COOLING TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE

Acceptance Test Procedure for

Wet-Dry Plume Abatement Cooling Towers

July 2011 ATC-150 (11)

This document was developed using the consensus procedure outlined in the CTI Operating Procedure 304
and has been approved for publication by the CTI Board of Directors
 FOREWORD
This Cooling Technology Institute (CTI) publication is published as an aid to cooling tower purchasers and designers.
It may be used by anyone desiring to do so, and efforts have been made by CTI to assure the accuracy and reliability
of the data contained herein. However, CTI makes NO WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE
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or for the infringement of any patent resulting from the use of this publication.

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Nothing contained herein is to be construed as granting any right for the manufacture, sale or use in connection with
any method, apparatus, or product covered by letters patent, nor as insuring anyone against liability for infringement
of letters patent.

This document summarizes the best current state of knowledge regarding the specific subject. It represents a
consensus of those individual members who have reviewed this document, its scope and provisions and is intended
to aid all users or potential users of evaporative vapor condensers.

Approved by the CTI Executive Board.

This document has been reviewed and approved

as part of CTI’s Five Year Review Cycle. This
document is again subject to review in 2016.

Copyright 2011
Approved by the by Cooling Technology Institute
CTI Executive Board Printed in U.S.A. ATC-150 (11)
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 Scope and Purpose ................................................................................................................ 1

2.0 Conditions of Test ................................................................................................................... 3

3.0 Instruments and Measurements ............................................................................................. 6

4.0 Report of Results .................................................................................................................... 7

5.0 Evaluation of the Results ........................................................................................................ 9

6.0 Evaluation of the Plume Performance .................................................................................. 10

7.0 Evaluation of the Air Mixing Quality ...................................................................................... 12

8.0 Compliance ........................................................................................................................... 12

9.0 Design and Test Conditions .................................................................................................. 15

10.0 Plume Abatement Guarantee Curve ..................................................................................... 16

11.0 Test Interpretation ................................................................................................................. 17

12.0 Plume Abatement Guarantee Curve ..................................................................................... 18

13.0 Interpretation following the “Maximum plume humidity curves” method ............................... 18

14.0 Evaluation of the Air Mixing Quality Level 2 Plume Abatement ............................................ 19
 Part I – Test Procedure

1.0 SCOPE AND PURPOSE
1.1 Scope. This code covers the determination of the effluent
air or plume characteristics of wet-dry cooling towers, designed
for plume abatement.
1.2 Purpose. The purpose of this code is to describe
instrumentation and procedures for the testing and performance
evaluation of the plume characteristics of wet-dry cooling
towers.
1.3 Flexibility. It is recognized that the data limitations
specified throughout this test procedure represent desired
conditions that may not exist at the time the test is performed. In
such cases, existing conditions may be used if mutually agreed
upon by authorized representatives of the manufacturer, the
purchaser, and the CTI Representative (see 1.4), prior to the test.
1.4 Impartial Testing Service. It is the intention of the Cooling
Technology Institute to provide independent third-party thermal
performance tests. This means that any situation in which the
testing agency has a material or any other interest in the outcome
of the test must be avoided.
The CTI Representative referred to in this code shall be an
impartial party to the test, and shall have no connection with the
manufacturer, the purchaser, or the Cooling Technology
Institute, but must have a license agreement with the latter. This
Representative shall be sufficiently qualified to ensure that
measurements and evaluations are made in accordance with this
Code. The CTI Representative is hereinafter referred to as the
CTI-licensed Test Agency.
1.4.1 Certain categories of business interests or activities
may compromise the objectivity of an agency and are
considered by CTI as inappropriate for an organization
licensed to provide impartial testing services. When any
portion of the revenues of a testing agency or any of its
corporate parents or subsidiaries is derived from these
interests or activities this will preclude that organization
from consideration. The following is a non-exclusive listing
of examples of these categories of business interests or
activities:
a) The manufacture, repair, replacement, or upgrade of
cooling towers or cooling tower components.
b) Operation or ownership of cooling towers related to
primary income generating processes.
1.4.2 Further, any specific situation in which the testing
agency can be said to have an interest in the outcome of a
particular test is considered a conflict of interest and is to be
avoided. The following is a non-exclusive listing of
examples of such situations:
a) Performing cooling tower design, engineering,
construction, or related consultation services, such as bid
evaluation, for a party to a particular test (for the purposes
of this Section, operation and maintenance
recommendations do not constitute related consultation
services ).
b) Engaging in a contractual or business relationship with
the cooling tower manufacturer, constructor, or supplier of
components or equipment on a particular tower to be tested.
(A conflict of interest shall not exist if the testing agency
has conducted independent testing of other cooling towers
for cooling tower owners, manufacturers, constructors, or
suppliers of components and equipment.)
1.5 Nomenclature. The symbols used in this Code are
identified in the following tabulation. The Code refers to SI unit
as primary system and I-P unit as secondary system.

