IPS-E-PR-790

ENGINEERING STANDARD
FOR
PROCESS DESIGN OF COOLING TOWERS
ORIGINAL EDITION
JAN. 1996

This standard specification is reviewed and

updated by the relevant technical committee on
Nov. 2001(1) and Oct. 2012(2). The approved
modifications are included in the present issue
of IPS.

This Standard is the property of Iranian Ministry of Petroleum. All rights are reserved to the owner.
Neither whole nor any part of this document may be disclosed to any third party, reproduced, stored in
any retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the
Iranian Ministry of Petroleum.

Jan. 1996

IPS-E-PR-790

FOREWORD
The Iranian Petroleum Standards (IPS) reflect the views of the Iranian Ministry of Petroleum and are
intended for use in the oil and gas production facilities, oil refineries, chemical and petrochemical
plants, gas handling and processing installations and other such facilities.
IPS are based on internationally acceptable standards and include selections from the items
stipulated in the referenced standards. They are also supplemented by additional requirements
and/or modifications based on the experience acquired by the Iranian Petroleum Industry and the
local market availability. The options which are not specified in the text of the standards are
itemized in data sheet/s, so that, the user can select his appropriate preferences therein.
The IPS standards are therefore expected to be sufficiently flexible so that the users can adapt
these standards to their requirements. However, they may not cover every requirement of each
project. For such cases, an addendum to IPS Standard shall be prepared by the user which
elaborates the particular requirements of the user. This addendum together with the relevant IPS
shall form the job specification for the specific project or work.
The IPS is reviewed and up-dated approximately every five years. Each standards are subject to
amendment or withdrawal, if required, thus the latest edition of IPS shall be applicable
The users of IPS are therefore requested to send their views and comments, including any
addendum prepared for particular cases to the following address. These comments and
recommendations will be reviewed by the relevant technical committee and in case of approval will
be incorporated in the next revision of the standard.

Standards and Research department

No.17, Street14, North kheradmand
Karimkhan Avenue, Tehran, Iran .
Postal Code- 1585886851
Tel: 88810459-60 & 66153055
Fax: 88810462
Email: Standards@ nioc.ir

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IPS-E-PR-790

GENERAL DEFINITIONS
Throughout this Standard the following definitions shall apply.

COMPANY :
Refers to one of the related and/or affiliated companies of the Iranian Ministry of Petroleum such as
National Iranian Oil Company, National Iranian Gas Company, National Petrochemical Company
and National Iranian Oil Refinery And Distribution Company.

PURCHASER :
Means the Company" where this standard is a part of direct purchaser order by the Company,
and the Contractor where this Standard is a part of contract document.

VENDOR AND SUPPLIER:

Refers to firm or person who will supply and/or fabricate the equipment or material.

CONTRACTOR:
Refers to the persons, firm or company whose tender has been accepted by the company.

EXECUTOR :
Executor is the party which carries out all or part of construction and/or commissioning for the
project.

INSPECTOR :
The Inspector referred to in this Standard is a person/persons or a body appointed in writing by the
company for the inspection of fabrication and installation work.

SHALL:
Is used where a provision is mandatory.

SHOULD:
Is used where a provision is advisory only.

WILL:
Is normally used in connection with the action by the Company rather than by a contractor,
supplier or vendor.

MAY:
Is used where a provision is completely discretionary.

Jan. 1996
CONTENTS :

IPS-E-PR-790
PAGE No.

0. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................. 4
1. SCOPE ............................................................................................................................................ 5
2. REFERENCES ................................................................................................................................ 5
3. DEFINITIONS AND TERMINOLOGY ............................................................................................. 6
4. SYMBOLS AND ABBREVIATIONS ............................................................................................. 12
6. GENERAL ..................................................................................................................................... 13
6.5 Performance Characteristics ............................................................................................... 13
7. TYPES OF COOLING TOWERS .................................................................................................. 13
7.1 Natural Draught Towers ....................................................................................................... 14
7.2 Mechanical Draught Towers ............................................................................................... 15
8. DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS ....................................................................................................... 19
8.1 Design Parameters ...................................................................................................................... 19
8.2 Ambient Air Temperatures ........................................................................................................ 19
8.3 Approach ....................................................................................................................................... 19
8.4 Cooling Range and Water Quantity ........................................................................................ 20
8.5 Effect of Altitude .......................................................................................................................... 20
8.6 Packings......................................................................................................................................... 20
8.7 Water Loadings ............................................................................................................................ 20
8.8 Drift Losses ................................................................................................................................... 21
8.9 Windage Losses ........................................................................................................................... 21
8.10 Recirculation............................................................................................................................... 21
8.11 Hydrocarbon Detection System ............................................................................................. 21
9. WATER QUALITY .................................................................................................................... 21
9.1 Make-Up Water ................................................................................................................. 21
9.2 Circulating Water ............................................................................................................. 22
10. COLD CLIMATE DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS ......................................................................... 22
10.1 General ................................................................................................................................. 22
10.2 Avoidance of Icing by Air Control ..................................................................................... 22
10.3 Avoidance of Icing by Control of Water Load .................................................................. 23
10.4 Effects of Anti-Icing Flow on Tower Capacity .................................................................. 23
11. SITING, SPACING AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS ........................................... 24
11.1 General ................................................................................................................................. 24
11.2 Siting .................................................................................................................................... 25
11.3 Spacing ................................................................................................................................ 25
11.4 Environmental Considerations .......................................................................................... 26
12. GUARANTEES ........................................................................................................................... 29
APPENDICES :
APPENDIX

A
A.1
A.2

ENQUIRY AND SUGGESTED TENDER

INFORMATION FOR COOLING TOWERS...................................................... 30
Information To Be Provided by The Purchaser ............................................ 30
Information To Be Provided by The Supplier ............................................... 31

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0. INTRODUCTION
"Process Design of Heat Exchanging Equipment", are broad and contain variable subjects of
paramount importance. Therefore, a group of process engineering standard specifications are
prepared to cover the subject.
This group includes the following standards:

STANDARD CODE

STANDARD TITLE

IPS-E-PR-771

"Process Requirements of Heat Exchanging Equipment"

IPS-E-PR-775

"Process Design of Double Pipe Heat Exchangers"

IPS-E-PR-785

"Process Design of Air Cooled Heat Exchangers (Air

Coolers)"

IPS-E-PR-790

"Process Design of Cooling Towers"

This Standard Specification covers:

"PROCESS DESIGN OF COOLING TOWERS"

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1. SCOPE
This Standard Specification covers the minimum process design requirements, field of application,
selection of types, design consideration and thermal process design for cooling towers.

Note 1:
This standard specification is reviewed and updated by the relevant technical committee on
Nov. 2001. The approved modifications by T.C. were sent to IPS users as amendment No. 1
by circular No. 161 on Nov. 2001. These modifications are included in the present issue of
IPS.
Note 2:
This standard specification is reviewed and updated by the relevant technical committee on
Oct. 2012. The approved modifications by T.C. were sent to IPS users as amendment No. 2
by circular No. 359 on Oct. 2012. These modifications are included in the present issue of
IPS.

