Amcot ST Series - Page 26

AMCOT ST SERIES FIBERGLASS COOLING TOWER
- 26 -
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
PIPE CONNECTIONS
Inlet/Outlet Connections
For Models ST-H-3 to ST-60, inlet/outlet connections are furnished in Female Pipe Thread (FPT)
connection type. For models ST-70 and greater the towers are furnished with flanged pipe connections
rated at 125 pounds.
It is recommended that shutoff valves be incorporated into your pipe plan near the inlet and outlet of
the tower to assist with flow control and to isolate the tower when in seasonal shutdown or during
maintenance.
We also recommend the use of flex connections before transitioning to hard pipe (Steel or PVC). The
flex connectors are designed to minimize vibration from traveling along the piping whether it is
originating at the tower or from the pumps. Flex connections are available at your local plumbing supply
stores.
Make-Up Connection & Float Valve Assembly
The make-up connection on your cooling tower should be connected to a city water supply line. It is
typical that this line connection be copper type and outfitted with a shutoff valve prior to connection at
the cooling tower. This connection will be a Male Pipe Thread (MPT) type. This connection allows water
level in your system to be maintained as you will be losing water from the evaporation process.
Amcot ST towers are supplied with mechanical float valve assemblies that are attached to the make-up
connection. Mechanical float valve assemblies consists of a plastic or brass valve, rod, and plastic float.
The rod that connects to the valve itself is adjustable by loosening the thumb screw that connects the
valve and rod together.
If you wish to increase the water level in your basin you would loosen the thumb screw and raise the rod
to lessen the angle at which it is positioned. To lower the water level in your basin, you will lower the
rod or increase the angle. There is no defined set point for the angle, but we recommend starting at
about a 30 degree angle and adjusting from there.
Amcot recommends a proper water level of two (2) inches below the overflow. During your routine
maintenance you will want to adjust the float valve as needed to ensure that the proper water level is
maintained.
If the water level is too low, this could cause pump cavitation and damage your pump. If the water level
is too high, water will flow out through the overflow fitting on the tower and you will simply lose this
water and any chemical treatment solution from your system.
The recommended maximum inlet water pressure on the ST Series float valve assemblies should not
exceed 60 psi. If your city water pressure exceeds this amount you will need to install a pressure
regulator on the supply line. Failure to do so will cause the valve to not operate properly.