What are the criteria for selecting type of a cooling tower fillings

[rezaeb]

I'd like to know whether the quality of water is the main factor in selecting cooling tower fillings (film type and/or splash bar). It seems that film type is much more prone to be plugged than splash bar in case of a poor water quality.
If this is the case, how much is the limit.

 

[quark]

You are right. It is a trade off between water quality and space (foot print). Generally splash bar type cooling towers are used where chances of water contamination are high. But better heat transfer is with honey comb type fills.

I don't know the limit but we use splash bar type CT when we have dual cooling media to reactors (brine and water).

Regards,

 

[abcmex]

The selectionof a cooling water filling has to do with the total suspended solids level that you have or expect in the cooling water. If you use a film with a higher area to volumen ratio like film your cooling tower will be much smaller and your investment will be reduced.

To give you some data:
GEA film fills 5-19 tolerate up to 70ppm, AF-20 up to 120ppm
GEA splash rings up to 300
GEA griths and laths have no limitation

each supplier has his own specification. Consult with suppliers like Marley, GEA and other supplier for Cooling towers and fillings.

Other factor that you should not overlook is the pressure drop on the filling. each cm water additional on the ventilator will cost you money so compare this factor too.
RGS

 

[rezaeb]

Dear quark and abcmex,
Thank you two, very much. I got my answer which helped me too much.
I asked our supplier the matter and they believe upto 50 ppm (suspended solid)would be tolorable with their film type
fills.
Thanks once more.
rezaeb

 

[DeltaCascade]

Yes, rezaeb, i would agree that you are on the right track.

Open recirculating cooling towers should have a water TSS content of no more than 50 ppm. ( < 50 ppm TSS). This corresponds to approximately < 30 NTU (turbidity units).

Microbiological (slime) growth can also be a problem on film fills.

My interpretation is to prefer splash bars for &quot;severe duty&quot; (where cooling tower services large refineries, petrochemical plants, and/or where water contaminations may be expected). Dealing with upset conditions would be easier without film fill.

Film fill is great for &quot;light duty&quot;, as tower height and foot print may be reduced due to its improved heat transfer rates (per ft3). Light duty tower may include cooling tower for comfort cooling chiller, and/or smaller facilities where contaminations from process leaks, dust storms, etc, are less likely.

My opinion only.
Good luck.

 

[2765]

dear REZAEB,
You can install side stream filteration and still go for film type fill.However, if the ambient is dusty like sinter plant in a steel plant,better to go for splash type fill as it is not prone to clogging.Film type fill with large flute size, say 19mm can tolerate 50ppm ss.Cross flow tower with splash fill is maitenance engineer's delight.

 

[Gottburg]

Take care with your inssurance company. They there are, some times, some special req.

Gottburg