FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND GREEN TECHNOLOGY

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND GREEN TECHNOLOGY (FEGT)

BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING (HONS) PETROCHEMICAL ENGINEERING

UGPA1122 HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER

EXPERIMENT 1: COOLING TOWER (GROUP 1)

LECTURER: MR. TAN KEE LIEW

CHIN JI SAN 11AGB05709

CHEAH SOOK THENG 12AGB00426

HAU HUI XIN 11AGB04574

RAVEENDERAN 13AGB01399

SI SO LI CHIAN 11AGB0 0458

1
OBJECTIVE:
1. To study heat and mass transfer under a range of operating conditions.

2. To study mass and energy balance.

3. To examine the effect of various parameters such as water flow rate and air

flow rate on the performance of the cooling tower.

INTRODUCTION:

Nowadays, many chemical processes need utility cooling water to lower down

the temperature of processes stream. The most common unit used to accomplish this

goal is a cooling tower. A cooling tower is a heat exchanger. It can be divided into

direct (open circuit) and indirect (closed circuit) heat rejection equipment. There are

many types of cooling tower, which are induced-draft cooling tower, natural draft

tower, mechanical draft tower, counter-current cooling tower and forced-draft cooling

tower. Counter-current and forced-draft cooling tower are being used in this

experiment. Cooling tower will elevate the temperature of the cooling water when it

passes through the heat exchanger. However, the temperature of the water must be

lowered before it can be used as cooling utility again.

Liquid water stream flows from a heat exchanger and introduces to the top of the

cooling tower. Evaporation occurs during the liquid water stream in contacts with the

air that is flowing upward through the tower when the liquid water stream falls over

the packing material. As a result, the water at the gas-liquid interface evaporates into

the air stream. The molecules in a liquid state become gas state and rise into the air

(evaporation of water) causes the water to automatically cool. The greater the

temperatures difference between the air and the water, the better the cooling effect. As

the latent heat of evaporation occurs, the temperature of the water is lowered.
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 The humidification occurs as the humidity of air increases, causing the water flow

rate and the water temperature decreases. As convection occurs during the process, the

hot water is cooled from a higher temperature to a lower temperature while the

ambient air temperature will be increased.

Temperature measurements taken during the cooling process are called the wet-

bulb air temperature and the dry-bulb air temperature. The wet-bulb air temperature is

used when heat is removed by evaporation process while the dry-bulb air temperature

is used when heat is removed by exposing the water to air.

The thermocouples equipped on the tall tower are used to measure the

temperature of the water and the dry and wet bulb temperatures of the air at specific

heights in the column. The humidity of the air can then be determined from the

recorded wet and dry bulb air temperature by using a psychometric chart which is also

known as humidity chart.

The practical operation of the cooling tower can be affected by few parameters.

The examples of the parameters are the temperature of outgoing air, types of packed

column, water flow rate, air flow rate and the height of cooling tower. Therefore, in

order to perform a better operation, these parameters should be aware throughout the

experiment.

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APPARATUS:
Cooling Tower Demonstrator (Model LS-17010)

A = Inclined Manometer
B = Control Panel
C = Temperature Meters (T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8)
D = Water Flow Rate Meter
E = Heater Controller
F = Water Heater ON/OFF Switch
G = MAINS 220VAC
H = Water Pump ON/OFF Switch
I = Air Blower ON/OFF Switch
J = Air Blower Controller
K = Air Blower Tank
L = Main Frame
M = Hot Water Tank
N = Solenoid Valve
O = Make Up Tank
P = Packed Column A
Q = Water Sprinkle
R = Dry Bulb 2 & Wet Bulb 2
S = Dry Bulb 1 & Wet Bulb 1
SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM:

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 Figure 2: Schematic Diagram of the Cooling Tower Demonstrator.

Temperature points:
T1 = Temperature of hot water inlet
T2 = Temperature of cooled water outlet
T3 = Dry-bulb of the air inlet (bottom)
T4 = Wet-bulb of the air inlet (bottom)
T5 = Dry-bulb of the air outlet (top)
T6 = Wet-bulb of the air outlet (top)
T7 = Packed Column Point A
T8 = Packed Column Point B
T9 = Temperature of hot water

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EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES:

1. The Packed Column A is selected and installed on the system.

2. The hot water tank is filled until 3/4 full with clean water. Water is not allowed

to exceed the flow-back inlet. (Reminder: Only distilled or de-mineralized

water is used, to prevent impurities buildup.)

