Because they use air instead of a liquid fluid, dry fluid cooling towers are becoming increasingly popular in the cooling industry. Since these pieces of equipment will be implemented into commercial cooling systems more and more, it’s important to ensure there are proper testing procedures and acceptance test codes. In this blog, we’ll discuss:
What Are Dry Fluid Coolers?
Dry coolers, or air-cooled fluid coolers, consist of a closed fluid circuit, an air moving device, and a main base structure. The entire external surface of the closed circuit is dry — hence the name. Because of the dry closed circuit, the heat transfer process for this piece of equipment is strictly sensible cooling.
How Do They Operate?
Dry fluid coolers operate similar to other cooling towers, but without a liquid cooling fluid. In these pieces of machinery, heat flows from the hot process fluid in the closed circuit through the wall of the heat exchange surface and into the cooling airstream that is circulated by the air moving device, or fan. The wall of the heat exchange surface may include internal and/or external find to improve heat transfer rates.
Testing Procedures
To make sure your dry fluid cooling tower is functioning properly, it’s important to undergo routine testing. These test include the following procedures:
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Testing inlet air temperatures
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Checking exiting air temperatures
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Exiting air dry-bulb temperature is required for air density correction. The measurement of this temperature should be made using any of the devices specified in Section 3.3 of ATC-105. A single exiting air dry-bulb measurement is usually adequate, but will depend on the size of the unit being tested.
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Measuring wind velocity
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Wind velocity and direction should be measured as per Section 3.4 of ATC-105. For dry coolers with an overall height of 6 m (20 ft) or less, wind velocity must be measured 1.5 m (5 ft) above curb elevation.
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For dry coolers where the distance between curb and discharge elevations exceeds 6 m (20 ft), the wind velocity should be measured at an elevation above curb elevation that is approximately one-half the difference between the curb and discharge elevations.
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Checking overall condition of equipment and amount of fouling
How Can CTI Assist With Your Cooling Tower Needs?
Cooling Technology Institute has published a plethora of papers about various cooling topics. CTI is also an advocate in promoting the use of environmentally responsible Evaporative Heat Transfer Systems (EHTS), cooling towers, and cooling technology for the benefit of the public. Additionally, CTI is an independent, third-party thermal performance testing to help participating manufacturers and owners/operators achieve the best performance from their cooling towers. Visit our website today for more information on cooling technologies!