Cooling Tower Valve

[HRK1]

We are looking at a new design for a water distribution valves for our cooling tower. We have found one from A&L Valve that seems to be a really good design; they have nylon guides, to eliminate the wear on the back bushings, which always seem to wear out first. Anyway, there seems to be some concern with the 5/16" stainless bolting for the bushing and stem plate. The concern is that stainless does not hold up good to chlorides and chemicals associated with cooling towers. It was suggested that we use silicone bronze to replace the stainless. Does silicone bronze have enough tensil/yeild strength? These valves are on the 18" return line with a flow of around 20psi. Any ideas? Thanks.

 

[briand2]

Our cooling towers are made of stainless steel! We run with a normal free Bromine content of about 5 mg/l and we chlorinate twice yearly to about 50 mg/l free Chlorine. I sometime have problems, but it's not because of the stainless steel (these towers are about fifteen years old now).

Regards,

Brian

 

[mbeychok]

HRK1:

Please excuse me for bringing up a very minor point ... but I am sure that you meant to inquire about silicon bronze rather than silicone bronze.

Milton Beychok
mbeychok@xxx.net (replace xxx with cox)
(Visit me at www.air-dispersion.com)