3. The distilled water is poured into the make-up tank. During operation this

make-up tank is always refilled before the water level falls below 1000 ml.

4. The power supply unit is switched ON by the front of the control panel.

5. The temperature corrections are determined for each of the thermocouples.

(room temperature actual reading with no air and water flow)

6. Water is poured into the container of wet bulbs.

7. The water heater is switched ON, and the temperature is set up to 45 oC by

pressing up/down button. (Warning: The water temperature is not set above

50oC. The heater is ensured functioning properly.)

8. The bypass valve is ensured opened before running the experiment.

9. Once the water tanks temperature reaches 45oC, the water pump is turned

ON. (Warning: The pump is not switched ON until the water tank has

been filled with water)

10. The bypass valve is regulated to get the desired flow rate( LPM).

11. The air blower is turned ON and the air blowers speed is regulated by

turning the fan regulator.

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 12. The system is allowed to run about 3 minutes, to stabilize the packed column.

13. The rate of make-ups water from the make-up tank is recorded.

14. Every five minutes, all the temperature points values are recorded down.

15. The heater is switched OFF once the tests are done.

16. The steps are repeated with different temperature of hot water and flow rates

of water/air (low and maximum).

17. The tower is shut down according to the prescribed shutdown procedures.

APPENDIX A:

Specifications of the packed column:

Parameters Dimensions

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 Height of column packing, m 0.600
Width of cooling tower, m 0.155
Length of cooling tower, m 0.155
Number of packing layers 6
Number of plates in each layer 7
Height of plates, m 0.08
Width of plates, m 0.145
Number of surface contact 6
Total surface area of packing, , m2 2.9232
Packing density, m2/m3 202.79

Total surface area of packing for Column A:

Apc = plate height x plate width x N surface contact x N packing layers x N plates @ layer
= 0.08 x 0.145 x 6 x 6 x 7
= 2.9232 m2
Volume of column A:
Vpc = column width x column length x column height
= 0.155 x 0.155 x 0.600
= 0.014415 m3
So, Packing density = Apc / Vpc
= 2.92232/ 0.014415
= 202.79 m1

To calculate waterside actual cooling load and energy produced,

m vA
m is the water flow rate
is the density
v is the velocity
A is the flow area

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Qw = mCpT
= vACpT
where,
water = 996kg/m3 1 LPM = 1.66667 x 105 m3/s
Cp = 4.1813 x103 J/(kgK) 1 oC =1K
vA = 40 LPM = 6.6668 x 10-4 m3/s 1 J/s = 860.05 cal/hr
1 J/s = 1 Watt

Applied cooling load = Qw=vACpT=vACp(ThotT2)

Pump output = 85W

Total cooling load = Applied cooling load + Pump Output

Approach to Wet Bulb = Water outlet temperature Inlet Air Wet Bulb Temperature
Cross sectional area of Packed Column A = column width x column length

Energy Balance,
water air Eq(1)
water air 0

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where,
water water _ out water _ in
Eq(2)
air air _ out air _ in
Eq(3)
Substituting Eq(2) & (3) into Eq(1), hence,
water _ out air _ out water _ in air _ in

This reduces to,

out in

Enthalpy change of water, Hwater = CpT=Cp(Twater_out Twater_in)

Enthalpy change of air, Hair_out and Hair_in are both read directly from psychrometric
chart and are then used to calculate Hair by Eq(3).

RESULTS:

Set A

Column Type: A
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 Water Flow Rate: Minimum 3.5 LPM

Fan Speed: Moderate

Make-up tank capacity: Initial: 1000ml, Final: 900ml

Inclined Manometer: Initial: 50 mm, Final: 55 mm

Time Thot water T1(oC T2(oC) T3(oC) T4(oC) T5(oC) T6(oC) T7(oC) T8(oC
(minute) (oC) ) )
0 45.0 27.5 27.5 27.3 25.6 28.2 29.9 27.8 26.9
5 45.9 42.2 42.4 32.4 26.1 41.7 41.5 43.7 42.6
10 46.8 42.3 42.7 35.3 28.6 42.4 42.6 43.8 42.7
15 45.8 43.0 42.6 35.9 29.7 42.8 43.2 44.0 42.9
20
25

