can be installed into ANY hydronic heating, process, and chilled loop system. 
Water Quality and Your Business: Tips for Re-opening After Closure
Technical document with tips for reopening a building after closure. 
Water Treatment Media Review
An article from Water Conditioning & Purification that highlights various filtration media, their performance properties and best applications. 
CMS Mandates Water Management Programs
Tufts University School of Medicine found that more than 617,000 hospitalizations from 1991 to 2006 were related to three common opportunistic waterborne pathogens. 
National Healthcare Safety Network Surveys
Download the annual surveys from the CDC's National Healthcare Safety Network. 
CMS Requires Water Management Plans
CMS says WMP's are necessary to be compliant. 
CMS Requirement to Reduce Legionella Risk
CMS Memo to State Survey Directors 
CDC Toolkit for Legionella Water Management Plans
This toolkit is designed to help people understand which buildings and devices need a Legionella water management program to reduce the risk for Legionnaires’ disease. 
Emulsion Polymers in Dairy Wastewater Pretreatment
3 Key factors to consider when feeding an emulsion polymer. 
CDC VitalSigns 2017
Legionaires' Disease – A problem for health care facilities. 
CWT Brochure
CWT Brochure
When you see CWT you have one of the industry’s best working for you. 
AWT Code of Ethics
Certified Water Technologists Code of Ethics 
AWT Environmental Statement
AWT Environmental Statement
AWT Environmental Statement The Association of Water Technologies (AWT) is an association of over 500 U.S. and international water treatment companies that provide water treatment programs for many diverse institutional, commercial and industrial water users. 
U.S. Utility Executives' Water Worries
An article from Forbes addressing the importance of water to utility industry executives. 
BSRIA Building Energy Consumption Guide
A guide describing a process for assuring that building design intention matches actual energy consumption. 
Water Hardness Map
Map of the U.S. identifying the hardness of water in milligrams per liter in specific locations. 
Improve Efficiency for Gas-Fired Boilers
Guidelines to improve boiler performance allowing you to achieve more cost effective maintenance of a steam system. 
5 Effective Heat Recovery Scenarios
Five examples of how a plate heat exchanger can provide benefits for process heating applications. 
Legionella & Legionellosis Prevention
Legionella guide from the World Health Organization. 
EPA Boiler Emission Rules
Environmental Protection Agency rules governing large and small boilers used at area source facilities. 
Avoiding Fouled Exchangers
Causes and solutions to fouling in heat exchangers.  
Optimize Heat Exchangers
Strategies to optimize heat exchanger efficiency. 
Chemically Treat Water to Control Problems
Identifying problems that a good water management system can control. 
Importance of Boiler Logs
Boiler logging will reduce accidents, downtime, and equipment loss. 
Water Maintenance and Boiler Scaling
Scale in boiler water systems is a very common issue. Consult with water treatment specialists to treat and prevent it.  
Suggested Daily Boiler Log Program
A list of instrument readings to be taken daily and recorded in your boiler log. 
Energy Management Basics
Energy management basics that should be a part of your everyday checklist routine. 
Installation of Safety Valves
Partial listing of sizing and installation highlights for steam pressure system safety valves. 
Guide to 50% Energy Savings
Guide to achieving 50% energy savings toward a net-zero energy building. 
Water Treatment in Closed Systems
A guide to understanding chemical water treatment in cooling and boiler water systems. 
Understanding Boiler Conductivity
A brief guide to better understanding boiler water conductivity. 
Cooling Equipment Fall Shutdown
Information for proper fall shutdown of cooling equipment. 
Building Energy Reduction Measures
Decrease your energy costs by using these proven effective guidelines. 
Limit Water and Energy Use
Solutions for water use and energy reduction in order to increase your bottom line and protect the environment. 
Ethanol Producer Water Conservation
Ideas to limit water use in ethanol production utilizing a "reduce, reuse, recycle" frame of mind. 
Understanding the Water Footprint
Understanding our water footprint in order to better conserve water. 
Reduce Costs with Step-down Filtration
Filtration using step-down particle retention can help reduce operating costs and achieve cleaner solutions. 
Modern Chemistry and Industrial Water Treatment
Innovative chemistries, optimization of systems and water conservation as these topics relate to scale, corrosion and microbiological prevention. 
Facilities Management - Benchmarking Systems
Benefits of online benchmarking systems for facilities management. 
Why Know the Cost of Steam?
Knowing the cost of steam to improve your bottom line. 
