To prevent cooling tower basin water from freezing in cold weather, many units use which method?

• A. Automatic ethylene glycol antifreeze injection
• B. Automatic gas-fired sump heaters
• C. Salt brine
• D. Thermostatically controlled electric basin heaters

Answer: (D)

Thermostatically controlled electric basin heaters keep the cooling tower basin water from freezing by adding heat only when the water approaches its freezing point. They are immersed in the basin and use a thermostat to turn on as needed, maintaining the water above freezing with minimal energy use. This approach is straightforward, reliable, and avoids introducing chemicals or fuels into the open cooling system. Using glycol antifreeze can contaminate water and complicate chemistry; gas-fired sump heaters require fuel handling and combustion safety considerations; and salt brine can cause corrosion and environmental concerns. Electric basin heaters provide direct, controllable protection against freezing in cold weather.