In this article we will be covering the two main types of cooling towers. This will describe how they are different and the benefits
of each type. These types of cooling towers can either be forced draft (fans at the bottom that push air through) or induce
draft (fans on top that pull the air through). In forced draft towers there are typically 2 to 4 centrifugal fans per cell whereas
induce draft towers almost always have just one axial fan. Virtually all large industrial cooling towers are induced draft. Since
forced draft is not efficient in very large towers, you typically only see it in smaller package units.
The other manner in which cooling towers are differentiated is based upon the direction the air and water are moving when
they interact. Counterflow towers utilize a design in which the air and water are moving exactly opposite or counter to each
other. Crossflow cooling towers move the air horizontally through the tower and the water falls straight down. Therefore the
direction of the air and water move perpendicular to each other.
Deciding upon the type of cooling tower to use is typically dependent upon the application. Generally speaking counterflow
cooling towers make more efficient use of the physical footprint available for the cooling tower. However, in order to take full
advantage of the geometrical advantages of the counterflow design, high efficiency film-type fill is required. Film fill requires
clean water in order to operate properly and provide the increased cooling. Crossflow cooling towers generally utilize splash
type fill that is not as efficient as film fill, but it is more tolerant of water with higher levels of total suspended solids. Therefore,
typically counterflow cooling towers use high efficiency, film type fill. Crossflow cooling towers are more versatile than
counterflow towers, which explain their popularity.
In general terms, counterflow towers will have a lower upfront cost from a manufacture than a crossflow tower of equal duty.
However, in our experience the overall cost of the project comes out to around the same price. The main difference is that a
crossflow tower has the main header on the top of the cooling tower and is typically in the scope of the manufacturer, but the
counterflow has individual riser and a main buried header that is typically in the clients scope. When selecting a cooling tower
design make sure to include all of the costs in your decision. It is our opinion that a crossflow tower will have a better ROI than
a counterflow.
Counterflow and crossflow cooling towers have their own advantages and drawbacks. It is important to understand both for
each design in order to provide the most effective solution for each particular application. Contact a cooling tower
manufacturer to discuss the options that you may have for you particular project.
of each type. These types of cooling towers can either be forced draft (fans at the bottom that push air through) or induce
draft (fans on top that pull the air through). In forced draft towers there are typically 2 to 4 centrifugal fans per cell whereas
induce draft towers almost always have just one axial fan. Virtually all large industrial cooling towers are induced draft. Since
forced draft is not efficient in very large towers, you typically only see it in smaller package units.
The other manner in which cooling towers are differentiated is based upon the direction the air and water are moving when
they interact. Counterflow towers utilize a design in which the air and water are moving exactly opposite or counter to each
other. Crossflow cooling towers move the air horizontally through the tower and the water falls straight down. Therefore the
direction of the air and water move perpendicular to each other.
Deciding upon the type of cooling tower to use is typically dependent upon the application. Generally speaking counterflow
cooling towers make more efficient use of the physical footprint available for the cooling tower. However, in order to take full
advantage of the geometrical advantages of the counterflow design, high efficiency film-type fill is required. Film fill requires
clean water in order to operate properly and provide the increased cooling. Crossflow cooling towers generally utilize splash
type fill that is not as efficient as film fill, but it is more tolerant of water with higher levels of total suspended solids. Therefore,
typically counterflow cooling towers use high efficiency, film type fill. Crossflow cooling towers are more versatile than
counterflow towers, which explain their popularity.
In general terms, counterflow towers will have a lower upfront cost from a manufacture than a crossflow tower of equal duty.
However, in our experience the overall cost of the project comes out to around the same price. The main difference is that a
crossflow tower has the main header on the top of the cooling tower and is typically in the scope of the manufacturer, but the
counterflow has individual riser and a main buried header that is typically in the clients scope. When selecting a cooling tower
design make sure to include all of the costs in your decision. It is our opinion that a crossflow tower will have a better ROI than
a counterflow.
Counterflow and crossflow cooling towers have their own advantages and drawbacks. It is important to understand both for
each design in order to provide the most effective solution for each particular application. Contact a cooling tower
manufacturer to discuss the options that you may have for you particular project.
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