Energy Metrics for Buildings
Understanding energy metrics to limit energy use. 
Saving Water in Dairy Operations
New ways to save water in dairy processing. 
Facilities Energy Management
Energy reduction strategies for optimizing your bottom line. 
5 Tips for Improving Safety Performance
Five helpful tips for integrating environment, health and safety into company culture. 
Choosing a Chemical Feed Pump
Different selections of pumps for boiler water applications. 
Zero Blowdown in Cooling Water Systems
Reduce your blowdown need to zero and cycle water without limit. 
Boiler System Key Performance Indicators
Identifying key components of the boiler system and how water chemistry relates to Key Performance Indicators.  
Piping Dead-Legs Warnings
Piping dead-legs, source of plant maintenance and safety incidents. 
Starting a Boiler after Lay-Up
Necessary steps that need to be taken prior to starting boilers after a lay-up period. 
Operating Cooling Towers in Freezing Weather
Ice control and different ice formations in various types of cooling towers. 
Saving Water to Save Energy
Important connections and opportunities between water and energy. 
Importance of Boiler Water Treatment
 
Water Quality Guidelines
Guidelines for maintaining optimal water quality in evaporation cooling equipment. 
Cooling Tower Maintenance Check List
A checklist for monthly cooling tower maintenance. 
Conversion Factors
Table of conversion factors. 
Building-Associated Legionnaires Disease
10 ways that you can save time and money, prevent litigation and illness, and maybe even save a life as they relate to Legionella.  
Minimizing Energy Costs with Free Cooling
Free cooling helps you reduce refrigeration energy consumption by using evaporative cooling equipment to produce chilled water in cool weather. 
Boiler Logs Can Reduce Accidents
Explaining the different types of boiler logs, what these logs can tell you, and who is all responsible for these logs. 
Primer on Polymer Handling
Benefits of using liquid polymers in water-treatment applications and accommodating their unique characteristics. 
What to Consider When Selecting Green Cooling Towers
Criteria you should consider when evaluating your next cooling tower purchase. 
Plants Often Miss Opportunities to More Fully use Hot Water
Tips from Chemical Processing to make fullest use of its hot water, and thus cutting energy consumption. 
How To Destroy a Boiler Part 1
Part 1 - Describing some potentially catastrophic events that power and recovery boilers are prone to if not properly maintained. 
How to Destroy a Boiler Part 2
Part 2 - Describing some potentially catastrophic events that power and recovery boilers are prone to if not properly maintained. 
How to Destroy a Boiler Part 3
Part 3 - Describing some potentially catastrophic events that power and recovery boilers are prone to if not properly maintained. 
Water Management Guide
General water management guide for facility managers. 
Energy Savings in Large Office Buildings
Strategies for reducing energy savings in large office buildings by up to 50%. 
Modern Cooling Tower Considerations: Sustainability & Efficiency
Sustainable and operational benefits of molded, HDPE cooling towers. 
Preventing Boiler Scale
Maintenance requirements to prevent scale from occurring in your boiler. 
Water Optimization in Chemical Plants
Optimization efforts taken by several chemical manufacturers to reduce their water footprint.  
How to Improve Cooling Tower Efficiency
Understanding the key components of cooling towers and how to improve water efficiency. 
Preventing Legionellosis Part 1
How to prevent/minimize Legionella in your water systems. 
Blogs
Side Stream Filtration Improves Water and Energy Efficiency
Several items should be considered when specifying the proper side stream filtration system. 
STOP! Don’t throw your water treater under the bus.
5 Things operators ignore, then look to blame on their water treater. 
How important is safety when handling your water treatment chemicals?
When working with chemicals, it is important to understand safety procedures and what to do in the event of a chemical release.  
Beverage company finds tarnishing on aluminum cans. Technology + Experience = Quick resolution.
Anybody can sell a tool, learning how to use it is the key! 
The Food Industry – Wastewater/water treatment and the effects of COVID. Where is the industry headed?
The food and beverage industry is growing, and the demand for water treatment is growing with it.  
What are your goals?
This is a great time to review accomplishments and plan for the new year.  
Help, my energy costs are through the roof!
A few adjustments to your boiler or cooling system can save a significant amount of energy.  
Phosphonate (PBTC) – The Phosphorus Removal Nemesis
Phosphonates can make meeting phosphorus discharge limits even more challenging. 
Troubled by Weird Water Quality?
Learn what to do when you encounter unexpected results with your system's water quality. 