Calculations:
Qw = mCpT
= vACpT
= (996)(3.5 x 1.66667 x 105)(4.1813x 103 )(45.8-42.6)
= 777.39 J/s
= 777.4 W
Approach to wet bulb = T 2 T 4
= 42.6 29.7
= 12.9 oC

Mass flow rate of water, min = density x LPM

= 996 x (3.5 x 1.66667x10-5)
= 0.0581 kg/s

Mass of water lost, Mlost = [(ini makeup tank vol final makeup tank vol)/[time(sec)]
x (density of water)
= 0.0001/900 x 996
= 1.11 x 10-4 kg/s
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Mass flow rate of water, mout = Min Mlost
= 0.0581 1.11 x 10-4
= 0.0580 kg/s

Enthalpy change of water, Hwater = CpT

= Cp(Twater_out Twater_in)
= (4.1813 103 (42.643.0)
= -1672.52 J/kg

Enthalpy change of air, Hair_out and Hair_in are both read directly from
psychrometric chart and are then used to calculate Hair.

Inclined manometer = 5 mm
Air flow rate = 0.08169 m3/s
Mass flow rate of air, min = 0.08169 x 1.0989
= 0.0898 kg/s
Mass flow rate of air, mout = 0.08169 x 1.0204
= 0.0834 kg/s

Hair_in = Enthalpy x Air flow rate x 1/cubic meter per kg

= 97.8 kJ/kg x 0.08169 m3/s x 1/0.91m3/kg
= 8.779 kJ/s
Hair_out = Enthalpy x Air flow rate x 1/cubic meter per kg
= 194.9kJ/kg x 0.08169 m3/s x 1/0.98 m3/kg
= 16.246 kJ/s

Enthalpy change of air, Hair = Hair_out - Hair_in

= 16.246 8.779
= 7.467 kJ/s

Set B

Column Type: A

Water Flow Rate: Maximum 4.0 LPM

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 Fan Speed: Moderate

Make-up tank capacity: Initial: 1000 ml, Final: 900ml

Inclined Manometer: Initial: 45 mm, Final: 55mm

Time Thot water T1(oC T2(oC) T3(oC) T4(oC) T5(oC) T6(oC) T7(oC) T8(oC
(minute) (oC) ) )
0 45.8 42.1 38.8 31.8 24.6 41.9 42.8 42.6 42.2
5 45.2 42.1 38.8 31.3 24.7 39.4 42.9 42.5 42.1
10 46.8 42.0 38.6 31.8 24.6 38.3 42.9 42.3 42.1
15 45.3 42.2 38.4 31.9 24.5 38.2 43.0 42.2 42.1
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Calculations:
Qw = mCpT
= vACpT
= (996)(4.0 x 1.66667 x 105)(4.1813x 103 )(45.3-38.4)
= 1915.71 J/s
= 1915.7 W
Approach to wet bulb = T 2 T 4
= 38.4 24.5
= 13.9 oC
Mass flow rate of water, min = density x LPM
= 996 x (4.0 x 1.66667x10-5)
= 0.0664 kg/s

Mass of water lost, Mlost = [(ini makeup tank vol final makeup tank vol)/[time(sec)]
x (density of water)
= 0.0001/900 x 996
= 1.11 x 10-4 kg/s
Mass flow rate of water, mout = Min Mlost
= 0.0664 1.11 x 10-4
= 0.0663kg/s

Enthalpy change of water, Hwater = CpT

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 = Cp(Twater_out Twater_in)
= (4.1813 103 (38.442.2)
= -15888.94 J/kg

Enthalpy change of air, Hair_out and Hair_in are both read directly from
psychrometric chart and are then used to calculate Hair.

