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CTI Bibliography of Technical Papers - Fills

Revised April 2009

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Fills
Order Number Title Author Date
Cellular Cooling Tower Fill (TP-32A) George Meek, The Munters Corporation 1967
Abstract:
Condition of Preservative Treated Cooling Tower Slats After 10-Year Service (TP-96A) Lee R. Gjovik, B. Alan Bendtsen & H.G. Roth, Forest Products Laboratory 1972
Abstract:
Seismic Evaluation of Spaced Tile Fill (TP-275A) Richard White, P.E., Ceramic Cooling Tower Company 1983
Abstract: A credible seismic evaluation of any cooling tower fill material is a marriage between analytical and experimental techniques. This paper discusses the seismic evaluation of the spaced tile fill in the condenser water-cooling towers for the Intermountain Power Project (IPP) located in Delta, Utah. Using the results of the IPP investigation guidelines were generated for the seismic evaluation of spaced tile fill in cooling tower located in both the eastern and western United States.
Evolution of Cooling Tower Fill (TP-84-03) Gary R. Mirsky, Custodis-Hamon Constructors, Inc. and J. Bauthier, Hamon-Sobelco, S.A. 1984
Abstract: Discusses the state-of-the-art and history of the development of fill in counterflow and crossflow cooling towers. The paper will cover application principles, economics, and test methodology used to assure accurate performance predictions. The scope of the paper will address designs used worldwide for both power and industrial projects and address such issues as the various materials used, splash cooling designs, and film cooling designs.
Plastic for Splash Fill and Drift Eliminators (TP-84-17) Keith A. Sharf, Doron Plastics Co. 1984
Abstract: This paper will cover advantages and disadvantages of plastics now used in cooling towers, such as PVC, CPVC, PP, and ABS. This will include present costs and trends, physical characteristics, resistance to chemicals and to environment. It will also cover flame spread ratings. Within the PVC family it will discuss regrinds, different plasticizers, and different compound deflection temperatures.
Comparative Efaluation of Counterflow Cooling Tower Fills (TP-88-05) Robert D. Fulkerson, Cooling Tower Technology 1988
Abstract: This paper will discuss the testing and development of heat transfer and pressure drop data for several commonly used counterflow fill materials. The paper will also cover the use of this data in connection with the CTI Blue Book to rate towers and evaluate bids on proposed towers.
The Usage of Fiber Cement as a Film Type Fill Media in Evaporative Cooling Towers (TP-88-09) John W. Cooper, Jr., Heinz Treuberg & Dr. Heiko Klauss, Toschi USA, Inc. 1988
Abstract: This paper provides a chronology of the use of fiber cement as a film-type fill media in evaporative cooling towers. Three decades of worldwide experience with asbestos-cement fill systems are reviewed. Topics of discussion include design variations, durability, and thermal performance aspects of the various fiber-cement fill-system designs. Economic and regulatory forces behind the continued large-scale usage of asbestos-free fiber-cement fill sytems in West Germany's cooling towers are explored.
Determination of the Turbulent Lewis Number From Experimental Data for Wet Cooling Tower Fill (TP-90-07) Dudley J. Benton, Tennessee Valley Authority 1990
Abstract: Some of the difficulties and anomalies encountered when computing separate heat and mass transfer coefficients from wet cooling tower fill test data are presented. The Lewis analogy, which has historically been used to relate the sensible and evaporative transfers, is examined in light of this data.
Film Fill Recent Research and Application Data (TP-90-11) Gary R. Mirsky, Hamon Cooling Towers and Michel Monjoie, Hamon-Sobelco, S.A. 1990
Abstract: This paper focuses specifically on historical and application data regarding film fill. Topics covered will include historical background, recent design developments, thermal design comparison, comparison of dead load capacity vs. sheet thickness, resistance to clogging analysis, suitability of designs in various types of cooling towers and typical manufacturing QA/QC procedures.
Evaluation of Plastic Fill For High Temperature Service (TP-91-03) Steven C. Blue, Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant, Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc. 1991
Abstract: The creep resistances of plastic cellular fill for service above 140°F was investigated by tests of product forms and laboratory material tests. The behavior of fill can be predicted from the results of short-term laboratory tests.
Cooling Tower Film Fill Water Quality/Operations Guidelines For Successful Utilization (TP-92-06) James G. Kanuth & Paul R. Puckorius, Puckorius & Associates, Inc. 1992
Abstract: Film pack use has expanded greatly for both new and up-graded cooling towers. To successfully maintain fill efficiency and to minimize deposit accumulation the water quality, water treatment and tower operation must all be addressed. This paper presents a number of case histories in utilities, petroleum, chemical and HVAC cooling systems. Guidelines are given for trouble-free pack fill performance and "cleaning-up" fouled fill.
