Products > Utilities: Cooling

Cooling Towers

Cooling Towers. These towers remove low grade heat from cooling water. Hot water from heat exchangers is sent to the cooling tower. Cooling towers fall into two catagories: natural draft and mechanical draft. Natural draft towers use large concrete chimneys, and are generally used by utility power stations. Mechanical draft towers use large fans to force air through circulated water. The water falls downward over fill surfaces which increases contact time between the water and the air, maximizing heat transfer.

Things to Consider When Purchasing This Product:

Design conditions include: Thermal capability defined by entering and leaving water temperatures, Entering air wet-bulb or entering air wet-bulb and dry-bulb temperatures, Water flow rate; Types: Direct-contact or open cooling tower, Indirect-contact or closed circuit cooling tower; Materials of construction includes Wood, Metal, Plastics, Graphite Composites, Concrete/Masonry/Tile; Selection considerations are: height, length, width, airflow, fan/pump energy consumption, materials, water quality; Cost of interface with other subsystems needs consideration and takes into account: basin grillage and value of space occupied, pumps and prime movers, electrical wiring to pump and fan motors, electrical controls and switchgear, piping to and from the tower, tower basin, sump screens, overflow piping, makeup lines,shutoff and control valves, access ladders and walkways, fire protection sprinkler system; Safety features and codes;Building codes; Sructural design and rigidity;Effects of corrosion, scale, and deterioration on service life; Availability of spare parts; Experience and reliability of manufacturers; Independent certification of thermal ratings; Operating flexibility for economical operation at varying loads or during seasonal changes; Equipment vibration; Sound levels; Acoustical attenuation; Compatibility with architectural design; Siting; Piping; Capacity control; Water-side economizer; Indirect free cooling, Direct free cooling; Winter operation; Drift of water droplets onto adjacent properties; Fogging; Maintenance schedule; Inspections; Water Treatment; Warranty