Inclined manometer = 10 mm
Air flow rate = 0.12133 m3/s
Mass flow rate of air, min = 0.12133 x 1.1236
= 0.1363 kg/s
Mass flow rate of air, mout = 0.12133 x 1.031
= 0.1251 kg/s
Hair_in = Enthalpy x Air flow rate x 1/cubic meter per kg
= 73.9 kJ/kg x 0.12133 m3/s x 1/0.89m3/kg
= 10.074kJ/s
Hair_out = Enthalpy x Air flow rate x 1/cubic meter per kg
= 193.3kJ/kg x 0.12133 m3/s x 1/0.97 m3/kg
= 24.178 kJ/s

Enthalpy change of air, Hair = Hair_out - Hair_in

= 24.178 10.074
= 14.104 kJ/s

Set C
Column Type: A

Water Flow Rate: Moderate 3.5 LPM

Fan Speed: Maximum

Make-up tank capacity: Initial: 1000ml, Final:600ml

Inclined Manometer: Initial: 93mm, Final:95mm

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Time (minute) Thot water T1(oC) T2(oC) T3(oC) T4(oC) T5(oC) T6(oC) T7(oC) T8(oC)
(oC)
0 45.1 40.9 32.8 30.1 23.0 33.2 36.6 28.3 33.2
5 44.4 40.5 32.6 29.6 22.9 32.8 36.8 28.0 34.4
10 45.1 40.3 32.5 29.6 23.0 32.4 36.5 28.7 34.5
15 45.2 40.4 32.5 29.5 23.0 32.6 36.4 28.7 33.1
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Calculations:
Qw = mCpT
= vACpT
= (996)(3.5 x 1.66667 x 105)(4.1813x 103 )(45.2 32.5)
= 3085.26 J/s
= 3085.3 W
Approach to wet bulb = T 2 T 4
= 32.5 23.0
= 9.5 oC
Mass flow rate of water, min = density x LPM
= 996 x (3.5 x 1.66667x10-5)
= 0.0581 kg/s

Mass of water lost, Mlost = [(ini makeup tank vol final makeup tank vol)/[time(sec)]
x (density of water)
= 0.0004/900 x 996
= 4.43 x 10-4 kg/s
Mass flow rate of water, mout = Min Mlost
= 0.0581 4.43 x 10-4
= 0.0577 kg/s

Enthalpy change of water, Hwater = CpT

= Cp(Twater_out Twater_in)
= (4.1813 103 (32.540.4)
= -33032.27 J/kg

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Enthalpy change of air, Hair_out and Hair_in are both read directly from
psychrometric chart and are then used to calculate Hair.

Inclined manometer = 2 mm
Air flow rate = 0.03844 m3/s
Mass flow rate of air, min = 0.03844 x 1.1364
= 0.0437 kg/s

Mass flow rate of air, mout = 0.03844 x 1.087

= 0.0418 kg/s

Hair_in = Enthalpy x Air flow rate x 1/cubic meter per kg

= 68.0 kJ/kg x 0.03844 m3/s x 1/0.88m3/kg
= 2.970 kJ/s
Hair_out = Enthalpy x Air flow rate x 1/cubic meter per kg
= 138.7 kJ/kg x 0.03844 m3/s x 1/0.92 m3/kg
= 5.795 kJ/s

Enthalpy change of air, Hair = Hair_out - Hair_in

= 5.795 2.970
= 2.825 kJ/s

Set D
Column Type: A

Water Flow Rate: Maximum 4.0 LPM

Fan Speed: Maximum

Make-up tank capacity: Initial: 500ml, Final: 300ml

Inclined Manometer: Initial: 94mm, Final: 96mm

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Time (minute) Thot water T1(oC) T2(oC) T3(oC) T4(oC) T5(oC) T6(oC) T7(oC) T8(oC)
(oC)
0 44.5 40.1 32.8 29.5 23.1 32.9 37.3 30.4 35.1
5 44.5 40.3 32.8 29.5 23.1 32.9 37.4 32.1 35.8
10 44.6 40.4 32.8 29.6 23.1 33.1 37.3 31.1 35.2
15
20

Calculations:
Qw = mCpT
= vACpT
= (996)(4.0 x 1.66667 x 105)(4.1813x 103 )(44.6 32.8)
= 3276.14 J/s
= 3276.1 W
Approach to wet bulb = T 2 T 4
= 32.8 23.1
= 9.7 oC
Mass flow rate of water, min = density x LPM
= 996 x (4.0 x 1.66667x10-5)
= 0.0664 kg/s

Mass of water lost, Mlost = [(ini makeup tank vol final makeup tank vol)/[time(sec)]
x (density of water)
= 0.0002/600 x 996
= 3.32 x 10-4 kg/s
Mass flow rate of water, mout = Min Mlost
= 0.0664 3.32 x 10-4
= 0.0661 kg/s

Enthalpy change of water, Hwater = CpT

= Cp(Twater_out Twater_in)
= (4.1813 103 (32.840.4)

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 = -31777.88 J/kg

Enthalpy change of air, Hair_out and Hair_in are both read directly from
psychrometric chart and are then used to calculate Hair.

