What is a Cooling Tower?

A cooling tower functions as a specialized heat exchanger, where water and air interact directly to lower the water's temperature.

During this process, a small amount of water evaporates, contributing to the cooling effect.

Water, which has been heated by an industrial system or an air-conditioning condenser, is circulated to the cooling tower via pipes. Inside the tower, the water is sprayed through nozzles onto "fill" material, which reduces the water's flow rate and maximizes the surface area for contact with air. Air is drawn through the tower by a fan driven by an electric motor, ensuring optimal air-water interaction.

As the water meets the air, a portion evaporates, cooling the remaining water. This cooled water is then recirculated to the condenser or process equipment, where it absorbs heat before returning to the cooling tower for the cycle to repeat.

Crossflow Cooling Towers

During this process, a small amount of water evaporates, contributing to the cooling effect.

Water, which has been heated by an industrial system or an air-conditioning condenser, is circulated to the cooling tower via pipes. Inside the tower, the water is sprayed through nozzles onto "fill" material, which reduces the water's flow rate and maximizes the surface area for contact with air. Air is drawn through the tower by a fan driven by an electric motor, ensuring optimal air-water interaction.

As the water meets the air, a portion evaporates, cooling the remaining water. This cooled water is then recirculated to the condenser or process equipment, where it absorbs heat before returning to the cooling tower for the cycle to repeat.

Counterflow Cooling Towers

In counterflow cooling towers, air moves vertically upward, opposite to the downward flow of water through the fill.

Due to this vertical airflow, open gravity-flow basins used in crossflow designs cannot be applied. Instead, counterflow towers rely on pressurized pipe-type spray systems to distribute water over the fill.

To ensure proper airflow through the spray system, the pipes and nozzles are spaced farther apart to prevent airflow restriction.

Posted in