2. REFERENCES
Throughout this Standard the following dated and undated standards/codes are referred to. These
referenced documents shall, to the extent specified herein, form a part of this standard. For dated
references, the edition cited applies. The applicability of changes in dated references that occur
after the cited date shall be mutually agreed upon by the Company and the Vendor. For undated
references, the latest edition of the referenced documents (including any supplements and
amendments) applies.
IPS

BSI

(IRANIAN PETROLEUM STANDARDS)

IPS-E-GN-100

"Engineering Standard for Units

IPS-E-PR-190

"Engineering Standard for Layout and Spacing"

IPS-E-PR-771

"Engineering Standard for Process Requirements of the Heat

Exchanging Equipment"

IPS-G-SF-880

"General Standard for Water Pollution Control"

IPS-G-ME-160

Engineering and Material Standard for Cooling Towers

(BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION)

BS 4485

"British Standard Specification for Water Cooling Towers"

- Part 1: 1969, "Glossary of Terms"

- Part 2: 1988, "Methods for Performance Testing"
- Part 3: 1988, "Thermal Design Principles"
- Part 4: 1975, "Structural Design of Cooling Towers"

CTI

(COOLING TOWER INSTITUTE, USA)

CTI Bulletin

"Nomenclature for Industrial Water Cooling Tower"

NCL-109
-

"Acceptance Test Code"

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IPS-E-PR-790

ASME (AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS)

-

"ASME Test Code"

3. DEFINITIONS AND TERMINOLOGY

In the preparation of this glossary care has been taken to standardize only suitable terms and
definitions, dealing with the thermal design as mentioned by the British Standard Glossary.

3.1 Air Flow

Air flow is total quantity of air including associated water vapor flowing through the tower.

3.2 Ambient Wet Bulb Temperature

Ambient wet bulb temperature is wet bulb temperature of air measured windward of the tower and
free from the influence of the tower.

3.3 Approach
Approach is the difference between re cooled water temperature and nominal inlet air wet bulb
temperature.

3.4 Basin Kerb (pond cill)

Basin kerb is top level of the retaining wall of the cold water basin; usually the datum point from
which tower elevation points are measured.

3.5 Cell
Cell is the smallest subdivision of a cooling tower bounded by exterior walls and partition walls
which can function as an independent unit as regards air and water flow.

3.6 Cell Height

Cell height is the distance from basin kerb to top of fan deck but not including fan stack.

3.7 Cell Length

Cell length is the dimension parallel to longitudinal axis and the plane where louvres are usually
placed.

3.8 Cell Width

Cell width is the dimension perpendicular to tower longitudinal axis and usually at right angles to the
louvre area.

3.9 Circulating Water Flow

Circulating water flow is the quantity of hot water flowing into the tower.

3.10 Cold Water Basin (Basin or Pond)

Cold water basin is a device underlying the tower to receive the cold water from the tower, and

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IPS-E-PR-790

direct its flow to the suction line or sump.

3.11 Column Anchor

Column anchor is a device for attaching the tower structure to the foundation; it does not include the
foundation bolt.

3.12 Concentration
Concentration is the increase of impurities in the cooling water due to the evaporative process.

3.13 Concentration Ratio

Concentration ratio is the ratio of the impurities in the circulating water and the impurities in the
make-up water.

3.14 Cooling Range (Range)

Cooling range is the difference between the hot water temperature and the recooled water
temperature.

3.15 Discharge Stack

Discharge stack is that part of the shell or casing of a forced draught tower, through which the outlet
air is finally discharged. (See "fan stack" for induced draught towers and "shell" for natural draught
towers.)

3.16 Distribution Basin

Distribution basin is the elevated basin used to distribute hot water over the tower packing.

3.17 Distribution Header

Distribution header is pipe or flume delivering water from inlet connection to lateral headers,
troughs, flumes or distribution basins.

3.18 Distribution System

Distribution system is those parts of a tower beginning with the inlet connection which distribute the
hot circulating water within the tower to the point where it contacts the air.

3.19 Down Spout

Down spout is a short vertical pipe or nozzle used in an open distribution system to discharge water
from a flume or lateral on to a splash plate.

3.20 Drift Eliminator

Drift eliminator is a system of baffles located in the tower designed to reduce the quantity of
entrained water in the outlet air.

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3.21 Drift Loss

Drift loss is water lost from the tower as liquid droplets entrained in the outlet air.

3.22 Effective Volume

Effective volume is the volume within which space the circulating water is in intimate contact with
the air flowing through the tower.

3.23 Fan
Fan is a rotary machine which propels air continuously. This is used for moving air in a mechanical
draught tower and is usually of the axial-flow propeller type. The fan may be of induced draught or
forced draught application.

3.24 Fan Casing

Fan casing is those stationary parts of the fan which guide air to and from the impeller. In the case
of an induced draught fan, the casing may form the whole or part of the fan stack.

3.25 Fan Deck

Fan deck is surface enclosing the top of an induced draught tower, exclusive of any distribution
system which may also form a part of the enclosure.

3.26 Fan Drive Assembly

Fan drive assembly is components for providing power to the fan, normally comprising driver, drive
shaft and transmission unit, and primary supporting members.

3.27 Fan Duty (Static)

Fan duty (Static) is the inlet volume dealt with by a fan at a stated fan static pressure.

3.28 Fan Duty (Total)

Fan duty (total) is the inlet volume dealt with by a fan at a stated fan total pressure.

3.29 Fan Power

Fan power is the power input to the fan assembly, excluding power losses in the driver.

3.30 Fan Stack

Fan stack is cylindrical or modified cylindrical structure enclosing the fan in induced draught towers.

3.31 Fan-Stack Height

Fan-stack height is the distance from the top of the fan deck to top of fan stack.

3.32 Fan Static Pressure

Fan static pressure is the difference between the fan total pressure and the fan velocity pressure.

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3.33 Fan Total Pressure

Fan total pressure is the algebraic difference between the mean total pressure at the fan outlet and
the mean total pressure at the fan inlet.

3.34 Fan Velocity Pressure

Fan velocity pressure is the velocity pressure corresponding to the average velocity at the fan
outlet, based on the total outlet area without any deductions for motors, fairings, or other bodies.

3.35 Film Packing

Film packing is an arrangement of surfaces over which the water flows in a continuous film
throughout the depth of the packing.

3.36 Heat Load

Heat load is rate of heat removal from the circulating water within the tower.

3.37 Hot Water Temperature

Hot water temperature is temperature of circulating water entering the distribution system.

3.38 Inlet Air

Inlet air is air flowing into the tower; it may be a mixture of ambient air and outlet air.

3.39 Inlet Air Wet Bulb Temperature

Inlet air wet bulb temperature is the average wet bulb temperature of the inlet air; including any
recirculation effect. This is an essential concept for purposes of design, but is difficult to measure.

3.40 Louvres
Louvres are members installed in a tower wall, to provide openings through which air enters the
tower; usually installed at an angle to the direction of air flow to the tower.

3.41 Make-Up
Make-up is water added to the circulating water system to replace water loss from the system by
evaporation, drift, purge and leakage.

3.42 Motor Rated Power

Motor rated power is nameplate power rating of the motor driving the fan.

