Closed Circuit vs. Open Cooling Tower
The main difference between the two is the fluid’s exposure to air. An open cooling tower exposes the process water directly to the air, which is very efficient but leaves the water vulnerable to contamination. In contrast, a closed-circuit tower isolates the fluid.
As a result of this isolation, closed circuit towers are generally larger, heavier, and have a higher initial cost (up to 3.7 times more) and higher operating costs than an open cooling tower of the same capacity.
I hope this explanation gives you a clear picture of what a closed-circuit cooling tower is and how it works. If you are trying to decide between an open and a closed tower, I can help break down the specific decision factors for your application.