The purpose of chemical additives in cooling tower water is to:

• A. Reduce the Formation of Scale and Algae
• B. Increase Scale Formation
• C. Increase Corrosion
• D. Decrease Cooling Efficiency

Answer: (A)

Keeping cooling tower water free from mineral scale and biological growth is the main goal of chemical additives. Scale deposits from minerals like calcium and carbonate build up on heat transfer surfaces, which impedes heat transfer and increases energy use. Algae and other microorganisms can clog fill media and create biofilms, reducing efficiency and potentially causing odors or safety concerns. Chemicals such as scale inhibitors, biocides or algaecides, and corrosion inhibitors are used to slow or prevent these problems, helping maintain heat transfer, protect metal surfaces, and reduce maintenance. Choices that suggest increasing scale, increasing corrosion, or lowering cooling efficiency would work against the purpose of water treatment, which is to keep the system clean, efficient, and reliable.