3.43 Nominal Inlet Air Wet Bulb Temperature

Nominal inlet air wet bulb temperature is the arithmetical average of the measurements taken within
1.5 m of the air inlets and between 1.5 m and 2.0 m above the basin kerb elevation on both sides of
the cooling tower.

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3.44 Nominal Tower Dimensions

Nominal tower dimensions are dimensions used to indicate the effective size of cells, or cooling
tower. In the horizontal plane, they refer to the approximate width and length of packed areas, and
in the vertical plane to the height above basin kerb level.

3.45 Outlet Air

Outlet air is the mixture of air and its associated water vapor leaving the tower. (See Air flow.)

3.46 Outlet Air Wet Bulb Temperature

Outlet air wet bulb temperature is the average wet bulb temperature of the air discharged from the
tower.

3.47 Packing (Filling)

Packing is material placed within the tower to increase heat and mass transfer between the
circulating water and the air flowing through the tower.

3.48 Plenum
Plenum is the enclosed space between the eliminator and the fan stack in induced draught towers,
or the enclosed space between the fan and the packing in forced draught towers.

3.49 Purge (Blow Down)

Purge is water discharged from the system to control concentration of salts or other impurities in the
circulating water.

3.50 Recooled Water Temperature

Recooled water temperature is the average temperature of the circulating water entering the basin.

3.51 Recirculation (Recycle)

Recirculation is that portion of the outlet air which re-enters the tower.

3.52 Shell
Shell is that part of a natural draught tower which induces air flow.

3.53 Splash Packing

Splash packing is an arrangement of horizontal laths or splash bars which promotes droplet
formation in water falling through the packing.

3.54 Splash Plate

Splash plate is used in an open distribution system to receive water from a down spout and to
spread water over the wetted area of the tower.

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3.55 Spray Nozzle

Spray nozzle is used in a pressure distribution system to break up the flow of the circulating water
into droplets, and effect uniform spreading of the water over the wetted area of the tower.

3.56 Sump (Basin Sump or Pond Sump)

Sump is a lowered portion of the cold water basin floor for draining down purposes.

3.57 Standard Air

Dry air having density of 0.0011 kg/L, at 21C and 0.7 atm (531 mm Hg).

3.58 Tower Pumping Head

Tower pumping head is the head of water required at the inlet to the tower, measured above the
basin kerb to deliver the circulating water through the distribution system.

3.59 Water Loading

Water loading is circulating water flow expressed in quantity per unit of packed plan area of the
tower.

3.60 Wet Bulb Temperature

Wet bulb temperature is the temperature indicated by an adequately ventilated and wetted
thermometer in the shade and (where applicable) protected from strong ground radiation.

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4. SYMBOLS AND ABBREVIATIONS

The symbols and units are given as follows:
Symbols and Units
Symbol

Quantity

Unit

a
As
Ap
B
c
C
CT
C1
C2
D
g
G
h
hm
hG
hL

Area of effective transfer surface per unit of tower packing volume

Area of sound propagation
Total packing area normal to air flow
Width or length dimensions perpendicular to tower axis
Specific heat capacity of water
Concentration factor at equilibrium
Concentration factor at time T
Original make-up concentration of impurities
Stable state concentration of impurities in circulating system under continues purge
Diameter
Acceleration due to gravity
Mass flow of dry air per unit plan area of packing
Enthalpy * of air-water vapour mixture
Mean driving force
Enthalpy * of air-water vapour mixture passing through the packing
Enthalpy * of saturated air film in contact with and at the temperature of the water passing
through the packing
Height (vertical distance above or below basin kerb level)
Effective height of shell, normally taken as height from middle of packing to top of shell
Coefficient of mass transfer defined in terms of difference in absolute humidity
Mass water flow per unit plan area of packing
Mass of solute
Mass of solvent
Relative molecular mass of solute
Relative molecular mass of solvent
Mole fraction of solvent
Number of velocity heads representing the system resistance
Total pressure
Vapour pressure of pure solvent
Vapour pressure of solution
Sound pressure
Sound pressure reference datum
Circulating water flow
Surface radius from sound source
Sound power level reading at a point source
Sound pressure level reading some specified distance away fro the source
Time
Temperature of water with which boundary vapour is associated
Mean water temperature
Dry bulb temperature
Temperature of mixture of recooled water and make-up leaving cold water basin
Wet bulb temperature
Hot water temperature at inlet
Recooled water temperature
Effective packing volume per unit area of packing
Volume in cold water basin
Evaporation rate
Purge rate
Volume in system excluding pond
Atmospheric moisture content of ambient air condition
Atmospheric moisture content at mean water temperature saturated conditions
Fan driver power
Sound power threshold
Sound power
Pond surface area
Spacing
Density of air
Change in air enthalpy
Cooling range
Change in air density
Approach
Power
Tower characteristic
Water/air ratio

m2/m3
m2
m2
m
kJ/(kg.k)

H
He
K
L
m1
m2
M1
M2
n
N
p
p2
p3
p5
p0
Q1
R
Sw
Sp
T
tb
tm
tDB
tE
tWB
t1
t2
V
Vb
ve
vp
Vs
w1
w2
Wd
Wo
Ws
x
X

h
t

KaV/L
L/G

*All enthalpies relate to 1 kg dry air and associated water vapour.

12

%
%
m
kg/(m2.s)
kJ/kg
kJ/kg
kJ/kg
kJ/kg
m
m
kg/[m2.s.(kg/kg)]
kg/(m2.s)
kg
kg

Pa
Pa
Pa
N/m2
N/m2
m2/s
m
dB
dB
h
o
C
o
C
o
C
o
C
o
C
o
C
o
C
m3/m2
m3
m3/h
m3/h
m3
kg/kg
kg/kg
kW
W
W
m2
m
kg/m3
kJ/kg
K
Kg/m3
K
W

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5. UNITS
This Standard is based on International System of Units (SI), as per IPS-E-GN-100 except where
otherwise is specified.

6. GENERAL

6.1 A water cooling tower is a heat exchanger in which warm water falls gravitationally through a
cooler current of air.
Heat is transferred from the water to the air in two ways:
a) by evaporation as latent heat of water vapor;
b) by sensible heat in warming the air current in its passage through the tower.
As a general measure, about 80% of the cooling occurs by evaporation and about 20% by sensible
heat transfer. The transfer of heat is effected from the water through the boundary film of saturated
air in contact with the water surface. This air is saturated at the water temperature. From this
saturated air film, heat transfer occurs to the general mass of air flowing through the tower.
6.2 In the interests of efficiency, it is essential that both the area of water surface in contact with the
air and the time of contact be as great as possible. This may be achieved either by forming a large
number of water droplets as repetitive splash effects in one basic kind of tower packing, or by
leading the water in a thin film over lengthy surfaces.
6.3 Air flow is achieved either by reliance on wind effects, by thermal draught or by mechanical
means. The direction of air travel may be opposed to the direction of water flow giving counterflow
conditions, or may be at right angles to the flow of water giving crossflow conditions. Although the
methods of analysis may be different for counterflow and crossflow conditions, the fundamental
heat transfer process is the same in both cases. In some designs mixed flow conditions exist.
6.4 The cooling range of the tower corresponds to the difference in temperature of the air-water film
between entry to and exit from the tower. Air enters the tower having wet and dry bulb
characteristics dependent on the ambient conditions. It is generally in an unsaturated state and
achieves near-saturation in passing through the tower. It may be considered saturated at exit in all
but very dry climates.

