A. What is a Cooling Tower?
- Definition and Purpose: A cooling tower is a heat removal device that uses the evaporation of water to remove waste heat from a building or process. Simply put, it helps to cool down hot water by allowing it to come into contact with cool air.
- Types of Cooling Towers: There are two main types of cooling towers: open and closed loop systems. Open cooling towers circulate water directly through the tower, where a portion evaporates, removing heat. Closed cooling towers, however, use a secondary circuit of water, keeping contaminants out of the main system.
- Common Applications: Cooling towers are used in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, power plants, and HVAC systems. They play a crucial role in processes where cooling is necessary, such as petrochemical production or large buildings like hospitals.