Main Parts of a Cooling Tower
- Hot Water Inlet (Piping System)
- Carries hot water from the plant/heat exchanger into the cooling tower.
- Water Distribution System
- Spray nozzles or pipes distribute hot water evenly inside the tower.
- Fill / Packing Media
- Increases surface area for water–air contact.
- Types: Splash fill (breaks water into droplets) & Film fill (forms thin water films).
- Drift Eliminators
- Prevent water droplets (“drift”) from escaping with the exhaust air.
- Saves water and prevents nearby equipment from damage.
- Air Inlet (Louvers)
- Openings that allow air to enter the cooling tower.
- Helps maintain proper airflow and prevents water splash-out.
- Fans (in Mechanical Draft Towers)
- Create airflow.
- Forced draft: Fans at the base push air in.
- Induced draft: Fans at the top pull air out.
- Cooling Tower Fill Basin / Cold Water Basin
- Located at the bottom of the tower.
- Collects cooled water after it passes through the fill.
- Pump & Outlet
- Pumps cooled water from the basin back to the condenser/plant for reuse.
- Casing / Tower Structure
- Encloses and supports all the internal parts.
- Usually made of FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic), wood, or concrete.
- Nozzles
- Spray water into fine droplets to maximize evaporation.
- Air Plenum / Stack (Natural Draft Towers)
- Hyperbolic chimney structure that helps natural airflow without fans.
- Make-up Water System
- Supplies fresh water to replace losses from evaporation, drift, and blow down.
- Blow down System
- Removes a portion of circulating water to control concentration of dissolved salts and impurities.