6.5 Performance Characteristics

6.5.1 The performance characteristics of various types of towers will vary with height, fill
configuration and flow arrangement crossflow or counterflow. When accurate characteristics of a
specific tower are required the cooling tower manufacturer should be consulted.
6.5.2 Performance tests on a cooling tower should be done in accordance with the Cooling Tower
Institute (CTI) Acceptance Test Code and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
test code.

7. TYPES OF COOLING TOWERS

There are many types of tower used in evaporating cooling, generally they tend to be divided into
two groups depending upon the method used for moving air through the tower:
a) natural draught;
b) mechanical draught.

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7.1 Natural Draught Towers

7.1.1 Atmospheric tower

7.1.1.1 General
Air movement through the tower is almost entirely dependent upon natural wind forces. Water falls
in a vertical path through a packing while the air moves in a horizontal path, resulting in a crossflow
arrangement to achieve a cooling effect. Wind speed is a critical factor in the thermal design and
should always be specified. This type of tower is infrequently used in practice.

7.1.1.2 Advantage
The advantage is that there is no mechanical or electrical maintenance.

7.1.1.3 Disadvantages
The disadvantages are as follows:
a) Narrow construction results in considerable length of tower.
b) There is high capital cost due to low thermal capacity.
c) Unobstructed location broadside on to prevailing wind is required.
d) The recooled water temperature varies widely with changes in the wind speed and
direction.
e) The drift loss may be substantial under high wind conditions.
7.1.2 Hyperboloidal tower * (see Fig. 1a)
7.1.2.1 General
Air flow is affected by the reduction in density of the column of warm saturated air within the tower
shell. Secondary effects of wind velocity may influence air flow but are not normally taken into
consideration in tower design.

Notes:
* See BS 4485: Part 4 for shell geometry.
Commonly known as hyperbolic tower.
The choice of counterflow, mixed flow or crossflow arrangements is dictated primarily by site and
economic considerations.

7.1.2.2 Advantages
The advantages are as follows:
a) It is suited to large water flow rates.
b) High-level emission of plume virtually eliminates fogging at ground level and
recirculation.
c) It occupies less ground space than multiple mechanical draught towers for large thermal
duty.

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d) It is independent of wind speed and direction when compared with atmospheric towers.
e) There is no fan noise.
f) There is no mechanical or electrical maintenance.

7.1.2.3 Disadvantages
The disadvantages are as follows:
a) The chimney effect of the shell diminishes as the humidity decreases and this may be a
disadvantage in hot dry climates.
b) Close approach is not economical.
c) The considerable height of shell frequently arranged in multiple installations presents an
amenity disadvantage.

7.2 Mechanical Draught Towers (see Figs. 1b, c and d)

7.2.1 General
Fans are used to produce air movement through the tower. This enables the air flow to be
determined independently of other process conditions. Correct quantities and velocities of air may
be selected to satisfy various design demands.
Several alternative ways of locating the fans in relation to tower structure are used to obtain specific
advantages; also there are two basic flow arrangements for air-water flow, the counterflow and the
crossflow.

a)natural draught, mixed or counterflow

b)induced draught crossflow cooling tower

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c) induced draught or counterflow cooling tower

d) forced draught mixed or

counterflow cooling tower

ILLUSTRATIONS OF BASIC TYPES OF COOLING TOWER

Fig. 1
Note:
A standard reference sheet for physical dimensions is given in Table 1.

TABLE 1 - STANDARD REFERENCE SHEET FOR PHYSICAL DIMENSIONS (see Fig. 1a to 1d)
ITEM
0B

Top of air outlet

Throat
Fan deck
Eliminator screen
Distribution pipes
Distribution basins
Top of packing
Top of air inlet
Bottom of packing
Cold water basin
Water level
Bottom of cold water basin

NATURAL
DRAUGHT
(Fig. 1a)
D1
H1
D2
H2
----D4
H4
--H5
----D7
H7
D8
H8
D9
H9
D0
H0
D10
H10
D11
H11

CROSS-FLOW
(Fig.
D1
D2
B3
----B6
B7
B8
B9
B0
B10
B11

1b)
H1
H2
H3
--H5
H6
H7
H8
H9
H0
H10
H11

INDUCED
DRAUGHT
(Fig. 1c)
D1
H1
D2
H2
B3
H3
B4
H4
--H5
----B7
H7
B8
H8
B9
H9
B0
H0
B10
H10
B11
H11

FORCED
DRAUGHT
(Fig. 1d)
B1
H1
--------B4
H4
--H5
----B7
H7
B8
H8
B9
H9
B0
H0
B10
H10
B11
H11

7.2.1.1 Advantages
The advantages are as follows:
a) There is positive control of the air supply.
b) Minimum capital costs makes it appropriate for low load factor applications.
c) High water loadings can be maintained regardless of the size of tower.
d) Difficult duties (long range combined with close approach) are more easily attainable
than in natural draught.
e) It has a low height structure.

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7.2.1.2 Disadvantages
The disadvantages are as follows:
a) Power is required to operate the fans.
b) It requires mechanical and electrical maintenance.
c) Warm, moist discharge air may recirculate into the air intakes.
d) For large multi-tower installations, the total ground area required is greater than for
natural draught hyperboloidal towers for equivalent duty. This is due to the spacing of
towers to minimize recirculation.
e) Fogging and drift may create problems at low levels.
f) Fan noise may be a nuisance.

7.2.2 Forced draught tower (see Fig. 1d)

7.2.2.1 General
A forced draught tower is a mechanical draught tower having one or more fans located in the air
3
intake, normally limited to capacities of up to 0.3 m /s.

7.2.2.2 Advantages
The advantages are as follows:
a) There is low vibration due to rotating components being located near the base of the
tower.
b) Fan units are placed in a comparatively dry air stream; this reduces the problem of
moisture condensing in the motor or gearbox.
c) Fan units located at the base of the tower facilitate inspection and maintenance.
d) Fans moving ambient air will absorb less power than in induced draught towers (but see
7.2.3.2b).
e) See also 7.2.1.1.

7.2.2.3 Disadvantages
The disadvantages are as follows:
a) It may be more subject to recirculation than induced draught towers for equivalent duties.
b) Ice may form on fan inlets during operation in winter. This can be minimized by arranging
the fan ducts at a slight angle for draining any water back into the storage basin.
c) See also 7.2.1.2.

7.2.3 Induced draught tower (see Figs. 1b and c)

7.2.3.1 General
An induced draught tower is a mechanical draught tower having one or more fans at the air
discharge.

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7.2.3.2 Advantages
The advantages are as follows:
a) It has the ability to handle large water flow rates (but see 7.1.2).
b) It is suitable for larger cell sizes and fan sizes as compared with forced draught. Larger
fan sizes may result in greater efficiency and consequently lower power and sound levels.
c) It uses a more compact ground area than a forced draught tower of equivalent capacity
due to the absence of fans on one side.
d) Fan equipment in warm exhaust air is less liable to icing up in winter operation.
e) See also 7.2.1.1.

