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Editor’s note: This post was originally published in 2023 and has been updated for accuracy and relevance.
Cooling tower performance depends on clean, consistent water flow. When debris enters the sump or intake area, it can restrict flow, damage pumps, and reduce overall system efficiency. Screening plays a critical role in protecting cooling tower components, but not all screens perform equally under real operating conditions.
Traveling sump screens offer a more reliable, lower-maintenance alternative to traditional stationary screens by continuously removing debris while the cooling tower remains online.
What Is a Traveling Sump Screen?
A traveling sump screen is a self-cleaning screening system installed in the cooling tower basin or suction pit. Unlike stationary screens that remain fixed in place, traveling screens move continuously or intermittently to capture and remove debris from the water stream.
As debris collects on the screen surface, the screen advances and uses a back-flush spray to clean itself, discharging material away from the intake area. This process occurs while the cooling tower remains in operation, eliminating the need for frequent shutdowns.
What Problems Are Caused by Debris in the Cooling Tower Sump?
Cooling tower intake water often contains leaves, trash, sediment, algae, and organic material. If this debris reaches pump suction or downstream equipment, it can lead to:
- Clogged or restricted pump intakes
- Increased pump wear and cavitation
- Fouled heat exchangers
- Reduced cooling efficiency and higher energy use
Without proper screening, these issues can quietly degrade performance and increase maintenance demands over time.
Real-World Application: Gulf Coast Refinery Cooling Towers
Cooling towers at Gulf Coast refineries operate in some of the most demanding conditions: high humidity, heavy airborne debris, process solids, and fluctuating water quality from surface or brackish sources. These environments quickly overwhelm stationary sump screens, leading to clogged intakes and frequent manual cleaning.
Traveling sump screens provide continuous debris removal while the cooling system remains online, preventing solids from reaching pump suction and heat exchanger inlets. This helps refineries maintain stable cooling performance, protect critical equipment, and reduce unplanned downtime in operations where reliability is non-negotiable.
How Do Traveling Screens Reduce Maintenance?
Because traveling sump screens clean themselves automatically, they significantly reduce the labor required to maintain intake protection. Maintenance teams no longer need to pull screens for cleaning as often, allowing them to focus on proactive system care instead of reactive debris removal.
How Do Traveling Screens Protect Pumps and Equipment?
By stopping debris before it reaches the pump suction, traveling screens help prevent clogging, abrasion, and mechanical wear. This protection extends the life of pumps, motors, and downstream equipment while improving overall system reliability.
How Do Traveling Screens Improve System Reliability?
Clean intake water supports consistent cooling tower operation. When debris is continuously removed, water flow remains stable, heat transfer performance improves, and the risk of unexpected shutdowns decreases.
What Are the Limitations of Fixed Cooling Tower Screens?
Stationary screens can be effective in low-debris environments, but they often struggle in real-world conditions. As debris accumulates, fixed screens restrict flow and must be manually cleaned, often requiring partial or full system shutdowns.
Traveling sump screens eliminate this bottleneck by providing continuous debris removal without interrupting operation.
Cooling Tower Valves and Screens LLC specializes in engineered traveling sump screens that excel in the most challenging cooling tower environments. These robust screening systems are designed for exceptional durability, dependable operation, and long-term reliability. By preventing debris from reaching critical equipment, their solutions help facilities maximize uptime, reduce maintenance costs, and extend the lifespan of cooling tower assets.