Inclined manometer = 2 mm
Air flow rate = 0.03844 m3/s
Mass flow rate of air, min = 0.03844 x 1.1364
= 0.0437 kg/s
Mass flow rate of air, mout = 0.03844 x 1.0753
= 0.0413 kg/s

Hair_in = Enthalpy x Air flow rate x 1/cubic meter per kg

= 68.4 kJ/kg x 0.03844 m3/s x 1/0.88m3/kg
= 2.988 kJ/s
Hair_out = Enthalpy x Air flow rate x 1/cubic meter per kg
= 145.2kJ/kg x 0.03844 m3/s x 1/0.93 m3/kg
= 6.0016 kJ/s

Enthalpy change of air, Hair = Hair_out - Hair_in

= 6.0016 2.988
= 3.0136 kJ/s

PRELAB QUESTION AND ANSWER:

1. What is a cooling tower? Why is it important in the process industries?

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 A cooling tower is a heat rejection device which extracts waste heat to the

atmosphere through the cooling of a water stream to lower the temperature. It is

also defined as a heat exchanger, inside of which heat is withdrawn from the water

by contacting the water with the air through evaporation process. Cooling tower is

important in the process industries because it can dissipate the heat from the

machine into the atmosphere and air or wind then spread the heat over a large area

through diffusion. This will be able to prevent the machine from overheat as

overheating may cause the machine to be damaged.

2. How does a cooling tower work?

A cooling tower is a heat exchanger, which heat is extracted from the water inside

the cooling tower by contacting the water with the air. The heat transfer occurs

through the heat exchange between the water and air through the evaporation of a

small part of them water that needs to be cooled. For example, water is pumped

into water distribution system on top of the cooling tower. The water is then

distributed over the wet deck filled by means of nozzles. Air is drawn through air

inlet louvers and through the wet deck surface, causing a small potion of the water

to evaporate. The evaporation process will remove the heat from the water. The

warm moist water is drawn out from the tower through a nature draft or

mechanical cooling tower fans. The resulting cold water is then recirculated back

to the hot water tank in a continuous cycle.

3. How would the packing materials affect the performance of a cooling tower?

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 Packing materials are used to enhance performance of the cooling towers by

increasing the surface area of the plates so that the contact time between the air

and water will be longer. Cooling tower have plates of plastic that are horizontal

or vertical separated in a staggered pattern. These plates are known as splash fills.

DISCUSSION:

Cooling tower is a heat rejection device which extracts waste heat to the

atmosphere through the cooling process of a water stream. It can be divided into

direct (open circuit) and indirect (closed circuit) heat rejection equipment. An open

circuit cooling tower is a heat exchanger to cool down water by using the direct

contact with the atmosphere. The heat transfer occurs is not only due to the direct

contact between water and the atmosphere, but also the evaporation of a small

quantity of the water that is needed to be cooled. Therefore, the water will be cooled

down to a temperature that is lower than the ambient temperature. As for closed

circuit, when the water that is needed to be cooled down cant get into contact with

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the atmosphere, the heat exchanger is unnecessarily to be used. As a result, the water

that is needed to be cooled will be separated from the evaporation of cooling tower by

the heat exchanger. Hence, the closed circuit systems return fluid circulates through

the tower structure in a coil and the water is recirculates only in the tower itself while

the opened circuits recirculating water will return to the tower after collected heat

and distributed across the tower where the water is direct contact with atmosphere.