7.2.3.3 Disadvantages
The disadvantages are as follows:
a) Protection is required for mechanical equipment against corrosion and internal
condensation.
b) Inspection and maintenance of mechanical equipment is relatively difficult due to fans
being located 5 m to 20 m above the base.
c) See also 7.2.1.2.

7.2.4 Counterflow tower (see Figs. 1c and d)

7.2.4.1 General
A counterflow tower is a mechanical draught tower in which air and water flow in opposite, mainly
vertical directions.

7.2.4.2 Advantages
The advantages are as follows:
a) Normally it is an economical choice for difficult duties (long range combined with close
approach).
b) It is less prone to icing than crossflow towers (see 10.1).
c) See also 7.2.1.1.

7.2.4.3 Disadvantages
The disadvantages are as follows:
a) With induced draught arrangement the water distribution system (generally piping or
troughs with spray nozzles) cannot be easily inspected and cleaned unless the tower is shut
down.
b) See also 7.2.1.2.

7.2.5 Crossflow tower (see Fig. 1b)

7.2.5.1 General
A crossflow tower is a mechanical draught tower in which air flow is normally horizontal, in contact

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with falling water drops. It is normally associated with an induced draught arrangement.

7.2.5.2 Advantages
The advantages are as follows:
a) It may be an economical choice for large water flows.
b) The plan area at basin level and the total power for fans and pumps can be less than for
other mechanical draught towers.
c) The water distribution system of the open pan type is easy to clean without shut-down.
d) It may be designed to suit low-silhouette applications for small duties.
e) See also 7.2.1.1.

7.2.5.3 Disadvantages
The disadvantages are as follows:
a) Prevention of icing during extreme weather conditions generally demands more care
from the operator.
b) The exposure of water distribution basins to sunlight promotes growth of algae.
c) See also 7.2.1.2.

8. DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
A typical inquiry and suggested tender information for cooling towers is given in Appendix A herein.

8.1 Design Parameters

The parameters involved in the design of a cooling tower are:
a) ambient wet bulb temperature;
b) approach;
c) cooling range;
d) circulating water flow;
e) altitude (considered if more than 300 m above sea level).
An additional parameter in the case of natural draught towers is ambient dry bulb
temperature or, alternatively, ambient relative humidity.

8.2 Ambient Air Temperatures

It is important that the correct design ambient conditions are chosen with care. Generally the hottest
period of the year is selected as the critical area to be studied. For climatic conditions the
atmospheric information covering the average five hot months period inclusive, i.e., two last months
of spring and summer months (May to September inclusive) should be analysed and presented in
the form of wet and dry bulb temperature isotherm.
In general the tower shall be designed for a wet-bulb temperature that will not be exceeded more
than 2.5% of the time in five hot spring and summer months.

8.3 Approach
Approach is a very sensitive design parameter. Closer approaches are limited by practical

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difficulties such as minimum water loading on the packing.

The cooling tower supplier should be consulted before consideration is given to approaches closer
than 3C for mechanical draught towers or 7 C for natural towers.
At these levels an increase of 1C in approach may result in a reduction of 20% in tower size and is
therefore of considerable economic significance.
A 5C approach between cold water temperature and wet bulb temperature should be used unless
otherwise specified.

8.4 Cooling Range and Water Quantity

Cooling range and water quantity variations are usually considered in relation to a fixed heat load
and are selected in conjunction with other plant conditions.

8.5 Effect of Altitude

Cooling tower calculations involve the use of published tables of psychrometric data that are
generally based on a barometric pressure of 1000 mbar*. Barometric pressure falls at a rate of
approximately 1 mbar for each 10 m increase in altitude and, although this may be ignored for
locations up to 300 m above sea level, appropriate corrections should be applied when designing
for sites at higher altitudes.
2

* 1 mbar = 100 N/m = 100 Pa.

8.6 Packings
The function of a packing in a cooling tower is:
a) to increase the duration of contact between the air and the water;
b) to cause fresh surfaces of water to be formed, thus increasing the rate of heat transfer
per unit volume.

8.6.1 Types and selection

Packing may be of the two types namely splash packings and film packings. The intended situation
of a tower should be considered in deciding on a particular type of packing. In general, the film
packings will be more susceptible to fouling by suspended solids, fats and oils, biological growth or
other process contamination. Where fouling may become a problem, the spacing and configuration
of the packing elements should be considered regarding the potential for cleaning.

8.6.2 Height of packing

The height of cooling tower packing will vary considerably even within the various types of packing
according to the design economics relating to any specified requirements. In general, it can be
stated that for equivalent duties and fan power requirements the film or extended surface packings
will be of lower height than the splash bar type of packing.

8.7 Water Loadings

The maximum water loading on a packing is determined largely by the increase in resistance to air
flow and by the risk of excessive drift.
Somewhat higher water loadings can in general be used in a crossflow cooling tower irrespective of
the type of packing.
Cooling tower water loadings do not approach the level at which flooding takes place. The only
problem with high water loadings is in obtaining adequate air flow and crossflow towers will often

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therefore be found advantageous.

2

Water loading shall not exceed 407 L/m per minute (10 gpm/ft ) of tower cross section area in the
horizontal plane.

8.8 Drift Losses

Drift losses shall not exceed 0.01 percent of design flow rate. (For further information reference is
made to BS 4485:
Part 3: 1988, Clause 7.2.)

8.9 Windage Losses

Typical windage losses, expressed as percentages of the total system water circulation rate, for
different evaporative equipment are as follows:
Spray ponds

1.0 to 5.0%

Atmospheric draft towers

0.3 to 1.0%

Mechanical-draft towers

0.1 to 0.3%

8.10 Recirculation
The percentage of air recirculating on the leeward side of the cooling tower can vary between 3%
and 20%. However, the higher figure is normally associated with installations of one or more large
multi-cell mechanical draught cooling towers.
In general, therefore, recirculation of the warmed air discharged from the cooling towers is relatively
3
insignificant in mechanical draught cooling towers under 0.5 m /s capacity. For other cases
allowance should be made for the maximum anticipated recirculation.

8.11 Hydrocarbon Detection System

Hydrocarbon detection facilities to be located in cooling tower basins, should be provided to account
for probable hydrocarbon leakage.

9. WATER QUALITY
For proper use of water resources, the consumption of high quality fresh water in an industrial
cooling context should be discouraged, particularly if the quantities concerned are large as is
usually the case in OGP industries. Any installation should use the lowest quality water suitable for
the process concerned.

9.1 Make-Up Water

A full mineral and biological examination of the make-up supply is essential. A typical analysis data
sheets provided by the Company is shown in :Table 2.
Pre-treatment for larger systems is usually limited to suspended solids removal by sedimentation
and possibly flocculation. In the case of smaller systems, however, instances arise where base
exchange softening of the make-up is economically favourable by virtue of enabling operation at a
higher concentration factor with consequent savings in water charges and chemical treatment costs.

