BAC (Baltimore Aircoil Company)

Baltimore Aircoil Company (BAC USA) is an American cooling tower manufacturing company

Who is BAC?

BAC has been a leader in the heat transfer industry since its founding in 1938. The company is known for its wide range of evaporative heat rejection and thermal storage products, including open and closed-circuit cooling towers, evaporative condensers, and hybrid cooling solutions. With a focus on energy efficiency and sustainability, BAC has developed innovative technologies and a comprehensive product line to serve diverse markets, from HVAC and refrigeration to industrial processes and power generation.

The brand is recognised for its high-quality, durable equipment, often constructed from materials like fibreglass or specially coated steel to ensure a long service life and resistance to corrosion. BAC’s commitment to research and development has resulted in products that are not only CTI (Cooling Technology Institute) certified but also incorporate advanced features for easier maintenance and superior performance. They have a strong presence in Australia, with a manufacturing facility that produces products specifically tailored to the local market and its environmental conditions.

As an independent cooling tower service provider, FlowMatrix offers a full suite of services for BAC cooling towers. Their technicians are experienced in inspecting, repairing, and rebuilding BAC units, ensuring they continue to operate efficiently and in compliance with Australian standards.

FlowMatrix can supply and install genuine or high-quality aftermarket parts for BAC towers, including fill pack, drift eliminators, and air intake louvres. This capability allows FlowMatrix to provide comprehensive maintenance and repair solutions for clients with BAC equipment, whether it’s an older model in need of a rebuild or a newer unit requiring routine servicing.

Are BAC OEM Parts Available?

Yes, it’s still possible to get genuine Baltimore Aircoil Company (BAC) parts. In Australia, you can obtain them directly through FlowMatrix, an authorised BAC partner.

FlowMatrix can supply a comprehensive range of OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) replacement parts for all BAC units. This ensures you’re getting the correct, high-quality components designed specifically for your equipment.

FlowMatrix is a key supplier for BAC equipment and parts in Australia. Get in touch with us today to enquire about and order the specific parts you require.

Common Faults & Solutions

When you inspect a BAC cooling tower, you might notice corrosion, which appears as rust or pitting on the steel components like the basin or panels. This is a significant problem because it can compromise the structural integrity of the unit. Corrosion happens when the metal is constantly exposed to water and oxygen, especially if the water’s chemistry is out of balance. High levels of chlorides or a low pH can speed up this process. The solution is to maintain a balanced water chemistry by using corrosion inhibitors as part of your regular water treatment program. For new or replacement parts, opting for corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel can also help.

If your BAC cooling tower isn’t cooling effectively, check the water distribution. You might notice that some areas of the fill media are completely dry, which means the water isn’t being spread evenly. This is typically due to clogged spray nozzles from dirt, scale, or biological growth. It could also be that the nozzles have been knocked out of alignment. To fix this, you need to regularly inspect and clean all the spray nozzles. Make sure they are correctly positioned to ensure a uniform water pattern across the entire fill media. For closed-circuit coolers, a clogged or leaking coil could be the cause and should be addressed.

It could also be that the nozzles are blocked with rubbish scale or dirt, they have been knocked out of alignment, or they have blown out. To fix this, you need to regularly inspect and clean all the spray nozzles. Make sure they are correctly positioned to ensure a uniform water pattern across the entire fill media. For closed-circuit coolers, a clogged or leaking coil could be the cause and should be addressed.

Loud, unusual noises and excessive shaking from your BAC cooling tower are signs of a serious mechanical issue. This is usually related to the fan or motor. The fan blades might be unbalanced due to a build-up of dirt, or the bearings in the fan shaft or motor might be worn out and need lubrication. For belt-driven units, a loose or worn-out belt can cause a squealing or flapping sound. The fix is to immediately shut down the tower and perform a detailed inspection. Clean the fan blades to restore balance, check the bearings for any signs of wear, and make sure the belts are properly tensioned and aligned.