How to Order Parts for an Older Cooling Tower

How to Order Replacement Parts for an Older Cooling Tower

An older cooling tower can remain useful long after its original part numbers disappear from current catalogues. The difficulty begins when a facility manager needs fill, drift eliminators, louvers, nozzles or another component and the equipment nameplate is faded, incomplete or tied to a discontinued model.

A supplier can often identify a suitable replacement, but only when the request includes enough accurate information. Sending a clear package at the beginning reduces follow up questions and lowers the chance of ordering a component that does not fit the tower or suit its operating conditions.

Start With the Tower Nameplate

Look for the manufacturer, model, serial number and original installation information. Nameplates are commonly located near an access door or another service area. Marley operating instructions advise customers to include the tower serial number when requesting information or ordering parts.

Photograph the complete plate rather than copying only one number, since spacing, prefixes and suffixes may matter. If the plate is damaged, check maintenance records, old invoices, equipment schedules and mechanical drawings. A previous replacement part number can also provide a useful starting point.

Do not assume that two towers beside one another are identical unless both units have been checked.

Photograph the Part Before Removal

Take wide photographs showing where the component sits inside the tower, followed by closer images of the part itself. Include the mounting points, neighboring panels, supports, fasteners and water distribution arrangement.

A loose component on a workshop bench may be difficult to identify without context. A photograph of the installed position can show whether the tower is crossflow or counterflow, how air and water move through the section and whether the replacement must connect with existing material.

Place a ruler or tape measure in one image when practical. Avoid relying on perspective alone, especially for nozzle openings, louver sections and fill blocks.

Record Dimensions and Materials Carefully

Measure the overall length, width and depth, along with hole spacing, flange dimensions, frame thickness and other features that affect installation. For fill and drift eliminators, note the sheet orientation, flute direction and block size if those details can be seen safely.

Identify the material when known. PVC, polypropylene, fiberglass, stainless steel and galvanized steel are not interchangeable in every tower environment.

Mention signs of heat damage, chemical attack, brittleness, scale or distortion because the original material may no longer be the best choice for the application.

Explain the Tower and Its Operating Conditions

The tower make and model are important, but the supplier also needs to understand the job. State whether the equipment is a cooling tower, evaporative condenser or fluid cooler. Include the number of cells and identify which cell needs work.

Describe the water quality, contamination concerns, process temperature and any recurring fouling problem that could affect the replacement. Fill selection can depend on suspended solids, water makeup and contamination potential.

Film fill that works well with relatively clean water may not suit a system exposed to heavy suspended solids. The same principle applies to nozzle openings, drift eliminators and air inlet louvers.

Do Not Rely on a Similar Looking Part

Many cooling tower components look alike from a distance. Small differences in dimensions, airflow resistance, water distribution or mounting can change performance and installation.

A generic part selected only by appearance may leave gaps, create bypass, interfere with neighboring components or distribute water incorrectly. Ask the supplier to confirm compatibility with the tower, not simply whether the part resembles the original.

For an obsolete unit, an experienced aftermarket manufacturer may be able to cross reference the old model or fabricate a replacement section from verified measurements. Cooling Tower Products states that its accumulated equipment information helps it cross reference current and obsolete towers.

Confirm Quantity, Scope and Timing

Count every section that will be replaced and include spares when appropriate. Clarify whether the order covers one damaged area, one complete cell or the whole tower.

Give the required delivery date and explain whether the tower is operating, scheduled for an outage or already offline. A realistic timeline helps the supplier discuss production, freight and installation planning before the order is finalized.

Ask Cooling Tower Products to Help Identify the Part

Cooling Tower Products has manufactured and supplied aftermarket cooling tower components in Phoenix since 1975. The team works with fill media, drift eliminators, louvers, nozzles, sealants and other parts for many current and obsolete tower models. Send the available nameplate information, photographs and measurements, then call 602 268 1584 or toll free 1 800 733 1584 for help identifying the right replacement.