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TABLE 2 - TYPICAL MAKE-UP WATER CHARACTERISTICS DATASHEET

SOURCE
3

- Availability over use (dm /s)

3
- Value (cent/1,000 dm )
- pH
- Total hardness as CaCO3 (mg/kg)
- CALCIUM as CaCO3 (mg/kg)
- MAGNESIUM as CaCO3 (mg/kg)
- Total ALKALINITY as CaCO3
(mg/kg)
- SODIUM as CaCO3 (mg/kg)
- POTASSIUM as CaCO3 (mg/kg)
- SULFATE as CaCO3 (mg/kg)
- CHLORIDE as CaCO3 (mg/kg)
- NITRATE as CaCO3 (mg/kg)
- SILICA as SiO2 (mg/kg)
- Total IRON (mg/kg)
- Suspended SOLIDS (mg/kg)
- Dissolved SOLIDS (mg/kg)
- COD (as MANGANESES) (mg/kg)
- Others

9.2 Circulating Water

An economical cycle of concentration, (with the consent of the Company) shall be selected and
quality of circulating water should be maintained by making provisions for control of pH, hardness,
biological growth, corrosion, etc.

10. COLD CLIMATE DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

10.1 General
The necessity for anti-icing devices to be incorporated in the tower design should be considered at
the pre-tender stage, and the means to be employed preferably discussed between the Company
and the prospective suppliers.
The methods available for providing anti-icing facilities, and the need for such facilities, depend
largely on the following factors:
a) The severity of weather conditions at the cooling tower site.
b) The thermal design conditions. For example, a close approach tower will mean a
relatively higher air flow and a greater tendency to icing conditions in the air inlet.
c) The type of cooling tower used. A counterflow tower will normally have the packing
protected by the tower shell, with a lesser tendency to icing on the packing than a mixed
flow tower when part of the packing may be exposed.
When the tower is designed to be drained down in winter the system and tower should be designed
so that no water pockets remain. In these circumstances anti-icing devices are unnecessary.
10.2 Avoidance of Icing by Air Control
As the air temperature drops, so does the recooled water temperature. It is often the case that
below a certain temperature no further economic benefit occurs.
In such circumstances, in a mechanical draught tower, some fans may be stopped allowing the
water temperature to rise sufficiently to keep the tower free of ice. A further refinement would be
reducing fan speed in suitable circumstances, particularly where the saving in power has significant
economic effect.
In extreme conditions (about-20C) it may be desirable to provide for reversed air flow as an

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effective means of clearing air inlets partially blocked by ice. In crossflow towers, anti-icing may be
brought about by reducing the fan speed so that a curtain of warm water is formed in front of the
packing, falling from louvre to louvre down the face of the tower.

10.3 Avoidance of Icing by Control of Water Load

The most commonly used device is a bypass of the tower producing a warm water curtain outside
the exposed packing face. For efficient operation it is important that such a curtain should consist of
jets of water rather than small particles which might themselves become frozen.
Generally the bypass should operate under a pressure head of not less than 2.0 m (having allowed
for friction losses), the nozzles should be of a diameter not less than 12 mm, and the total bypass
flow should be about 25% of the circulating water flow. Fig. 2 shows typical bypass pipe locations.
It is helpful, when combating a tendency to form ice, to reduce the number of cells working, which
will increase the water loading and the temperatures of the water on the remaining cells.
It should be noted that complete isolation has to be attained as the persistence of minor water leaks
on to the packing can lead to a major ice build-up. Precautions should also be taken to avoid any
static water in sections of pipework.

10.4 Effects of Anti-Icing Flow on Tower Capacity

When the anti-icing pipe is in use, the effect on tower capacity is the equivalent of a bypass equal to
the anti-icing flow as the cooling effect on the bypass flow will not be substantial. At the time of the
year when such a system is in use, unless the towers serve generating plant, the maximum
capacity of the tower is not usually required and no disadvantage is to be expected from the use of
an anti-icing facility.

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ANTI-ICING ARRANGEMENTS
Fig. 2

11. SITING, SPACING AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

11.1 General
The siting and spacing of a cooling tower installation should be considered from economic, thermal
and environmental aspects.

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11.2 Siting

11.2.1 Tower levels

The cooling tower should be located at a suitable site and due consideration should be given to the
question of drainback from the system resulting in loss of water and flooding.

11.2.2 Air restrictions

On small industrial tower installations, due to aesthetic reasons or sound attenuation requirements,
enclosures or barriers are sometimes built to shield the towers. These barriers or enclosures should
be spaced and designed to achieve the minimum of air restriction with the maximum maintenance
working area.
The exclusion of birds and bird droppings may also necessitate the provision of barriers which
should be subject to the same considerations. The total flow area in the barrier or enclosure should
be a minimum of twice the area of the tower inlet openings on that side.

11.2.3 Recirculation
The extent of recirculation depends mainly upon wind direction and its velocity, tower length and
atmospheric conditions. Further factors that may exert some influence are spacing, topography or
geographical situations with respect to downdraught, exit air speed, tower height and the density
difference between exit air and ambient temperatures.

11.2.4 Orientation of cooling towers

The orientation of cooling towers should be as follows:
a) Towers with air inlets on one side should be oriented so that the air inlets face the
prevailing wind.
b) Towers with air inlets on opposite faces of the cooling tower should be oriented so that
the air inlets face at 90 to the prevailing wind.
c) Large mechanical draught towers should preferably be divided into banks, each of which
should have a length-to-width ratio of about 5 to 1.
d) The wind loading on any tower within a group will be affected by the grouping and
spacing and should be considered in their structural design (see BS 4485: Part 4).

Note:
The prevailing wind direction, determined by the local topography, should be taken as that
obtained during periods of maximum duty.

11.3 Spacing
11.3.1 The spacing of cooling tower banks should be based upon the recommendations in 11.3.2 to
11.3.5.
11.3.2 When the long axis of one bank is perpendicular to the prevailing wind direction (see Fig.
3a), the influence on another bank will be minimized when the distance, X, between the banks is
greater than their average length. The long axes of the tower banks should be in line.
11.3.3 When the long axis of the existing tower is parallel to the wind direction (see Fig. 3b), the
influence of the existing tower on the new will be minimized if the distance, X, is greater than their
average length.
11.3.4 When the long axis of the existing tower is at 45 to the wind direction (see Fig. 3c), the

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influence of the existing tower on the new will be minimized if the distance, X, between the towers
measured normal to the wind direction is greater than their average length.
11.3.5 Spacing of large natural draught cooling towers is considered to be adequate if adjacent
cooling towers are spaced so that the distance between the towers is equal to or greater than half
the base diameter of the large tower (see Fig. 3d). Should a tower be sited in close proximity to
large buildings such as the turbine and boiler houses, the nearest point of the tower relative to the
buildings should be at least one tower diameter away (see Fig. 3d).
11.3.6 Further consideration should be given to spacing and layout by making reference to IPS-EPR-190.

11.4 Environmental Considerations

11.4.1 General
The effects of drift, blow-out, fogging and noise are further contributing factors that may need
consideration when siting a tower installation.

