Why Cross Flow Towers Are Often Chosen in Industry
The choice of a Cross Flow design is particularly common in heavy industry due to its specific advantages:
- Handles Poor Water Quality: Industrial water often contains scale, silt, and suspended solids. The large, gravity-fed nozzles and the option for splash fill in cross flow towers are highly resistant to clogging, a critical advantage over counter flow designs with small spray nozzles.
- Robustness and Durability: Industrial environments are harsh. Cross flow towers are often built with robust materials like stainless steel or FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic) to withstand corrosive atmospheres.
- Ease of Maintenance: The open distribution basins at the top are easily accessible for inspection and cleaning without shutting down the entire tower cell. In a 24/7 industrial operation, minimizing downtime is a top priority.
- Stable Performance at Variable Loads: Industrial processes can have shifting heat loads. The gravity distribution system maintains stable water flow even at reduced rates, preventing dry spots and inefficiency.