Cleaning and Maintenance of Film Fill at Florida Power Corporation (TP-92-09) David Pearson & Jim Witherow Florida Power Corporation and Barbara McClung, Calgon Corporation 1992
Abstract: With wider use of highly efficient film and increasing interest in water conservation many cooling towers are experiencing plugging associated with the concentration of suspended solids from the make-up water. This plugging can reduce tower performance and in some utilities has necessitated load reduction. A reduction of plugging and maintenance of fill cleanliness has been achieved using low levels of polymeric dispersant. Product application, monitoring and performance evaluation are discussed.
Research of Fouling Film Fill (TP-93-06) Michel Monjoie, Hamon-Sobelco, S.A., Russell Noble, Southern Company Services, Gary R. Mirsky, Hamon Cooling Tower 1993
Abstract: Hamon and Southern Services have been conducting a variety of fouling tests on many different film fills available commercially worldwide. These tests have been ongoing for several years on sidestreams and actual cooling tower applications. The results of weight gain, pressure increase, and efficiency changes will be presented.
Influence of Fill Type and Flow Orientation on the Lewis Number (TP-93-08) Dudley J. Benton, TVA Engineering Laboratory 1993
Abstract: As a follow-up to previous analysis of counterflow film and crossflow splash fill, the Lewis number is determined from experimental data for counterflow splash and crossflow film fill. The relative influence of fill type (film/splash) and flow orientation (counter/crossflow) on the Lewis number is examined in light of this more complete data set.
Innovative Application of Film Fill in Large Industrial Crossflow Cooling Towers David Suptic, The Marley Cooling Tower Company 1995
Abstract: This paper documents thermal performance improvements in large industrial crossflow cooling towers through the innovative application of film fill. Includes discussion of new crossflow tower design that delivers film fill performance previously available only in large industrial counterflow cooling towers. The paper highlights the successful replacement of a large splash bar fill crossflow tower with a new film fill crossflow tower at a midwestern power plant. Benefits of increased capacity, lower near field sound level, and elimination of falling water splash out are also identified.
NPF Cooling Tower Fill - Its Development and Demonstration E. Hobson, & T.H. Massey, National Power Plc, Paul Lindahl, The Marley Cooling Tower Co. 1995
Abstract: The development of NPF, a cooling tower fill, is described. This has low fouling characteristics whilst retaining thermal performance. NPF consists of PVC sheets bounded together into blocks. The sheets have triangular primary corrugation. Each sheet also has small-scale secondary ridges. The first installation has recently taken place in a 300MW cooling tower at Didcot Power Station, England. This demonstration installation and improvements achieved over the packing previously installed in that tower will be described.
Fill Fouling Control in Cooling Towers F. Philip Yu, Anthony W. Dallmier, William F. McCoy, Nalco Chemical Company 1998
Abstract: The introduction of high efficiency film fill has significantly increased cooling tower performance. However, film fill is more susceptible to fouling than conventional splash fill. This paper discusses two power plants which both have a long history of fouling problems using film fill despite various biocide treatment programs. With the implementation of combined biocide/biodispersant treatments, effective fill fouling control is achieved. Significant reductions in film fill deposits were observed in both power plants. In addition, one cooling tower also gained significant thermal performance (expresses as % capability) shortly after the treatment started.
A Comparison of Crossflow Cooling Tower Splash-Type Fills Robert Fulkerson, Fulkerson Enterprises 1999
Abstract: This paper will describe the testing of twenty commonly used crossflow fill configurations. It will present the mathematical procedure used to analyze the data, and it will give a procedure to be used to compare the relative performance of the fills.
Design Features and their Affect on High Performance Fill Rich Aull & Tim Krell, Brentwood Industries, Inc. 2000
Abstract: In the design of a high performance cooling tower fill, many design features must be considered to produce optimum performance. This paper will show laboratory test data and detail the effect on fill performance of the following items; Flute geometry (cross-corrugated, offset-tube, vertical tube), Cross-corrugated flute angle, Sheet pitch (19mm vs. 20mm vs. 17mm vs. 12mm), Microstructure (course, fine, none), Material (PVC & polypropylene), Module depth (12' layers vs. 24" layers vs. 48" layers), Tip design (Alternate tips vs. straight tips).
