Marley

Marley is a leading global manufacturer of cooling towers.

The Marley brand, which is now part of SPX Cooling Technologies, has been at the forefront of the evaporative cooling industry for over a century. They are known for their broad product line, which includes both factory-assembled and field-erected cooling towers, as well as fluid coolers and evaporative condensers. Marley’s focus is on developing innovative, energy-efficient solutions for a wide range of applications, from commercial HVAC systems to large-scale industrial processes in power plants and refineries. The brand is recognised for its commitment to quality, durability, and a long service life, with many of its legacy models still in operation today.

Marley’s reputation for innovation is built on its history of introducing groundbreaking designs and technologies. For example, their popular NC Cooling Tower has been a staple in the commercial cooling industry for decades, known for its high cooling capacity and energy efficiency. They also specialise in solutions that address specific environmental concerns, such as plume-abated cooling towers that reduce the visible water vapour exhaust, and low-sound towers for sensitive locations. The company’s global reach and comprehensive portfolio make it a dominant force in the cooling tower market.

As a leading independent cooling tower service provider, FlowMatrix has extensive experience with Marley units. They can supply and install genuine or high-quality aftermarket parts for a variety of Marley towers, including fill pack, drift eliminators, and mechanical components.

FlowMatrix’s expertise allows them to perform all types of repairs, from routine maintenance to full-scale rebuilds, ensuring that Marley cooling towers continue to operate efficiently and safely in compliance with Australian regulations. Their ability to service this prominent brand is a key part of their comprehensive service offering.

Common Faults & Solutions

If your Marley cooling tower isn’t providing the cooling you need, one of the first things to check is the water distribution. You might find that the water isn’t flowing uniformly over the fill media. This can be caused by a clogged water distribution system, either from debris, scale, or biological growth. It can also be due to a mechanical issue with the fan, where the blades are incorrectly pitched or the fan is running at the wrong speed, which affects the water’s flow pattern. To solve this, you need to inspect and clean the distribution nozzles and hot water basins. Ensure the nozzles are not clogged and are correctly aligned. If the problem persists, check the fan’s operation and make sure the blades are pitched correctly to draw the right amount of air through the tower.

The cooling tower won’t function at all if the water isn’t being circulated properly, and a common culprit is pump failure. You might notice that the water is not flowing into the distribution system, or the flow rate is significantly lower than normal. This can be caused by a number of issues with the pump itself, such as a burnt-out motor, a blocked intake screen, or a seized impeller. To diagnose this, you should first check for obvious issues like a tripped circuit breaker. Then, inspect the pump intake screen for debris and clear any blockages. If the pump is making unusual noises or simply won’t start, it may need to be serviced or replaced by a qualified technician.

While not a year-round issue, ice formation is a serious fault for Marley cooling towers operating in colder climates. Ice can form on the louvers and fill media, restricting airflow and potentially damaging the unit’s structure. This happens when the outside temperature is very low and the unit is running at low heat load. To prevent this, you should reduce the fan speed, which raises the temperature of the air leaving the unit. You can also use a variable speed drive to modulate the fan speed and avoid a constant low-flow condition. Some models have special bypass systems that divert water to the basin when temperatures drop, preventing it from freezing in the fill media.