A standard dry cooler works through a simple principle: the fluid to be cooled (usually water or water and glycol) is pumped through a series of pipes inside a unit. Outside air is forced through fins adjacent to the pipes, absorbing heat from the fluid and cooling it
A dry cooler is a cooling device that uses air to regulate process temperature. The cooling done by a dry cooling system is based on the principles of sensible heat rejection. A typical unit requires a cooling medium channeled from an associated process that enters a dry cooler and exchanges accumulated heat with the air circulating within.
Dry coolers have fans that pull air from the cooler’s exterior to sustain the heat exchange process. A suitable temperature difference between the cooling medium and the air within the dry cooling system must be maintained to ensure efficient process cooling. A minimum difference of 5°C is usually enough.
Dry coolers are often used in applications where water is scarce or where the use of water is prohibited due to environmental regulations. They are also commonly used in industrial processes, such as power generation and chemical processing, where cooling is required to maintain optimal operating conditions.