Are you experiencing subcooling in your heat exchanger?
Learn about the negative effects of sub cooled condensate in your heat exchanger.  
The Importance of Kinetic Leadership in the Workplace
Kinetic leaders can help their organization easily pivot and respond to challenges. 
Preparing Yourself for Supply Chain Challenges in Water Treatment
Now is the time to work with your provider to come up with a contingency plan for supply chain challenges. 
Oxidizing Biocides and Disinfectants – Applications, Benefits and Best Practices
Biocides can be used for many applications including healthcare, food & beverage, industrial, and commercial. Choosing the proper disinfection technology is critical. 
How Smart is Your Water System?
Advanced water treatment sensors can improve system performance. 
Time for Boiler Layup / Cooling Tower Start-up
Seasonal maintenance helps maintain equipment and improve efficiency. 
Cooling Tower Cleanings are Necessary for a Safe System
Cooling tower cleanings are essential for maintaining a safe and healthy cooling system.  
Boiler Inspection Time – Where is the Water Treatment Representative?
Boiler inspection time is validation time. This is the best opportunity to see how your water treatment program is working.  
Avoid Giving Your Coils the Deep Freeze This Winter!
Now is the time to ensure your system's HVAC coils are freeze protected and working properly. A frozen coil not only causes water damage, there is also the replacement cost and downtime for repairs when it is least convenient. 
How can you create predictable results from your water treatment program?
If you want to achieve predictable results from your water treatment program, you need a 3-pronged approach. 
Save Energy and Reduce Carbon Footprint With EndoTherm
EndoTherm is an additive that is proven to reduce energy usage in heating and cooling closed loop recirculating systems.  
Are You Ready for Cooling Layup / Boiler Startup?
Being proactive and thorough in your approach to maintenance saves time and money in the long run.  
Are your cooling towers driving you buggy?
How to manage bacterial growth in cooling towers. 
Aquafilm-V: Impact at a Wood Processing Facility
Aquafilm-V delivers some dramatic results and improvements. 
Supply Chain Challenges and the Ripple Effect on Water Treatment
Many businesses are experiencing delays, shortages and price increases in the wake of the pandemic. 
PFAS/PFOS: What is the real impact of “Forever Chemicals”?
The regulations are coming. What are you going to do about PFAS / PFOS? 
The City put Chlorine into the water and now you need to remove it, sound familiar?
If you are relying on a municipal water source a dechlorination process may be necessary prior to discharge. 
FreedomPlus Pretreatment
Is Your Plant’s Pre-Treatment Equipment A Top Priority? For Watertech, it is!  
Reducing Legionella Risk: How and When to Address Water Safety in Buildings With Reduced Use
Guidance and recommended actions for returning water systems to regular use. 
Why Choose a Full-service Water Treatment Partner?
Watertech offers a complete range of flexible business solutions to manage our customers’ needs.  
Have You Set Your 2021 Sustainability Goals?
Watertech offers products and solutions to help meet your sustainability efforts.  
What is the cost of feeding soft vs hard water to an RO?
Use these calculations to help determine if it might be time to consider using an Anti-Scalant. 
Shutdown Recommendations and Procedures for HVAC Cooling Towers
HVAC cooling tower shutdown and cleaning recommendations from Watertech, OSHA, CDC and CTI.  
Reduce Legionella Risk: Steps to Safely Reopen Closed or Semi-open Buildings
Stagnant water in a plumbing system can drastically increase the risk of exposure to Legionella and other harmful water borne pathogens. 
Watertech: Swipe right to build a great vendor relationship!
Watertech: Swipe right to build a great vendor relationship! 
What is the Impact of an RO System on a Boiler Water Treatment Program?
What is the Impact of an RO System on a Boiler Water Treatment Program? 
Increase Condensate Return, Increase Savings
Improving condensate return can save on water, energy and chemicals. 
The Impact of Stagnant Water on Industrial and Potable Water Systems
The Impact of Stagnant Water on Industrial and Potable Water Systems 
Why should water treatment automation be a top priority?
Why should water treatment automation be a top priority? 
Maximize the Potential of Pretreatment
Maximize the Potential of Pretreatment 
40 Years of Maximizing Water’s Potential
Happy 40th Anniversary Watertech! 
Boiler Corrective Actions
How to manage your boiler system when results are out of range.  
Give Thanks for Water
Give Thanks for Water 
5 Deaerator Problems and Corrective Actions
5 Deaerator problems to watch for to help ensure high quality feed water. 
Softeners and Dealkalizers – does the salt you use make a difference?
