Testing of Water from Evaporative Cooling Systems
Head of Department
Stephanie Knes
Head of Unit – Conformity Testing / Hygiene Inspections
Bernd Zeidler
Testing of water from evaporative cooling systems, cooling towers, and wet scrubbers in accordance with the 42nd BImSchV as well as VDI 2047, Part 2 and VDI 3679, Part 1
To minimize the risk of microbial growth, particularly due to Legionella in water from evaporative cooling systems, cooling towers, and wet scrubbers, the 42nd BImSchV, which came into force in August 2018, requires comprehensive monitoring of these systems.
In addition, the regulation includes a notification requirement for all systems to the competent authority. This can be carried out nationwide via an online portal.
The following systems fall within the scope of application:
- Wet scrubbers / evaporative cooling systems (≤ 200 MW)
- Cooling towers (cooling capacity > 200 MW)
Important questions regarding the scope of application are clarified in the LAI interpretation guidelines for the Ordinance on Evaporative Cooling Systems, Cooling Towers and Wet Scrubbers (42nd BImSchV).
Our services for operators of evaporative cooling systems, cooling towers, and wet scrubbers:
- Testing of make-up water prior to commissioning of the system
- Testing of process water within the first 4 weeks after commissioning for selected microbiological parameters (determination of total colony counts at 22°C and 36°C as well as Legionella concentration), optionally also for Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Determination of reference values (determination of total colony counts at 22°C and 36°C for process water)
- Quarterly testing of process water (determination of total colony counts at 22°C and 36°C as well as Legionella concentration), optionally also for Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- In the event of exceedance of limit or action values, the testing interval may be adjusted