Cooling Tower Manufacturer in Yemen

Wooden Splash Bars in Cooling Towers

Wooden splash bars are a traditional type of splash packing (fill media) used in crossflow cooling towers. Made from chemically treated hardwood, they break hot water into droplets to enhance air-water contact for efficient cooling.

Key Features of Wooden Splash Bars

 Material:

• Treated hardwood (e.g., redwood, cedar, or fir) resistant to rot, fungi, and water damage.
• Preservative-treated (e.g., chromated copper arsenate – CCA) for longevity.
   Design:
• Rectangular or trapezoidal wooden slats arranged in staggered layers.
• Open structure allows high airflow with low clogging risk.
   Durability:
• Lasts 10–20 years with proper maintenance.
• Gradually replaced by PVC/PP splash fills in modern towers.

How Wooden Splash Bars Work

1. Hot water is distributed over the top of the splash bars.
2. Water droplets form as flow breaks over each wooden slat.
3. Cooling air passes horizontally (crossflow), absorbing heat.
4. Chilled water collects in the basin for recirculation.

Advantages

 Natural Material – Eco-friendly (if sustainably sourced).
 Self-Cleaning – Resists fouling from debris/algae better than film fills.
 Low Maintenance – No tight channels to clog.
 Cost-Effective – Cheaper than modern plastic fills initially.

Disadvantages

 Lower Efficiency – Compared to film fill or honeycomb packing.
 Degradation Over Time – Warping, cracking, or chemical leaching.
 Heavy Weight – Increases structural load vs. plastic fills.
 Limited Use – Mostly in older crossflow towers (rare in new designs).

Applications

• Old industrial cooling towers (e.g., power plants, mills).
• Low-budget projects where plastic fills are unaffordable.
• Dirty water cooling (e.g., river water with high solids).

Maintenance Tips

• Annual Inspections – Check for rot, cracks, or biofilm buildup.
• Pressure Washing – Removes scale and debris.
• Replacement – Swap damaged bars to maintain efficiency.
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