This is the most common and efficient type of fill used in modern cooling towers, including cross flow designs.
- How it Works: It consists of closely spaced, corrugated PVC sheets. Water flows down the sheets in a thin film, while air flows horizontally across the film. The close proximity of the sheets creates a massive surface area for direct contact between the thin water film and the air, promoting highly efficient evaporation and heat transfer.
- Common Materials: PVC (most common), Polypropylene.
- Common Configurations:
- Vertical Fluted (Corrugated) Sheets: The standard configuration for cross flow. The sheets are mounted vertically, and the corrugations are designed to guide the water flow and disrupt the air for better mixing.
- Advantages:
- High Thermal Efficiency: Provides the maximum heat transfer per unit volume of fill, allowing for a more compact and cost-effective tower design.
- Lower Water Pumping Requirement: Less water is held in the fill at any given time compared to splash fill.