11.4.2 Drift
When towers are sited adjacent to high-voltage electrical equipment, drift may cause flashover and
icing problems. Drift can also constitute a hazard, particularly under icing conditions, on public
footpaths and roadways and may also create a nuisance in adjacent residential areas.
Drift may also create a health hazard by virtue of its bacterial population and towers should be sited
so as to avoid drift into open windows and re-entrainment of cooling water droplets in the intake air
to ventilation equipment. Effective eliminators at the tower discharge should be capable of reducing
the drift to an acceptable level (see 10.4 and also Table 4 of BS 4485: Part 2: 1988).

11.4.3 Blow-out
Blow-out is water blown out from the air inlet and occurs to a greater extent on natural draught
towers of counterflow design than on mechanical induced draught towers. It can produce a
nuisance factor with similar detrimental effects to drift, although the radius of area affected would be
smaller. Where blow-out creates a nuisance, it may be reduced by the following means:
a) diagonal partitions or a central division situated so that the prevailing winds are
prevented from blowing across the tower basin;
b) inclined louvre boards positioned around the air opening at the base of the tower,
sections of which may be removable to permit access.

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SPACING
Fig. 3

11.4.4 Fogging
Fogging arises from the mixing of the warm moist air discharged from the tower with cooler ambient
air, which lacks the capacity for absorbing all the moisture as vapor. This mixing results in the
excess moisture condensing as fog.

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When fogging exists, it is a nuisance factor that could create visibility and icing hazards. It is an
intrinsic feature of any evaporative cooling tower and is worst during periods of low ambient
temperatures and high relative humidity. The dissipation of fog, where it occurs, depends mostly on
the characteristics of the prevailing atmosphere.
Measures may be taken to reduce fogging, but these add substantially to the capital and operating
costs of the tower. For example, heating the moist air discharge reduces the fog as does an
increase in the volume of air through the tower.
Fan stacks discharging warm vapors at a high elevation can be a partial solution, although this may
be expensive depending on the stack diameter and the height required to derive some benefit. This
problem is solved far more easily if the tower installation is sited where the least possible nuisance
may be caused. The high-level discharge of the vapor plume from a natural draught tower generally
prevents this from being a hazard.

11.4.5 Discharge of cooling water

Discharge of cooling tower purge (Blow Down)directly to the environment will be subject to
Regulations of Environment Protection Organization (see IPS-G-SF-880). Discharge temperature
restrictions and the elimination of navigation hazards may necessitate auxiliary cooling or predilution of the discharge by further abstracted water. The said Regulations will almost certainly
place limitations on the type of water treatment which may be used. Chromates are now almost
universally banned and restrictions on the use of a range of other inhibitors and biocides are
becoming increasingly widespread. Discharge to sewers may also entail consent subject to
conditions. These conditions should also be observed when draining the system for maintenance.

11.4.6 Noise

11.4.6.1 General
The likely noise level from fans and falling water in a cooling tower installation should be considered
in the context of the existing noise level at the proposed site.
It is necessary that the noise aspect be given early prominence in that to effect a significant
reduction in noise may need a design of tower quite different from and possibly less economical
than that which may have been suitable in a position of no noise restriction. For data on noise level
requirements reference should be made to the Companys project specification.
11.4.6.2 Noise abatement
If noise is to be a minimum at any point of sensitivity, the following recommendations are made:
a) The basic noise level should be as low as possible. Fan power should be low and the
water noise reduced to a minimum.
b) The towers should be sited the maximum distance from the point of sensitivity.
c) If a multi-cell mechanical draught unit is to be installed, the fans should be in line with the
point of sensitivity and the air inlets in the broadside on position.
d) Motors should be located behind the fan flares when viewed from the sensitive point.
e) In forced draught towers the fan axis should be away from the sensitive point.
f) It may be possible to analyse the sound spectrum, locate and abate discrete frequencies
and thereby reduce the general noise level.
g) Antivibration mounting may be necessary to minimize the transfer of vibration from a
tower to a supporting building. In certain cases the fan and driver may be independently
supported on antivibration mountings and flexibly connected to the tower which may then
be rigidly mounted. This has the advantage of eliminating the need for flexible circulating
water connections, make-up lines and drains.
h) Silencers on fan intakes or discharge stacks are possible aids in the reduction of noise,
but may introduce prohibitive additional air resistance.

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i) The use of multi-speed drives for the fan provides for a reduction in noise level when
operated at reduced speed.
j) Employment of centrifugal fans in the case of forced draught cooling towers may
contribute to a reduction in noise level.
k) As fan noise is roughly proportional to fan driver power, the air flow directly influences the
degree of noise. Towers that operate at high L/G ratio may therefore be less noisy than
their most economical equivalent where there is a noise problem to be solved.
l) If fan noise is to be reduced on an existing tower, it may be possible to reduce the fan
capacity and therefore fan power by operating at an increased water flow and a different
heat balance. If the tower is small and of the forced draught kind, then a change from axial
to centrifugal fans may be possible.
12. GUARANTEES
12.1 The Vendor shall give the predicted performance of the tower over a range of atmospheric
conditions.
12.2 The Vendor shall guarantee that the cooling tower and its appurtenances and accessories
shall perform successfully and satisfactorily in continuous operation over the entire range of duty,
without undue noise or injurious vibration, or sagging of the Redwood wood members due to the
temperature involved.
12.3 The Vendor shall guarantee that the tower shall perform as specified in Clauses 12.3.1 through
12.3.7 below and as specified in the design condition.
12.3.1 Minimum approach temperature between cold water temperature and wet bulb temperatures
shall be guaranteed according to design figures.
12.3.2 There shall be no leakage of water from sides or ends of the tower.
12.3.3 The manufacturer shall furnish curves showing performance of cooling tower over a
considerable range of atmospheric wet bulb temperatures, for various heat loads and water
qualities.
12.3.4 The field performance of the tower shall be determined by CTI standard testing procedures
and as specified by 6.5.2. If tower does not meet the performance specifications, Vendor shall be
obligated to make the corrections without charge until performance specifications are met.
12.3.5 Drift losses shall not exceed 0.01 percent of design flow rate as per 8.8.
12.3.6 Water loading shall not exceed 407 liter per minute/m (407 L/min/m) of tower cross section
area in the horizontal plane as per 8.7.

