The crossflow or counterflow designation characterizes the orientation of the airflow within the heat-transfer media (fill) in the tower with respect to the direction of water flow. In counterflow towers air travels vertically upwards through the fill and makes intimate contact with water droplets falling down through the fill media. Hence the air and water travel in opposite directions. In crossflow cooling towers the air passes through the fill media in a horizontal direction, thus crossing the downward water flow. Counterflow towers are inherently more efficient than crossflow towers.

In every cooling tower, there is a loss of water to the environment in the form of pure water, which results from the evaporative cooling process. This evaporated water leaves the tower in a pure vapor state, and thus presents no threat to the environment. Drift, however, is the undesirable loss of liquid water to the environment, via small unevaporated droplets that become entrained in the exhaust air stream of a cooling tower. These water droplets carry with them minerals, debris and microorganisms and water treatment chemicals from the circulating water, thus potentially impacting the environment. High drift losses are typically caused by fouled, inefficient or damaged drift eliminators, excessive exit velocities or imbalances in water chemistry.

The Cooling Technology Institute is the world-wide industry authority on cooling tower technology. There are Manufacturers, Owner/Operators, and Suppliers represented in the CTI organization, thus providing a truly independent perspective to the industry. The CTI guidelines and specifications are available at the CTI site.

Yes, you can use aftermarket parts as long as they meet the following conditions:

• The original thermal performance of the tower is CTI certified, and documentation for certification can be provided.
• New material is installed per the instructions.All other components are in like-new condition and function properly.
• All performance-related components such as fans, motors, belts & sheaves or gearboxes and driveshafts are in good working condition and are performing to original specifications with no loss of original certified airflow and no vibrations in the drive system.
• Nozzles, air inlet louvers, and drift eliminators are not clogged with debris and are not dislodged and are in like new condition neither restricting proper water flow and air distribution within the tower.
• Adequate plenum allowed within the tower for uniform fill and drift eliminator airflow.
• Distribution nozzles are properly sized and spaced to provide full and uniform water coverage over the fill with no dry or flooded areas.
• Pack slant angle no more than 10 degrees to the vertical.
• The hot water basin is level and adequate for the nozzles in use.
• Circulating water salinity less than 5,000 ppm.
• No recirculation or interference from other cooling towers or surrounding structures.

Yes, Cooling Tower Experts offers long-term preventative maintenance plans. Our PM Service Agreement is available on the customer’s specific requirements. The plans include an initial thorough inspection, preventative maintenance service of your tower for the life of the PM Service Agreement unless otherwise specified.

Yes, you can do a hybrid tower, or do a complete replacement.