What should an operator do if they find a thin layer of ice forming on a natural draft cooling tower louvre?

If an operator observes a thin layer of ice forming on a natural draft cooling tower louvre, the appropriate action is to do nothing. This approach is based on the understanding that natural draft cooling towers are designed to operate in varying environmental conditions, and a small amount of ice formation can sometimes be expected, particularly in colder weather.

The presence of ice may indicate a natural cooling process rather than a malfunction or malfunctioning component. Allowing the cooling tower to continue operating can help to naturally manage any minor ice formation, as the heat exchange process will be ongoing, potentially leading to the melting of any ice as temperatures fluctuate.

Taking more drastic actions, such as removing ice manually, increasing water flow, or shutting down the system, could lead to other issues such as mechanical damage or operational inefficiencies. Each of those actions does not consider the operational design and thermal dynamics of the cooling system. Therefore, monitoring the situation while allowing the cooling tower to function normally is the most pragmatic approach.