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APPENDICES
APPENDIX A
ENQUIRY AND SUGGESTED TENDER INFORMATION FOR COOLING TOWERS
A.1 Information To Be Provided by The Purchaser
A.1.1 General
The information in A.1.2 to A.1.12 can be given by the Company for tendering purposes or in the
form of a questionnaire supplied by the manufacturer to the purchaser.
A.1.2 Location of site ...............................................................................................................
a) National grid ref. or equivalent .........................................................................................
b) Height above ground level .......................................................................................... m.
c) Height above sea level ................................................................................................... m.
d) Maximum expected wind speed .................................................................................. m/s.
A.1.3 Site details*
a) Available area: length ......................................... m; width ......... m.
b) Height limit: min. ................................................ m; max................................................ m.
c) Any other restrictions ....................................................................................................
d) Sketch of tower location giving direction of prevailing wind.
A.1.4 Type of tower required
........................................................................
A.1.5 Restrictions on unit size*
a) No. of towers ...................................each of ...............cell(s) .....................
b) Max. lifting mass .......................................................................................................kg
c) Max. operating mass ...................................................................................................... kg
d) Max. permissible size of largest section: length ...................m;
width ............m;
height ...........m;
e) Required with/without basins (delete as necessary).
* Any restrictions, particular to the site, should be made clear. Particular attention is drawn
to the following:
a) restricted access for delivery vehicles;
b) restricted access for cooling towers into building;
c) building design restrictions to air movement;
d) details of adjacent chimneys, discharge ventilation fans or process discharges.
If a particular type of tower, i.e., forced draught, induced draught, etc., is required by the
purchaser, it should be indicated to minimize pointless alternative selections being made by
the supplier.
See 8.2 Consideration should be given to possible environmental heat gain which may
increase the wet bulb temperature of the air at the intake of the cooling tower.

(to be continued)

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APPENDIX A - (continued)
A.1.6 Duty of each tower .............................................................................................................. L/s
Of water from .............................C to ..............C.
A.1.7 Ambient air conditions
a) Dry bulb temperature max................................C min. .................C.
b) Wet bulb temperature ................................................................................................... C.
c) Relative humidity................................ % at dry bulb temperature.
A.1.8 Electricity supply ................................................. V ............................. phase
................................................. Hz .............................. wire
A.1.9 Noise level
A design requirement of noise rating ....................................................................................................
is being sought at the points indicated on the sketch required by A.1.3(d).
A.1.10 Extras required
A.1.11 Details of water
a) Type .................
b) Analysis if known .................................................................................................................
c) Water supplier ..
d) Details of intended water treatment if known ......................................................................
.............................................................................
e) Recommended purge rate .............................................................................................L/s.
f) Mains pressure available for make-up ......................................................................... kPa.
g) Head pressure available at tower inlet ........................................................................ kPa.
h) Expected contamination ..................................................................................................
A.1.12 Additional information
(Including legislative and regulatory requirements at site.)
A.2 Information To Be Provided by The Supplier
A.2.1 General
The information in A.2.2 to A.2.4 is required for the assessment of compliance with the purchasers
requirements and to accommodate provisions required in structural design.
(to be continued)

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APPENDIX A - (continued)
A.2.2 Specification ..............................................................................................................................
a) Type of tower*
b) No. of towers ................................................. each of ........................................... cells(s).
c) Max. lifting mass ............................................................................................................ kg.
d) Max. operating mass .............................................................................................. kg.
e) Dry mass ............ kg.
f) A mass distribution diagram is enclosed YES/NO (delete as necessary).
g) Maximum size of largest section:
length ............................m; width ......................m;
height ............................m.
h) With/without basin (delete as necessary).
A.2.3 Duty of each tower .............................................................................................................. L/s
Of water from .......................................................... C to .............................................................. C.
At ambient air wet bulb temperature of ........................................................................................... C.
A.2.4 Tower packing
a) Type .................
b) Material ............
A.2.5 Casing
a) Materials ...........
b) Protective treatment(s) . ..................................................................................................
A.2.6 Basin
a) Materials ........
b) Water quantity held:
3
i) At operating level ................................... m ;
3
ii) at overflow level .................................... m .
A.2.7 Fans
a) Type ................
3
b) Air flow per tower ....................................................................................................... m /s.
c) Fan static pressure ...................................................................................................... kPa.
* The type of tower being proposed by the supplier, i.e., forced draught, counterflow,
induced draught crossflow, etc., should be stated.
Any particular treatments should be as recommended in BS 4485: Part 4.

(to be continued)

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APPENDIX A - (continued)
d) No. of fans:
i) Per drive shaft ; .......................................
ii) per motor ................................................
e) Fan speed ........................................................ r/min.
f) Handling wet or ambient air.................................

A.2.8 Motors
a) No. per unit .......
b) Absorbed power ........................................................................................... kW per motor.
c) Rated power.... kW per motor.
d) Speed(s) ............ r/min.
e) Electricity supply ........................................................ V ..................................... phase;
...........................................................Hz ................................. wire.
f) Frame size .......
g) Enclosure .......
h) Manufacturer .....
i) Inside wet airstream/outside wet airstream (delete as necessary).

A.2.9 Drive details

A.2.10 Distribution system

a) Type ...............
b) Minimum pressure tower inlet ................................................................................ kPa.

A.2.11 Eliminators
a) Materials ........
b) Expected drift loss .................................................................................................... %

A.2.12 Make-up
This includes recommended purge/excluding purge (delete as necessary)

A.2.13 Noise level

Noise level complies/does not comply with A.1.9.
(to be continued)

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APPENDIX A - (continued)

A.2.14 Process requirements

A.2.14.1 Performance curves

The Vendors proposal shall include three separate performance curve sheets, one each for 90%,
100%, and 110% design water quantity, showing tower temperatures versus ambient air wet bulb
temperature. Curves shall cover cooling ranges corresponding to 60%, 80%, 100%, and 120% of
design heat duty, at wet bulb temperatures ranging from 5.5C (10F) below to 1.6C (3F) above
the specified ambient wet bulb temperature. Performance curves shall be based on constant fan
power equal to the design power.

A.2.14.2 Characteristic curve

The Vendors proposal shall include a tower characteristic curve showing K.a.V/L versus L/G.

A.2.14.3 Inquiry and bid form

The Vendors proposal shall include a data sheet containing all applicable information listed in the
A(2) and the followings:
a) Percent recirculation (design).
b) Air temperature leaving tower, C.
c) Grade, dimensions, and other applicable specification for materials of construction.
d) Detailed description of deicing facilities, if required.
e) Cold water temperature when one cell is shutdown, and design duty and flow is
distributed between remaining cells.
f) Description of Vendors standard practice for incising of lumber (if incising is proposed).
g) Recommended spare parts based on 2 years continuous operation.

A.2.14.4 Supplemental proposal data

A supplemental data sheet shall be submitted with proposals to include the following additional
information:

Fan Data:
1) State whether the fans are multispeed and, if so, give air delivery per fan at all speeds, at
inlet conditions.
2) State whether the fans are reversible and, if so, give qualifications for operating in the
reverse direction.
3) Fan efficiency (including gear loss).
A.2.14.5 Polypropylene, polyethylene, or polyvinyl chloride fill shall be quoted as a base bid or as
an alternative.
(to be continued)

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APPENDIX A - (continued)

A.2.14.6 Operating and maintenance manuals

All manuals shall be written specifically for the equipment being furnished and shall contain (but not
be limited to) the following information:
a) Mechanical data on fan, hub, coupling, and fan drivers, including shafts bore and keyway
dimensions, design pitch for fan blades, type of lube oil recommended.
b) Sectional drawings of fan, hub coupling, fan drivers (including gears) showing location of
parts, part numbers, and materials.
c) Instructions for installation, operation, and maintenance of the tower and mechanical
equipment.
d) Instructions for fan hub and blade assembly, and recommended procedures for field
dynamic balancing of the installed fan.

A.2.15 Additional information....................................................................................

.........................................
.........................................

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