Symbol Description SI Unit I-P unit

Am Area associated with traverse point m m2 ft2
Df Fan stack exhaust diameter m ft
Dh Fan hub diameter m ft
∆D rh Difference of Maximum Relative Humidity % %
MQ Mixing quality coefficient % %
M Number of sampling points on a single radius
m Sampling point (sequence) number
PB Barometric pressure (psychrometric) kPa "Hg
P Bm Barometric pressure measured at test kPa "Hg
QW Circulating Volume water flow l/s GPM
Q wbd Blow-down water flow l/s GPM
Q wmu Make-up water flow l/s GPM
R Cooling Range °K °F
Rh u Up-wind air relative humidity % %

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Rh e Exhaust air relative humidity % %
Rh i Inlet air relative humidity % %
T CW Cold water temperature °C °F
T DBu Air up-wind dry bulb temperature °C °F
T DBe Exhaust air dry bulb temperature °C °F
T DBi Air inlet dry bulb temperature °C °F
T bd Blow-down temperature °C °F
T mu Make-up temperature °C °F
T HW Hot water temperature °C °F
T WBu Up-wind air wet bulb temperature °C °F
T WBe Exhaust air wet bulb temperature °C °F
T WBi Inlet air wet bulb temperature °C °F
vm Local air velocity at exhaust area traverse point m m/s fpm
vv Vertical component of v m m/s fpm
v vi Marked local air velocity v v at exhaust area m/s fpm
W1..W5; X1..X5; Y1..Y5; Z1..Z5
Names of the measurements points above the fan stack at the radii W, X, Y, Z
α Angle of exhaust air velocity (from vertical) deg deg
ρm Density of air at traverse point m kg/m3 lb/ft3

1.6 Definitions:
1.6.1 Wet section: The wet section of the cooling tower is
the evaporative heat transfer media.
1.6.2 Dry section: The dry section of the cooling tower is
the non-evaporative heat transfer media.
1.6.3 Cooling tower cell: A cooling tower "cell" is the
smallest subdivision of the tower, bounded by exterior walls
and partition walls, which can function as an independent
unit. Each cell may have one or more fans or stacks and one
or more distribution system.
1.7 Selection of the design point for the plume abatement
condition
1.7.1 The visibility of the plume is given by the
condensation droplets generated when the warm and
saturated exhaust air of the cooling tower is in contact with
colder air inside or outside of the cooling tower. The
exhaust air temperature and humidity are directly related to
the inlet air temperature and humidity and the operating
conditions of the cooling tower (Range and flow), and may
be described as a function of dry bulb and relative humidity
or wet bulb conditions as guaranteed effluent air
performance curves that must go through the selected
design point.
1.7.2 For a given operating condition, a curve exists relating
the inlet air temperature and the inlet humidity, and
separating the visible plume from the non-visible plume
conditions (Graph having relative humidity on the ordinate
and the air dry bulb temperature on the abscissa or
Psychrometric chart). This curve is called the “Fogging
frequency curve”. On the same graph or chart, the site
weather statistics can be plotted (all temperature / humidity
points during the year or only those corresponding to the
daylight points); any site weather conditions “above” (more
severe than) the fogging frequency curve will generate
visible plume; any site weather conditions “below” (less
severe than) the fogging frequency curve will not generate
visible plume. It is possible then to calculate the percentage
of total hours per year (or daylight hours per year) for
which some visible plume may occur. This percentage is an
estimate of the occurrence of visible plume.
1.7.3 The selection of the plume abatement design point
depends mainly on the location of the cooling tower and
the local requirements. It drastically affects the cost of the
wet-dry cooling tower. If no plume may occur during the
year, the coldest temperature / highest humidity point
must be selected. Such a severe plume abatement
requirement is seldom the case. Severe conditions
correspond to 5% or less plume visibility occurrence. A
more typical design point corresponds to 15% to 20%
plume visibility occurrence based on full year day-night
weather statistics. Any point (temperature / humidity)
located on the fogging frequency curve gives the same
cooling tower design and the same plume visibility
occurrence. It is recommended that a winter design point
be selected, on such a curve, which is above the freezing
point to be able to test the cooling tower, following this
code, at conditions close as possible to the design point.
The plume abatement design point includes the maximum
anticipated heat load coincident with the desired design dry

