Most people cannot stand bad air-conditioning. But, if you have excellent cooling, people will likely return and stay. And that is because of the modern innovation of cooling towers.
Cooling towers are devices that can remove heat using water by transferring processed waste heat into the atmosphere. And industrial cooling towers operate on the same principle by evaporating small amounts of water to remove heat from said water and then recirculating it through the unit. As warm water and cool air mix, latent heat from vaporization releases, cooling the water.
Why Do Some People Need Industrial Cooling Towers?
Industrial cooling towers are essential devices for many refrigeration processes. And it’s typically found in industries like steel mills, chemical processing, power plants, and other manufacturing companies where a cooling process is necessary. You can also use these cooling towers in large commercial buildings where plenty of people gather, like the airport, hospitals, and schools.
Industrial cooling towers are larger than your average HVAC system. It can even remove the heat produced in power plants, petrochemical plants, petroleum refineries, and other industrial facilities.
Because of the population growth in recent years, the huge demand for manufactured products also increased, making the manufacturing sector manufacture more products to satisfy the needs of people. The continuous usage of machines means it needs continuous cooling to ensure efficiency. And the only way to do this is to have a proper cooling tower with the right cooling tower parts.
Cooling Tower Types
You can classify cooling towers by draft type and direction of airflow.
Natural Draft Cooling Towers
Large power plants and industries needing infinite cooling water flow use this type of cooling tower. The tower operates by removing waste heat by releasing hot air into the atmosphere.
These industrial cooling towers are tall with a hyperbolic shape for proper airflow.
Mechanical Draft Cooling Tower Systems
These are cooling towers that use fans for air circulation. It will typically use propeller fans and centrifugal fans. Even though mechanical draft towers are more effective than natural ones, they cost more. And it’s because it consumes more power.
Crossflow Cooling Tower Systems
These towers let air flow through the fill and tower structure into an open plenum area, with hot water flowing down from the distribution system. But you’ll require weather-proofed motors and fans, especially against moisture since it can lead to freezing.
Counterflow Cooling Tower Systems
Unlike crossflow cooling tower systems, counterflow cooling towers let air move upwards so hot water falls into cool air below, minimizing pump requirements and maximizing the performance of each plan area. It’s also less likely to freeze and more energy efficient.
What is the Best Material for a Cooling Tower?
Manufacturers make modern industrial cooling towers from fiberglass, metal, and plastic. But as you know, metal is prone to corrosion and rust. So most metal cooling towers have a life expectancy of 15 years.
Fiberglass, on the other hand, can last longer than metal. But it’s still prone to cracks. And maintenance can cost a fortune.
Plastic is ideal for cooling towers since it won’t rust or chip. And can withstand harsh weather conditions. It also requires less maintenance and has a life expectancy of more than 20 years.
Conclusion
Industrial cooling towers are essential for facilities that require constant cooling to ensure efficiency. Without one, most of the machines in those facilities would overheat, affecting important processes. So if your business requires a cool environment, investing in industrial cooling towers is the way to go.