Low Clog Film Fill - New Approaches Kenneth P. Mortensen, Marley Cooling Tower Company & Stephen N. Conley, Marley Cooling Tower Company, Development Ctr 2001
Abstract: Low clog fill configurations have been dominated by vertical tube geometrics since these products were first offered. Other significant geometrics have now been lab tested and field evaluated with outstanding results. Better economy, with proper thermal performance, and good fouling protection are the evident results of this testing. These possibilities are discussed with illustrative pictures and data presented.
Recycling Contaminated and Fouled PVC Fill Michel Monjoie, Serge Vigier, Hamon Thermal Europe 2001
Abstract: The fill of several large nuclear natural drift cooling tower in France were severely fouled and contaminated with bacterium. The fill removed during the repack is treated in a transportable facility located on site close to the cooling tower. In the facility, the fill is cut in small parts, the mud and the scaling is separated from the PVC. The collected mud and scaling are treated to kill all bacterium. It can be recycled in a cement factory as example. The PVC is also treated to obtain the output of the facility clean PVC ready for recycling.
Guidelines for Selecting the Proper Film Fill Donald Zelek, Brentwood Industries 2006
Abstract: For many years PVC film fills have been the most popular choice of heat transfer media for use in cooling towers. Throughout this history, design features of these fills have continued to evolve from the first cross corrugated products through vertically fluted fills to today's popular combination designs. Some of these features are not obvious to the casual observer and if not chosen correctly can adversely affect tower performance, product cost, lifespan, or ease of installation. This paper traces the history of these fill designs while providing guidelines as to the proper fill selection.
High Performance Ceramic Fill Peter Fay, Consultant and Ann Engh, Sandkuhl Clay Works, Inc. 2006
Abstract: The cooling tower industry has long sought without success to find the ideal fill. Such a fill would have high performance, low fouling tendency, durability, non-flammability, elevated temperature capability, non-hazardous environmental characteristics, freeze-thaw capability and good economics.
Traditional cellular ceramic fill blocks provide many of the above attributes with the high performance criterion being the one glaring exception. A vertical flow ceramic film type fill that meets all the attributes set out above is now available to the industry and is discussed in the paper.
A Performance Comparison of Counterflow Reduced Fouling Fills Toby L. Daley, P.E., T Daley & Associates, Inc. 2006
Abstract: This paper will present the recent testing results of counterflow film and splash type reduced fouling fill configurations. It will present a comparison of the relative performance of the fills. This recent testing program provides a today's performance perspective of the most commonly used fills of this type.
Design and Operation of a Counterflow Fill and Nozzle Test Cell: Challenges and Solutions Jean-Pierre R. Libert - EvapTech, Inc. 2007
Abstract: While factory-assembled cooling towers are compact enough to be tested and certified in environmental test chambers, field-erected towers can only be tested on-site once built. In order to rate them beforehand, their components must be tested individually in test cells designed to that effect. The size of the test cells, their configuration, operation and the instrumentation used to capture the fundamental thermodynamic data require money, time and good engineering skills to be able to acquire meaningful and useful data.
Only a handful of cooling tower manufacturers and equipment suppliers worldwide own and operate one or several fill test cells. In recent years several consultants have presented the results of their research on cooling tower fills to the CTI membership. While their work was technically excellent and informative, the raw data and the methodology of data analysis were no divulged to the public, leaving the use of the final data subject to interpretation.
A Novel Approach to Design Compact Mass Transfer Packing for Maximum Efficiency Dr. Hamid Reza Goshayshi, Azad University 2009
Abstract: The optimum heat and mass transfer area at which minimum cost exists throughout the technical life of forced draft counter cooling tower is studied in the present work. Original formula are developed and presented for the best thermoeconomical performance as a design point. Also in this paper an investigation is made using measurements of the mass transfer rates and pressure drops for a comprehensive range of PVC plastic packing producing an economic comparison to find the best geometry and range. In order to do this, heat transfer and pressure drop for turbulent conditions in fills used in the modern cooling tower have to be studied. A new method of comparison for existing cooling tower fills has been developed and the performance of the best packing has been expressed in relation to the ideal packing.
Flame Retardance of Polymer Film Fills Dr. Nina Woicke, GEA 2H KUnststoff GmbH 2009
Abstract: While PVC is long known as a flame retardant polymer, other plastics have the reputation of high flammability. Whereas this is true for standard polyolefin materials, modern polypropylene products with high efficient flame retardant additives can even beat the good fire properties of normal PVC. In this study film fills for cooling towers made of PVC and of a flame retardant PP are tested by several different methods and international standards to evaluate the actual performance of these two materials.