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bulb along with the highest relative humidity at that dry
bulb. An example of design point selection and fogging
frequency curves with weather statistics is given in
appendix A.
1.7.4 In the case where a plume design point requires use of
partial damper closure, an alternate design point shall be
selected with dampers open. The imprecision of damper
settings with regard to establishing that required operating
configuration is in effect at the time of testing makes this a
necessity. Effluent air curves shall be drawn for the
dampers open design point, for evaluation of the test results.
1.7.5 For a given design point, there are two levels of plume
abatement that a tower can be guaranteed and tested for in
accordance with this test procedure. The definition of
Level 1 or Level 2 plume abatement has an effect on the
design of the wet-dry cooling tower and on the criteria
described in this code to fulfill the plume performance
guarantee.
1.7.5.1 Level 1 Plume Guarantee. In order for a tower to
meet Level 1 criteria, the ratio (expressed as a
percentage) between the guarantee and measured exhaust
air relative humidity must exceed 100%, as described in
Sections 5 and 6. Level 1 is less stringent than Level 2
and the impact of specifying a Level 1 guarantee could be
a translucent plume visible at the exhaust extending up to
2 fan diameters, even under conditions equal to or less
severe than the plume abatement design point. Where the
Level 1 visible plume guarantee is acceptable, the cost
and penalty in pressure drop and required fan power
associated with internal plenum mixing devices may be
avoided to an extent that is the manufacturer’s
responsibility to determine.
1.7.5.2 Level 2 Plume Guarantee. Level 2 is the more
stringent requirement and in addition to meeting Level 1
exhaust air relative humidity ratio requirements, an
exhaust air mixing criteria must also be met, as described
in Sections 5 and 6. The intention of the mixing criteria
is to ensure that the potential for plume visibility is
minimized as much as possible, greatly decreasing the
chances for the translucent plume that may occur in Level
1 designed towers.
1.7.4.3 There exists a phenomenon where plume
reformation can occur. Plume that is not visible
immediately above the fan stacks becomes visible some
distance away from the cooling tower when the water
vapor in the air condenses due to specific or localized
atmospheric conditions and site topography. Conditions
that will cause this phenomenon are unpredictable but
typically infrequent and plume reformation can occur
with both Level 1 and Level 2 designed towers. The
plume abatement guarantee is applicable ONLY to the
conditions at the air exhaust.
1.7.6 The design air temperature and humidity is defined as
the entering air at the up-wind cooling tower air inlets,
assuming isothermal atmosphere. (This may be different
from the ambient air temperature and humidity)
2.0 CONDITIONS OF TEST
2.1 Conduct of Test. The test shall be conducted by a CTI-
licensed Test Agency, in the presence of authorized
representatives of the manufacturer and the purchaser if they
desire to be present. For acceptance testing, these representatives
shall be given adequate notice prior to the test. The manufacturer
shall be given permission to inspect the tower in advance to
determine if any preparations to the tower are required prior to
the test. In no case shall any directly involved party be barred
from test site. Acceptance test(s) shall be conducted within 12
months after structural completion of the tower, unless otherwise
stipulated by contractual agreement of purchaser and
manufacturer.
If the plume abatement guarantee is related to a “winter mode”
thermal performance guarantee by the purchase contract, the
plume abatement test and a thermal performance test in winter
condition mode (following CTI ATC-105) shall be conducted
concurrently.
2.2 Selection of the tested cell(s) As the parameters associated
with a plume performance test are time consuming and difficult
to measure, the test shall be performed on one cell only, which is
selected to represent the whole cooling tower. If no single cell
may represent the whole cooling tower, the test may be
conducted on several cells. In such case, the final performance
result will be the weighted average of the individual performance
results by the number of cells having the same design as cells
tested. Representatives of all the parties of the test shall agree
prior to test which cell or cells shall be tested for the plume
performance test. All the measurements described in this code,
(in particular the air temperatures and velocities), will concern
the selected cell(s). If the individual water temperatures and
flows cannot be measured, the ones of the whole cooling tower
will be taken into consideration.
Note: In the case when a thermal performance test is conducted
concurrently, other measurements shall be taken to comply with
the CTI ATC-105 test code.
2.3 Condition of Equipment. At the time of the test the tower
shall be in good operating condition:
a. The water distribution system shall be essentially clear
and free of foreign materials that may impede the normal
water flow.
b. Mechanical equipment shall be in good working order.
Fans shall be rotating in the correct direction, with proper
orientation of leading and trailing edges. Fan blades shall be
at a uniform angle that will yield within ± 10 percent of the
guaranteed fan driver power.
c. Drift eliminators shall be essentially clear and free of
algae and other deposits that may impede normal air flow.
d. Fill material shall be essentially free of foreign materials
such as oil, tar, scale, fouling or algae.
e. The water level in the cold water basin shall be at normal
operating elevation and shall be maintained substantially

