Understanding Early System Failures
Matt Stroh, P.E.
While some corrosion is expected in any cooling tower system, the level of deterioration observed at the Lincoln Complex was occurring sooner than anticipated. To better understand the causes and identify the best path forward, WPE conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the facility’s HVAC and domestic hot water (DHW) recirculation systems.
Installed as part of a major renovation in 2010, these systems are still relatively young compared to the typical lifespan of commercial mechanical equipment. However, ongoing performance concerns, particularly within the cooling tower and DHW recirculation loop, raised questions about system reliability, long-term performance, and the factors contributing to accelerated deterioration.
During the on-site evaluation, WPE assessed the cooling tower, associated piping, pumps, controls, and supporting mechanical infrastructure to better understand the condition and performance of the overall system. The review included tower components, water treatment equipment, condenser water systems, maintenance records, and water chemistry data. By combining these findings with field observations, the team was able to identify factors contributing to premature corrosion and deterioration throughout the cooling tower loop.
This root-cause approach helped move beyond documenting visible issues and provided the City with practical recommendations to improve system reliability, extend equipment life, and support future facility planning.
The findings confirmed the City’s concerns. Significant corrosion throughout the cooling tower and associated piping indicated that the system had reached the end of its useful life. Based on the evaluation, WPE developed recommendations for a new corrosion-resistant cooling tower, replacement cooling tower piping, and upgraded water chemistry controls designed to better protect system components and improve long-term performance.
These upgrades will provide a more durable, maintainable system while helping reduce future maintenance challenges. Design for the cooling tower replacement began in August of 2026 and is expected to be completed in October, followed by construction completion in the Spring of 2027.
Matt Stroh, P.E., Office Manager & Mechanical Engineer, Casper
Matt Stroh is a Professional Mechanical Engineer and Office Manager in Casper, WY. In addition to leading our firm operations in the Wyoming market, Matt also works directly with clients and owners on building assessments, design development, and construction observation. He was the lead Mechanical Engineer on the initial evaluation of the Lincoln Complex, and is currently working on the system replacement design.