The parameters that can affect the practical operation of the small cooling

tower include the temperature of outgoing air, types of packed column, water flow

rate, air flow rate and the height of cooling tower. The outgoing airs temperature of

cooling tower cant be controlled. As the outlet air temperature is the result of

atmospheric air temperature and atmospheric humidity, therefore, the lesser the

humidity, the higher is the performance for a given inlet temperature. Hence, the

higher inlet temperature will increase the cooling ratio. As we know that the larger the

surface area, the higher is the heat transfer rate. The water flow flows into the packed

column from the water sprinkler is exposed to the air stream and the surface area of

the packed column (which the water and air are in contacted). Therefore, the larger

the surface area of the packed column, the higher the efficiency of the heat transfers

from the water to air in term of evaporation. Beside that, different types of packed

column which is made up by different materials will also affect the performance of

the cooling tower due to different rate of heat absorption. In addition, the height of

cooling tower will affect the performance of the cooling tower. As the height of

cooling tower increases, the time taken for water and atmosphere air to in-contact will

be increased. For instance, the higher the water flow rate, the higher is the water outlet

temperature as compared to the lower water flow rate due to the differences in time

21
taken for the water and atmosphere air to in contact on the packed column. Apart from

that, the 6 packing layers set in the tower and the 7 slides of plates which are placed in

each layer in the cooling tower will also be considered as a crucial parameter. As the

number of plates used increase, the surface area between the water and air will be

increased, thus, the heat transfer rate will be increased as the in-contact times between

the water and air are increased.

Next, the heat and mass transfer phenomena in this water-air cooling tower can be

explained with the statement that the water flows downwards the tower exchanges

heat with air flowing upwards. As we know, the mass balance is m=mout .

However, the mass of water going into the cooling tower in this experiment is not the

same with the mass of water going out from the cooling tower due to certain amount

of water is evaporated to the air or to the surrounding during heat exchange. After heat

exchanging, the amount of water going back to the water tank for reused purpose

should be lower. However, the mass of water in and out is assumed the same during

the experiment and the mass balance theory is obeyed. Moreover, the enthalpy change

of the enthalpy of water and air theoretically is zero. But as calculated from this

experiment, the enthalpy of water is not same with air and it is violated the energy

balance theory. Besides, the negative enthalpy change shows that the water loses

energy during the heat transfer due to the water flow flows down from the top to the

bottom of the cooling tower where it loses heat and cooled by the air stream. Then,

this experiment is not under an ideal condition and the system is not an ideal system

as heat is lost from the system during heat transfer.

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 Based on the first law of thermodynamic, we know that the energy cannot be

neither created nor destroyed. Hence, the enthalpy of water is equal to the enthalpy of

air and the enthalpy change is theoretically zero. However, the changes in enthalpy of

water and air are not equal in this experiment. The enthalpy change between air and

water are not equal to zero as the cooling tower is not an ideal apparatus and the

experiment is not carried out under ideal conditions. Besides, some water spilled out

from the boundary of the packed column during the experiment. This phenomena

show that the water is evaporated to vapor or air during the heat exchange on the

packed column.

There are several parts in the cooling tower. The following table shows that

the function of some parts of the cooling tower.

Component Function
Inclined Manometer Used to measure and adjust the air flow rate.
Control Panel The temperature meters, heater controller, water flow rate switch,

air blower switch and other on/off switch located on the panel.
Main Frame Used to support the motors, fan and other components.

Water flow rate Used to measure the velocity of the water and maintain the water

meter flow balance.

Air blower Used to adjust the air flow rate by control the air blower motor.

controller
Heat controller Used to control the temperature of hot water in hot water tank.
Hot water tank Used to supply the hot water to the cooling tower.
Air Blower tank Used to supply the air to the cooling tower. The fan can be found

inside the tank.

Solenoid valve Used to control the air and water flow rate.
Make up tank Used to supply water for the hot water tank and it is an ideal closed

system, there is no change of the water level.

Packed column A Used to increase the surface area in order to increase dispersion of

23
 water.

Water sprinkle Used to allow water flows over into the packed column A

Dry bulb A thermometer that measure the temperature of air by freely

exposed to the air but shielded from radiation and moisture.

Wet bulb A thermometer that measures the temperature of air by reflects the

physical properties of a system with a mixture of a gas and a

vapour.

In this experiment, changing in the water flow rate can also affect the evaporation

rate. When the water flow rate increases, then the rate of evaporation will decrease.

The higher the water flow rate, the higher the amount of the water contact with the air.

Consequently, more heat is transferred between the water and air through evaporation

process. Furthermore, when the water flow rate decreases, the surface area of the

water droplet will have a longer time taken to contact with air stream which will cause

the rate of evaporation increased.