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 constant during the test.
f. Dry sections shall be essentially free of foreign materials,
both inside and outside.
g. In freezing weather, the dry sections and the wet sections
shall be free of ice formation that may affect the
performance of the cooling tower.
h. If applicable, air and water flow control devices shall be
set according to the manufacturers recommendations to
achieve both the required plume abatement and thermal
performance.
Representatives of purchaser and manufacturer shall agree to the
operability and functionality of the cooling tower equipment
prior to testing. Prior establishment of cleanliness and
serviceability is recommended.
2.4 Operating conditions.. The test shall be conducted within
the following limitations:
2.4.1 For the plume evaluation, both the inlet and up-wind
wet-bulb and dry-bulb temperatures shall be measured in
accordance with Section 3.3 and 3.4 of this test procedure.
The inlet air temperatures will be used for evaluating the
expected exhaust air conditions from performance curves,
and the up-wind air temperatures will be used in the dilution
calculation of the plume in the atmosphere (which is
assumed as isothermal). If a thermal evaluation is required,
the wet-bulb for thermal test calculations shall be the inlet
values as described in CTI ATC-105.
2.4.2 The wind velocity shall be measured in accordance
with Section 3.7 of this test procedure, and shall not exceed
the following:
a) average wind velocity : 3 m/s (6.5 MPH)
b) one-minute duration : 4.5 m/s (10 MPH)
The reliability of the exhaust air measurements increases
when the wind velocity decreases. The lowest possible wind
speed conditions shall be sought for testing.
2.4.3 To get reliable air inlet and up-wind measurement the
minimum wet bulb when measured with a CTI mechanically
aspirated psychrometer is 0.5 C (33 F). The CTI
psychrometer shall be as defined in CTI ATC-105 sections
relating to Inlet Air Temperature Measurements. For any
design conditions below freezing, the test has to be
performed between 0 °C (32 °F) and 8 °C (45 °F) up-wind
wet bulb temperature.
2.4.4 The following variations from design conditions shall
not be exceeded:
2.4.4.1 Wet-bulb temperature: -0.0 °C / + 8.5 °C (15 °F)
2.4.4.2 Dry-bulb temperature: -0.0 °C / + 14.0 °C (25 °F)
2.4.4.3 Cooling range: ± 20 %
2.4.4.4 Circulating water flow: ± 10 %
2.4.4.5 Barometric pressure: ± 3.5 kPa (1" Hg)
2.4.4.6 Heat load of dry section: ± 10 % (See note 1)
2.4.4.7 Water flow in dry section: ± 10% (See note 1)
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2.4.4.8 Fan(s) drivers power: ± 10%
Note 1: Applicable only on wet/dry towers having
separate heat load supply on the wet and the dry sections.
2.4.5. For a multi-cell tower each of the tested cells must be
set within ± 5% of average operating conditions of all the
cells: the water flow rates, fan driver power, air flow control
devices position (if applicable) and heat load on the dry
section (if applicable).
2.4.6 For multi-cell towers, one or more cells may be shut
down, provided that the circulating water flow to each
operating cell is within the above limits.
2.4.7 The total dissolved solids in the circulating water, as
determined by evaporation, shall not exceed the greater of
the following:
a) 5000 ppm
b) ± 10% of the design concentration
The circulating water shall contain not more than 10 ppm
oil, tar, or fatty substances as determined by the procedure
outlined in "Standard Methods for the Examination of
Water, Sewage, and Industrial Wastes", published by the
American Public Health Association.
The limit for foreign substances in the circulating water
shall be by prior mutual agreement by the purchaser and the
manufacturer.
2.5 Duration of test. After reaching steady state conditions, the
duration of one test run shall not be less than one hour. (Exhaust
air wet and dry bulb temperature, exhaust air velocity.) (This
shall be called the Test Period)
2.5.1 If thermal lag time is greater than five minutes, the test
period shall be extended by the actual thermal lag time.
(Calculated as in CTI ATC-105)
2.5.2 The test period for thermal evaluation shall have the
same duration as the plume characteristics evaluation.
2.6 Constancy of test conditions during test period. For a
valid test, variations from maximum to minimum of 1 minute
averages in test conditions shall be within the following limits:
2.6.1 Circulating water flow shall not vary more than 2 %.
2.6.2 Heat load shall not vary by more than 5 %.
2.6.3 Range shall not vary by more than 5 %.
2.6.4 Instantaneous up-wind and inlet air temperature
readings may fluctuate during the test, but the linear least
squares trend in the reading average for all stations for the
test period shall not exceed the following limits:
1) Up-wind and Inlet air dry-bulb temperature
3 °C/period (5 °F/period)
2) Up-wind and Inlet air wet bulb temperature
1 °C/period (2 °F/period)
2.6.5 Heat load and water flow rate of the dry section shall not
vary by more than 5%. (Applicable only on towers having
separate heat load supply on the wet and the dry sections.)
2.7 Frequency of readings. Readings shall be taken at regular
intervals and recorded in the units and to the number of
significant figures shown in the table in Section 2.9.
2.7.1 The readings may be recorded manually and/or with a
data acquisition system (DAS). Both methods may be
utilized during the same test.
2.7.2 Not all measurements given in the Instrumentation
Table in 2.9 are always used for wet/dry cooling towers.
The necessary measurements for the plume characteristic
evaluation depend on the wet/dry cooling tower type and
shall be determined by prior mutual agreement with the
2.9 Instrumentation Table
purchaser, the manufacturer, and the CTI representative.
2.8 Test uncertainty.
2.8.1 Instrumentation accuracy. The accuracy of each
measurement device shall be equal to or better than those
indicated in the table in Section 2.9. Other instrumentation
may be used by prior mutual agreement with the purchaser,
the manufacturer, and the CTI representative.
2.8.2 Overall uncertainty. The overall test uncertainty
depends on the type and number of instruments used for the
various measurements, and on the stability of test
conditions.

