Understanding Cycles of Concentration

 

Cycles of concentration, or often stated as just cycles, is a core concept when controlling boiler or cooling tower water systems. Running cycles too high can lead scale and corrosion. Running cycles too low can lead to wasted water.

But what is really meant by the phrase “cycles of concentration?” Basically, it is telling us how many times the water in the boiler or cooling tower has been concentrated compared to the makeup water.

The next logical question may be “What do you mean by the water being concentrated in boilers or cooling towers?”

Both boilers and cooling towers function by evaporating water. In a boiler, fuel is burned to turn water into steam. In a cooling tower, evaporation occurs as air is blown across the water to remove the heat picked up from air conditioning a building or cooling a manufacturing process.

As water is evaporated in both the boiler and cooling tower systems, primarily only pure water leaves the system. Other impurities, such as calcium, sodium, and chlorides, are left behind and concentrate in the remaining liquid water. Imagine boiling a pot of water on the stove until only a fraction of the water is left. This remaining water will start to look cloudy as impurities are concentrated.

Also, as water evaporates, fresh makeup water must be added to the boiler or cooling tower system to maintain water levels so they do not run dry. As you may imagine, the makeup water brings more impurities into the system to be left behind as water evaporates.
You now may be wondering, “Why do I care about cycles of concentration?”

First, if certain impurities concentrate too much in water, they can precipitate out of solution and form insulating scale, which can lead to greater fuel consumption, higher energy costs, plugged piping, corrosion, and more. Second, there is an upper limit on where a boiler or cooling tower can be operated without forming scale. Third, operating too far below this limit only wastes water and increases the total cost of operation.

“How are cycles of concentration controlled?” Cycles are controlled by wasting or blowing down a portion of the concentrated boiler or cooling tower water and replacing it with fresh makeup water diluting the impurities.

Typically, this process is automated with controllers and monitored by periodic analytical testing.

Optimizing your cycles of concentration can help reduce wasted water, minimize scale and corrosion potential, and more.

To maximize your savings, contact Chem-Aqua today.

For the latest news, videos, and podcasts in the Building Management Industry, be sure to subscribe to our industry publication.

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Twitter – @MarketScale
Facebook – facebook.com/marketscale
LinkedIn – linkedin.com/company/marketscale

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Image

Latest

Greenland Energy Company Is Leading Responsible Oil Development in Greenland’s Jameson Land Basin
October 30, 2025

The global conversation around oil is evolving—shaped by the forces of energy transition, geopolitical tension, and accelerating technology. Even as the world races toward decarbonization, demand for reliable, dispatchable energy continues to climb. Oil and gas together still supply just over half of global primary energy, underscoring their enduring role in the world’s power…

Read More
luxury resale
How Luxury Resale Became Big Business: Inside Fashionphile’s Playbook
October 30, 2025

Luxury retail is in the midst of a reinvention. Circular fashion has moved from trend to transformation, reshaping how consumers perceive value, ownership, and access. According to the 2025 BCG × Vestiaire Collective Resale Report, the secondhand fashion and luxury market now totals $210 to $220 billion globally and is projected to reach $320…

Read More
career
The Power of Reinvention: How Debbie Crouse Crafted a Career Across Industries
October 29, 2025

As the modern workforce continues to evolve, conversations around balance, fulfillment, and flexibility are taking center stage. With hybrid work redefining expectations and career paths becoming less linear, professionals are asking deeper questions about what “success” really means. According to Gallup’s latest data, only 31% of U.S. employees were engaged at work in…

Read More
acceptance
Coaching Away the Imposter Voice: Transforming Self-Doubt into Self-Acceptance
October 28, 2025

Authenticity isn’t about perfection — it’s about having the courage to show up as your true self, even when self-doubt creeps in. Many of us wrestle with imposter syndrome, people-pleasing, and the fear of being seen, but real growth happens when we embrace vulnerability and learn to trust our own voice. By letting go of…

Read More