Regarding the odor of the KÜÜL® Evaporative Cooling Media, when the pads are first wet out a slight odor may occur from the dust created when the pad is manufactured and cut to size. This odor is not toxic or harmful. The operation of this type of cooling pad require a wet out period (typically several hours without airflow) followed by draining and refilling the sump system. This will remove the small amount of material in the media that would be the source of the odor. This operation may have to be repeated on larger systems that do not drain completely.

When evaporative cooling is integrated into a previously ‘mechanically’ cooled building this odor will require some getting used to. This time is minimal. All evaporative cooling systems have odor problems related to the system cleanliness. This is how ‘swamp coolers’ first got its name. When left un-cleaned, they would start to smell like a swamp. All cooling media requires cleaning, both initially, and on-going.

All cooling pads of this type are manufactured using the same base resin materials and have the same odor associated with them. All new cooling pads have a ‘new pad’ odor that dissipates with use. Once these pads are ‘broken in’ this odor will disappear. The once active ingredients in the paper of the cooling pad are rendered inert during the manufacturing processing, however the odor from these materials lingers until the pads are washed clean by the wetting process after installation.

We have been manufacturing this type of cooling media since 1996 and before that we were one of the largest distributors of this media. This situation has always been present and due to types of materials used in the manufacture, until we can find a substitute material that provide the same excellent wear, strength and absorption characteristics, the preparation techniques mentioned above will need to be observed.

In the last year the three largest distributors of our largest competitor have switch to KÜÜL® Evaporative Cooling Media. I can assure you that this is not because our pad has any more of an odor condition than the other manufacturers.

Your decision to convert your systems evaporative cooling is indeed a good decision and history will prove your decision.

Vice President – Engineering / Product Development (Kuul Division of General Shelters of Texas)