Measurements Minimum/hr SI units I-P units

Man DAS # Acc Rec # Acc Rec
Inlet air wet-bulb temp NA 60 °C 0.1 0.05 °F 0.2 0.1
Inlet air dry-bulb temp NA 60 °C 0.1 0.05 °F 0.2 0.1
Up-wind air wet-bulb temp NA 60 °C 0.1 0.05 °F 0.2 0.1
Up-wind air dry-bulb temp NA 60 °C 0.1 0.05 °F 0.2 0.1
Exhaust air wet-bulb temp1 NA 60 °C 0.1 0.05 °F 0.2 0.1
Exhaust air dry-bulb temp1 NA 60 °C 0.1 0.05 °F 0.2 0.1
Cold water temp (wet) NA 60 °C 0.1 0.05 °F 0.2 0.1
Cold water temp (dry)3 NA 60 °C 0.1 0.05 °F 0.2 0.1
Hot water temp (wet) NA 60 °C 0.1 0.05 °F 0.2 0.1
Hot water temp (dry)3 NA 60 °C 0.1 0.05 °F 0.2 0.1
Circulating water flow (wet)2 3 60 l/s 3% 0.5% gpm 3% 0.5%
Circulating water flow (dry)2 3 60 l/s 3% 0.5% gpm 3% 0.5%
Fan driver power (wet) 1/test kW 3% 0.5% HP 3% 0.5%
Fan driver power (dry)3 1/test kW 3% 0.5% HP 3% 0.5%
Exhaust air velocity1 NA 60 m/s 0.1 0.05 fpm 20 10
Wind velocity NA 60 m/s 0.1 0.05 mph 0.2 0.1
Barometric pressure 1/test 60 kPa 0.2 0.1 “Hg .06 .03
Make-up water temperature 2 2 °C 0.1 0.05 °F 0.2 0.1
Make-up water flow rate4 2 60 l/s 5% 1% gpm 5% 1%
Blow-down water temp 2 2 °C 0.1 0.05 °F 0.2 0.1
Blow-down water flow rate4 2 60 l/s 5% 1% gpm 5% 1%

