Understanding the Risk of Legionella Bacteria in Industrial Cooling Water Circuits

摘要

Management of the risk oflegionella bacteria proliferation in industrial cooling water circuits is about to become increasingly visible in the United States. Two trade associations, Cooling Technology Institute, (CTI) and American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), have guidelines for the prevention oflegionella in cooling towers and ASHAE has released a draft standard for public comment. While several global petroleum refiners have developed internal procedures or standards for minimizing the proliferation oflegionella bacteria in their evaporative cooling water circuits, the publication of industry standards will create new responsibilities and liabilities for owners of cooling towers. This paper will describe a broad review of risk assessment and risk management oflegionella issues and a framework for managing the risk that educates and engages operations, environmental health and safety (EH&S), legal and corporate communications.