4
Operation and Maintenance Instructions
Initial Storage and/or Idle Period
Recommendations
If the unit will sit for idle periods of time it is recommended
that the following be performed in addition to all component
manufacturers recommended maintenance instructions.
• The fan/motor/pump bearings and motor bearings need
to be turned by hand at least once a month. This can be
accomplished by tagging and locking out the unit’s discon-
nect, grasping the fan assembly (or removing the pump
motor fan guard), and rotating it several turns.
• If unit sits longer than a few weeks, run gear reducer (if
equipped) for 5 minutes weekly.
• If unit sits longer than 3 weeks, completely fill gear reducer
with oil. Drain to normal level prior to running.
• If unit sits longer than one month, insulation test motor
windings semi-annually.
• If fan motor sits idle for at least 24 hours while the spray
pumps are energized distributing water over the coil, motor
space heaters (if equipped) should be energized. Alternatively,
fan motors may be energized for 10 minutes, twice daily, to
drive any moisture condensation out of the motor windings.
• If coil sits longer than one month, nitrogen charge the coil.
• Energize fan motors space heaters.
International Building Code Provisions
The International Building Code (IBC) is a comprehensive set
of regulations addressing the structural design and installation
requirements for building systems – including HVAC and
industrial refrigeration equipment. The code provisions
require that evaporative cooling equipment and all other
components permanently installed on a structure must meet
the same seismic design criteria as the building. All items
attached to EVAPCO Closed Circuit Coolers or Evaporative
Condensers must be independently reviewed and isolated
to meet applicable wind and seismic loads. This includes
piping, ductwork, conduit, and electrical connections. These
items must be flexibly attached to the EVAPCO unit so as not
to transmit additional loads to the equipment as a result of
seismic or wind forces.
Initial and Seasonal Start-Up Checklist
General
1. Verify that the overall installation reflects the requirements
of the installation guidelines found in EVAPCO Bulletin 311
– Equipment Layout Manual, available at www.evapco.eu.
2. For multi-speed fan motors, verify that 30 second or
greater time delays are provided for speed changes
when switching from high to low speed. Also check to
see if interlocks are provided to prevent simultaneously
energizing high and low speed, and confirm both speeds
operate in the same direction.
3. Verify all safety interlocks work properly.
4. For units operating with a variable frequency drive, make
certain that minimum speed requirements have been
set. Check with VFD manufacturer for recommended
minimum speeds and for recommendations on locking out
resonance frequencies.
5. Verify that a water treatment plan has been implemented
including passivation of galvanized steel units.
See “Water Treatment” section for more details.
6. For units subject to freezing climates, high humidity
climates, or idle periods lasting 24 hours or more,
motor space heaters are suggested and (if equipped)
should be energized. Alternatively, fan motors may be
energized for 10 minutes, twice daily, to drive any moisture
condensation out of the motor windings.
7. If the unit is going to sit idle for an extended period of
time, follow all manufacturers’ fan motor and pump
instructions for long term storage. Plastic sheets or tarps
should never be used to protect a unit during storage. This
practice can trap heat inside the unit, and could potentially
cause damage to plastic components.
See your local EVAPCO representative for additional
information on unit storage.
BEFORE BEGINNING ANY MAINTENANCE, BE CERTAIN
THAT THE POWER IS TURNED OFF AND THE UNIT IS
PROPERLY LOCKED AND TAGGED OUT!
Initial and Seasonal Start-Up
1. Clean and remove any debris, such as leaves and dirt from
the air inlets.
2. Flush the cold water basin (with the strainer screens in
place) to remove any sediment or dirt.
3. Remove the strainer screen, clean and reinstall.
4. Check mechanical float valve to see if it operates freely.
5. Inspect water distribution system nozzles and clean as
required. Check for proper orientation.
(This is not required at initial start-up. The nozzles are
clean and set at the factory).
6. Check to ensure drift eliminators are securely in place.
7. Adjust fan belt tension as required. See “Fan Belt
Adjustment” section.
8. Lubricate fan shaft bearings prior to seasonal start-up.
9. Turn the fan(s) and pump(s) by hand to insure it turns
freely without obstructions.
10. Visually inspect the fan blades. Blade clearance should be
approximately 10 mm (6 mm minimum) from tip of blade to
the fan cowl. The fan blades should be securely tightened
to the fan hub.
11. If any stagnant water remains in the system including
“dead legs” in the piping, the unit must be disinfected
prior to the fans being energized. Please refer to ASHRAE
Guideline 12 and CTI Guideline WTP-148 for more
information and consult local legislation prior to start-up.
12. Fill the cold water basin manually up to the overflow
connection.
13. For closed circuit coolers only, fill the heat exchanger coil
with the specified fluid and “burp” air from the system
before pressurizing, using vents on coil inlets. Do not do
this for evaporative condensers.
14. All new evaporative cooling equipment and associated
piping should be pre-cleaned and flushed to remove
grease, oil, dirt, debris and other suspended solids prior
to operation. Any pre-cleaning chemistry should be
compatible with the cooling equipment’s materials of
construction. Alkaline formulations should be avoided
for systems which include galvanized materials of
construction.
