What is the function of a blowdown system in a cooling tower?

The function of a blowdown system in a cooling tower is primarily to reduce the concentration of sediment and dissolved solids in the circulating water. As water evaporates in the cooling process, dissolved minerals and other contaminants become more concentrated. Over time, this accumulation can lead to scaling, corrosion, and reduced efficiency of the cooling system.

The blowdown process involves periodically discharging a portion of the concentrated water from the cooling tower to maintain acceptable levels of these contaminants. By managing the concentration of dissolved solids, the blowdown system helps to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of the cooling tower and associated equipment, promoting better operational performance and energy efficiency.

Other options, while related to the overall operation of a cooling tower, do not define the primary function of the blowdown system. For instance, increasing water level in the sump pertains more to the water management aspect, maintaining temperature addresses the cooling function itself, and improving circulation relates to the fluid dynamics within the system rather than to the specific purpose of controlling water quality through blowdown.