Analysis of the causes leading to the icing-up of the GBLN3 cooling tower during operation in winter and countermeasures

The normal cleaning operation of Tunlan Coal Preparation Plant is severely affected because of the icing-up of the cooling tower of the air compressor's cooling system over a long period of time during operation in winter. Following an introduction to the working principle of the cooling tower,the paper makes an analysis of the factors contributing to the icing-up of the tower. Based on the result of analysis,corresponding preventive measures against the different icing phenomena are adopted,and a spray system is specifically developed. The spray pipes are installed on the top and middle section of the tower. Practice shows that the use of the spray pipes has led to elimination of failure of both electrical and mechanical systems caused by freezing trouble and rise of cooling tower ambient temperature,ensuring,therefore,the normal operation of the plant for the drastic reduction of freezing troubles. The experience gained may serve as a reference for solving the problems of the similar nature.