List of parts in Closed Circuit cooling Tower?
A Closed Circuit Cooling Tower is a complex assembly of components that work together to reject heat. Here is a comprehensive list of its key parts, categorized by system function.
Core Heat Transfer Components
These are the parts directly involved in the cooling process.
- Coil Bundle: The heart of the tower. It’s a series of tubes (usually copper, cupronickel, or stainless steel) with finned exteriors to increase surface area. The process fluid flows inside these tubes, and the spray water cascades over the outside.
- Spray System: Distributes water over the coil.
- Spray Headers / Manifolds: Pipes that run along the top of the coil.
- Spray Nozzles: Attached to the headers, designed to create an even spray pattern to fully wet the entire external surface of the coil.
Air and Water Movement Components
These parts create the airflow and water flow necessary for evaporation.
- Fan(s): Draws or forces ambient air through the tower, across the wet coil. They can be axial (propeller-style) or centrifugal, depending on the tower design and static pressure requirements.
- Fan Motor: Provides the power to drive the fan. It can be belt-driven or direct-driven.
- Fan Drive Assembly: For belt-driven units, this includes:
- Sheaves (pulleys)
- Drive Belts
- Shafts and Bearings
- Spray Pump: Circulates water from the cold water basin to the spray nozzles.
- Pump-Out Connection: A port for connecting a hose to drain or pump out the basin for maintenance.
Structural and Casing Components
The physical framework and enclosure.
- Casing / Housing: The outer shell of the tower, typically constructed from galvanized steel, stainless steel, or fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) for corrosion resistance.
- Base / Basin: The bottom section that holds the collected spray water (sump). It is designed to be watertight.
- Access Doors / Panels: Allow for inspection, maintenance, and cleaning of the interior components like the coil and basin.
- Louvered Side Panels: Direct airflow into the tower and prevent water splash-out. They also help improve the tower’s aesthetics.
Water Management and Protection Components
These parts maintain water quality and level.
- Cold Water Sump / Basin: The reservoir located at the bottom of the tower that collects the cooled spray water after it has passed over the coil.
- Water Make-Up Assembly: Replenishes water lost to evaporation and drift.
- Float Valve: A mechanical valve (like a toilet tank valve) that opens to add fresh water when the level drops.
- Solenoid Valve: An electrically operated valve often used with more advanced controls.
- Overflow Connection: A pipe connection that prevents the basin from overflowing, typically routed to a drain.
- Drain Connection: A valved connection at the lowest point of the basin to allow for complete drainage.
- Strainer: Located in the spray pump suction line to prevent debris from clogging the spray nozzles.
Drift Elimination and Vapor Management
These parts improve efficiency and protect the surroundings.
- Drift Eliminators: A series of baffles located at the air discharge point. They capture water droplets entrained in the exhaust air stream, minimizing water loss (“drift”) and preventing chemical carryover into the environment.
- Air Inlet Screens: Keep large debris (leaves, plastic bags) from entering the tower and clogging the coil or spray nozzles.
Optional but Common Components
Often added for enhanced functionality and control.
- Winterization Kit (Immersion Heater): An electric heater installed in the basin to prevent the spray water from freezing in cold weather.
- Controls and Control Panel:
- Fan Cycling Control: Modulates cooling by turning fans on/off based on fluid temperature.
- Variable Frequency Drive (VFD): Precisely controls fan and/or pump motor speed for significant energy savings.
- Freeze Stat: A temperature sensor that triggers protective actions (like turning on the immersion heater) if temperatures approach freezing.
- Viewing Port / Sight Glass: Allows for visual inspection of water flow and distribution over the coil.