Counterflow Vs Crossflow Cooling Tower
If you are searching for crossflow and counterflow cooling towers, we’re here to highlight the similarities and differences between the two models.
Crossflow Cooling Towers
Because of its design, crossflow cooling towers force the hot process water to flow down the fill media. This is caused simply by the force of gravity. This process takes place at the same time as the air is being blown horizontally across the falling water, which cools it down significantly.
The air flow and pattern of the water is where the crossflow model gets its name. Water will require only gravity for downward flow because there is no other present force going against it. Water will then be evenly distributed by the hot water basins located above the fills in the tower.
Crossflow Advantages
- Excellent performance in cold-weather applications.
- Capable of up to 70% turndown.
- Water distribution system can be cleaned while machine is operating.
- Utilizes high-efficiency heat transfer fill.
Counterflow Cooling Towers
Hot process water flows downward on the fill media, continuing its flow all the way onto the cold water basin. The air, though, enters in a lower section of the tower, compared to crossflow versions. From there, air will flow up, passing through the water flowing the fill.
The end result here will be a cooling down phase. Pressurized pipes and nozzles are placed further apart than in crossflow towers. This is done to ensure nothing will obstruct airflow to the tower.
Counterflow Advantages
- Ease of installation.
- Lower operating weight.
- Can accommodate a wide range of fill types.
Cooling Tower Maintenance Requirements
Regardless of the cooling tower model, routine maintenance is essential to ensure optimal performance. Depending on the application, crossflow cooling towers could require less maintenance needs. This is due to the location and number of air inlets. Crossflow towers have two air inlets, while counterflow towers feature four air inlets.
Operating Weight
Due to the crossflow tower’s larger footprint, shipping and operating weight may be more than a counterflow model. Additional structures used for support do make maintenance/cleanings easy, though. More piping used in the water distribution system will only add to the overall weight of the crossflow towers.
Should You Choose A Crossflow Or Counterflow Cooling Tower?
Choosing which tower you should use between a crossflow and counterflow will very much depend on your specific industry needs. Both models are incredibly effective at supporting chillers and acheiving evaporative cooling with only slight differences in design.
Cooling Tower Installation, Replacement, & Refurbishment in Arizona & Nevada
Our team offers complete cooling tower refurbishment that will save your company tens of thousands of dollars over buying and installing new cooling towers. Cooling tower refurbishment and rebuilding adds about another 15 years of life to your equipment and helps you get your money’s worth out of your original investment in your cooling tower or property. We offer cooling tower installation, replacement, and refurbishment in Arizona and Nevada. We also sell other cooling tower parts and products.