Learn how the salt you choose can have a significant impact on system performance. 
Tired of treating your water? Add a protective film to your system!
Filming agents prevent scale and corrosion by forming a protective layer on all metal surfaces. 
Sensor Care and Cleaning
Tips to keep sensors clean and working effectively to help avoid operational challenges that are costly to correct.  
Working with Water – Careers in the Water Industry
The number one threat to business development is access to fresh water. This has prompted more to seek careers in the water industry. 
Cooling Corrective Actions
How to manage your cooling system when results are out of range.  
Water Treatment Equipment – Innovation and Advancements
Advancements and innovations in water treatment equipment and controllers make life easier, but more importantly, provide ways to achieve better and more accurate results. 
Boiler Blow Down Prevents Scale and Corrosion
When boiler water turns to steam solids are left behind. Bottom blowdown and surface blowdown are two methods to reduce solids and help maintain your system. 
Side Stream Filtration
Side stream filtration is an important but often overlooked component of an effective cooling water treatment program. 
New Year’s Resolutions for Industrial Water Treatment
January is a great time to reassess business strategies and include some water treatment resolutions that could improve the health of your company. 
Water-Energy Nexus – Save water. Save energy.
Water and energy are very much interrelated and dependent upon one another, this co-dependency is called the Water-Energy Nexus. 
Pulse~Pure® – A Chemical-Free Water Treatment Solution
Are you considering a chemical-free, cooling water treatment solution? It is important to fully understand your system design and the unique characteristics of your application when making a decision. 
CannedWater4Kids – Drinking Water with a Purpose
Canned Water for Kids (cW4K) is a great local charity that is making a global impact to help ensure all children have access to clean, safe drinking water. 
How to Make the Right Call When Ordering Glycol?
Ordering and receiving a glycol delivery should be a fairly straightforward and easy process; however, it takes some insight and planning to avoid complications.  
Chloride Reduction Can Reduce Operating Costs & Minimize Impact on the Environment
Making changes in how you use salt in your facility can help protect our fresh water resources, and potentially reduce your operating costs.  
The Hard Facts: Water Softener Tune-ups Help Maximize Water Quality and Reduce Cost!
Softeners are a critical component to the water treatment system. They help remove minerals to reduce scale and build-up in piping and heat transfer equipment. 
Do You Know "Sloppy Sludge" from Shinola?
Sloppy sludge is a challenge in wastewater treatment. It pays to be informed on treatment equipment and how chemicals can impact this process. 
What are Top Reasons an Organization Should Prioritize Safety?
Having a team that has been trained in proper safety procedures and practices ensures not only their own safety, but also the safety of customers. 
The Impact of Switching to Lake Michigan Water on Waukesha’s Commercial & Industrial Users
The water characteristics of Waukesha’s existing water supply and Lake Michigan water are quite different and will require users to consider how they manage their boiler and cooling water water treatment.. 
How to Install and Maintain Boiler Conductivity Electrodes
Learning how to properly install and maintain your boiler conductivity electrode will help improve the performance of your boiler. 
12 Days of Service
A holiday blog highlighting 12 days of service in the water industry. Happy 2017. Thank you for your partnership. 
Have You Hugged Your Boiler Today?
Have You Hugged Your Boiler Today?
How you maintain and operate your steam boiler has a direct effect on the amount of energy, water and chemicals it uses. 
When Good Boilers Go Bad. Common Problems that Shorten the Life of Your Boiler!
This article outlines a few common problems that can damage or destroy a boiler. Providing proper water treatment and regular maintenance can help prolong equipment life.  
Better Water Management - An Opportunity to Improve Sustainability and Reduce Cost
Industrial facilities use large amounts of fresh water. By reducing water usage, facilities also achieve reduced energy cost, chemical cost savings, and other benefits. 
Improving Patient Safety Through Stronger Water Management
While it is important to be compliant with the latest laws and regulations, the focal point of any effective Water Management Plan should put patient safety first.  
Choosing The Right Sanitizer Can Help You Master Food & Beverage Biological Wastewater Treatment
Sanitizers are required in food and beverage facilities. Choosing the right sanitizer can impact wastewater treatment.  
Is Your Vendor a Supplier or a Partner?
When a vendor relationship is built on trust, good communication, and a sincere investment in your business, it will drive meaningful value and a sustained competitive advantage. 