There are many types of cooling tower, which are induced-draft cooling tower,

natural draft tower, mechanical draft tower, counter-current cooling tower and forced-

draft cooling tower. Counter-current and forced-draft cooling tower are being used in

this experiment. As for the induced-draft cooling tower, which is based on forced

convection wherein a fan located in the exiting air stream draws air through the tower.

The fan induces hot moist air out the discharge. Moreover, the natural draft which can

be used in different temperature and pressure between the ambient and the hotter air

inside the tower as the driving force. No fans are used in the tower due to the layout

24
of the tower as there is almost no circulation of hot air that could affect the

performance. Additionally, mechanical draft tower has long piping which is used to

run the water downward and the large fans inside the tower is used to force or draw

air through circulated water in order to remove the heat. The time taken for the water

to in contact with the air will be increased with the dropping of water drops onto the

fill surfaces.

There are some suggestions to improve the performance of the cooling tower.

Firstly, the number of plate on the packed column can be increased in this experiment.

This is because with increasing in the surface area of the plate due to the increasing in

the number of plate, the time taken for the water and air to in contact will be longer.

Next, the height and width of the cooling tower can be increased in this experiment as

this may lead to a better performance for the heat transfer between the water and air.

Additionally, the water flow rate will be decreased while the air flow rate of the

cooling tower will be increased with the increasing in fans speed. This will improve

the performance of the cooling tower. In order to have a better performance, the air

flow rate can be increased. With the increasing in air flow rate, the water is easier to

contact with air and resulting a more effective heat transfer. Furthermore, the

distribution desk should be apportioned uniformly to the recirculating water across the

tower structure.

It is not advisable to use co-current flow in the cooling tower as it is only one way

flows process. Water and gas flow in the same direction in the co-current flow. The

initial gradient of the concurrent flow exchanger is higher but it falls off quickly,
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leading to wasted potential. On the other hand, the countercurrent flow has two ways

to flow which is the water flow and air stream flow. The water flow and air stream

flow are flowed in the opposite direction. Air flow first enters an open area beneath

the fill media and is then drawn up vertically. The water is sprayed through

pressurized nozzles and flows downward through the fill which is opposite to the air

flow. It maintains a slowly declining temperature difference or gradient between the

two flows. The temperature difference of counter flow is greater than the temperature

difference of parallel flow and cause a high heat transfer rate.

CONCLUSION:

In a nutshell, cooling tower is a device which can regulate temperature by

dissipating heat from recirculating water. Heat is rejected from the tower primarily

through evaporation. This experiment violates the conversion of energy principle and

the first law of thermodynamics as the enthalpy of water is not equal to the enthalpy

of air. This is because the cooling tower is not an ideal system in the laboratory. Heat

and mass transfer process is assisted by convection due to temperature difference

between the water and air. Apart from that, heat and mass transfer phenomenon is also

influenced by the parameters such as flow rate of water and air. When the water flow

rate increases, the performance of cooling tower will decrease due to lesser contact

time between water and air on packed column. Lastly, the countercurrent flow is more

effective and efficient than the concurrent flow for the cooling tower process.

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References:

1. Parallelus (2010) Whitfields' Cooling Towers Manufactured by KING SUN. Your

online resource where you can buy cooling towers. [online] Available at:

http://www.coolingtowers.co.za/ [Accessed: 23 Feb 2013].

2. Cti.org (2012) What is Cooling Tower? Detail. [online] Available at:

http://www.cti.org/whatis/coolingtowerdetail.shtml [Accessed: 23 Feb 2013].

3. Almeco.eu (2009) How Does a Cooling Tower Work?. [online] Available at:

http://www.almeco.eu/products-services/cooling-towers/how-does-a-cooling-

tower-work.html [Accessed: 23 Feb 2013].

4. The Virtual Nuclear Tourist (2013) System. [online] Available at:

http://www.nucleartourist.com/systems/ct.htm [Accessed: 23 Feb 2013].

5. Almeco.eu (2009) Types of Cooling Circuit. [online] Available at:

http://www.almeco.eu/products-services/cooling-towers/how-does-a-cooling-

tower-work/types-of-cooling-circuit.html [Accessed: 23 Feb 2013].

6. Chemical Publishing (2013) Cooling tower Performance. [online] Available at:

http://www.chemical-publishing.com/v/vspfiles/assets/images/pages%20from
%209780820603001_txt.pdf [Accessed: 23 Feb 2013].

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