What to Consider When Selecting the Right Biocide
Choosing the right biocide saves money, by reducing downtime and maintenance costs, and increasing production efficiency.  
Cooling System Preseason Checklist
The time invested in preparation for cooling system start-up can pay big dividends later in the season. 
How to Make Cooling System Start-up a Breeze This Year
Proper preparation in the preseason is critical to ensure system efficiency, sustainability, and dependability. 
6 Benefits of Employee Training & Development
An effective employee training strategy can help employees be more productive, confident and boost moral. 
Healthy Microbes Are Key to “Superstar” Wastewater Management
Bioaugmentation can be a game-changer for wastewater management, breaking down organic matter and cleaning up waste streams.  
Feedwater Tank vs. Deaerator: How to Choose
A comparison of feedwater tanks and deaerators for storing and treating boiler feedwater. 
How Your Water Guy Can Help You With Your Digester
Waste-to-energy initiatives can greatly benefit communities by mitigating various environmental concerns like pathogen control, odor control, and groundwater contamination.  
Tapping into water savings? Your first step is a site audit.
A site audit can identify ways to reduce water, chemical, and energy usage.  
Watertech an Exhibitor at the 2016 WHEA Technical Exhibition
Watertech an Exhibitor at the 2016 WHEA Technical Exhibition
Watertech is an exhibitor at the 2016 WHEA Technical Exhibit in Green Bay 
The Cost (Savings) of Automation
Automation allows facility managers and water system operators to be more efficient.  
Why It Pays to Promote Your Sustainability Successes
Driving down the cost of water through initiatives that reduce and recycle water is good for business and good for the environment.  
Lombardi Walk/Run To Tackle Cancer
Lombardi Walk/Run To Tackle Cancer
Vince Lombardi Walk/Run to Tackle Cancer - Milwaukee 
Drive Down Water Costs Immediately With These Simple Steps
Between the price volatility of water, a growing concern for freshwater supply, and the necessity of water use in production processes, maintenance, and human consumption, it can be difficult for business owners and facility managers to manage water use in a way that is both good for business and good for the environment.  
Cooling Tower Operation and Maintenance is the Key for Improved Energy Efficiency
Are you showing your cooling tower the TLC it needs to be running at its peak performance efficiently? 
Boiler Shutdown
If proper care is not taken during the shutdown stage, these solids can settle out in drums and tubes and dry to a hard, tightly held deposit that could require chemical or severe mechanical cleaning. 
Continuous Blowdown Method of Boiler Layup
The CDP or Continuous Blowdown method of boiler layup consists of piping continuous surface blowdown from the operating boiler to the bottom of the stand-by boiler.  
Maintaining Cycles of Concentration
Your water treatment specialist can help you determine what the maximum number of cycles is for your system. 
Measuring and Controlling Dissolved Solids
Your water treatment company can help you set surface blowdown conductivity control limits that maintain the dissolved solids in a safe, economical range. 
June 28th Symposium and Open House
June 28th Symposium and Open House
On June 28th Watertech of America celebrated our first annual Symposium and Open House! 
How to Meet New Phosphorus Limits with Wastewater Management
Don’t be dissuaded by new regulations designed to reduce phosphorus in the Great Lakes Region watershed. Take a holistic wastewater management approach to meet discharge limits and keep you in regulatory compliance. 
Steps to Bottom Blowing a Boiler
Preferred method of performing the bottom blowdown. 
Adjusting your Feedwater Temperature
Increasing your feedwater temperature to above 180 degrees F will help reduce your chemical usage of oxygen scavenger, increase your efficiency and reduce thermal stress.  
Cycles of Concentration in a Cooling Water System
Water treatment programs should maximize the frequency at which its water is cycled to prevent scaling.  
Efficient Summer Cooling Tower Operation
Hopefully you have been busy getting your cooling water systems ready for the demand of the coming months 
Cycling Up Water in a Recirculating Cooling Tower System
As the water evaporates in a cooling tower system, it leaves behind all of the dissolved solids that were present in the fresh makeup water used to replenish system losses 
Feedwater Temperature
What is a target temperature for your feedwater? 
Choosing the Best Oxygen Scavenger for Your Boiler System
It is well known that one of the greatest threats to the integrity of a steam system is corrosion due to the effects of dissolved oxygen. 
OSHA Compliance with Global Harmonization System (GHS)
OSHA aligning their Hazard Communication System (HCS) with the UN's Globally Harmonized System (GHS) 
WATERTECH Youtube Channels
Watertech's Media!