“Minimum” = Minimum number of records each hour per station

“Man” = Manual measurements
“DAS” = Measurements with Data Acquisition system
“Acc” = Sensor accuracy
“Rec” = Recording to the nearest
1
A total of 20 simultaneous point measurements are made and scanned with remote data acquisition equipment. Instruments are
deployed at equal area stations along two perpendicular diameters.
2
To monitor circulating water flow stability, the differential pressure at a single point can be monitored during the test for comparison
with full traverse readings (when measurement is made by Pitot tube), alternately for the entire tower, the exhaust pressure of the
circulating water pumps can be used as an indication of flow stability.
3
If applicable or required for towers with separate wet and dry fans, or special flow bias
4
Or totalized values per test

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 3.0 INSTRUMENTS AND MEASUREMENTS
All instruments used shall be inspected and approved by the
CTI-licensed Testing Agency prior to the test. All instruments
shall be properly calibrated and meet the accuracy
requirements of Table 2.9. Calibration certificates shall be
made available to test parties upon request.
3.1 Waterflow measurements. The total water flow delivered
to both the dry and wet sections of the cooling tower must be
measured, unless all of the water flows in series from the dry
section to the wet section. If all of the water flows from the dry
to the wet section, only the flow delivered to the dry section is
required. The waterflow must be determined with a device
meeting the requirements of CTI ATC-105.
3.2 Water temperature measurements.
3.2.1 Hot water temperature - The hot water temperature
delivered to both the dry and wet sections of the test cell
must be measured unless all of the water flows in series
from the dry section to the wet section. If all of the water
flows from the dry to the wet section, only the temperature
of the water delivered to the dry section is required. The
hot water temperature must be measured with a device
that is compliant with requirements of CTI ATC-105.
3.2.2 Cold water Temperature The cold water temperature
is defined as the average temperature of the water as it
reaches the cold water basin of the cell that is under test.
The cold water temperature is often measured on the
exhaust side of the operating pump(s), with corrections
made for the heat added by the pumps and for the
influence of any entering or exiting flows, including
makeup or blow down. If more than one cell of a plume
abated tower is in service at the time of a single cell plume
abatement test, the water flow rate of the test cell must be
within five percent of the average cell flow rate, and all
cells receiving water must be operated at the same fan
speed. If fan power in each cell is being measured (as for
a concurrent thermal test) the fan power for the test cell
should be within 10% of the average fan power. The cold
water temperature must be measured with a device that is
compliant with requirements of CTI ATC-105.
3.3 Inlet air temperature measurements. Air inlet wet-bulb
and dry-bulb temperatures are required at both the wet section
and dry section air inlets. The number and location of
instruments shall be as required in CTI ATC-105.
3.4 Up-wind air-temperature measurements. The up-wind
wet-bulb and dry-bulb temperatures are the air inlet values
from measurements located on the up-wind face of the cooling
tower row. Where an installation has multiple towers, each
individual line of tower cells is called a “row” for this purpose.
3.4.1 If there are other heat sources in the vicinity of the
test cell, psychrometers measuring the wet and dry bulb
temperature should be located in an area uninfluenced by
either the cooling tower or other heat sources in order to
measure the upwind ambient conditions.
3.5 Exhaust air temperature measurements Simultaneous
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measurement of the exhaust air wet-bulb and dry-bulb
temperatures are required to determine the characteristics of the
effluent air of the cooling tower. The measurements shall be
made at the exhaust plane of the fan stack of an induced draft
cooling tower cell or the exhaust plane area of a forced draft
cooling tower.
3.5.1 Exhaust wet-bulb temperature. The exhaust wet-bulb
temperature shall be measured with a twenty point array of
mechanically aspirated psychrometers. Each instrument
shall meet the same requirements as the inlet wet bulb
temperature measurement described in CTI ATC-105.
3.5.2 Exhaust dry-bulb temperature. The exhaust dry-bulb
temperature shall be measured with a twenty point array of
mechanically aspirated psychrometers, Each instrument
shall meet the same requirements as for the inlet dry bulb
temperature measurements as described in CTI ATC–105.
The psychrometers shall be designed to prevent any water
droplets from impinging on the sensing element.
3.5.3 Location of the measurements: In order to avoid wind
effects, the measurements shall be taken at the centers of
equal areas of the fan stack in a plane within 1 meter (3 ft)
of the cooling tower exhaust plane. The exhaust air velocity
measurements (as described in 3.6) shall be taken
simultaneously with the wet-bulb and dry-bulb exhaust
measurements. The airflow measurement devices shall be
made as close as possible to the equal area station where the
exhaust wet-bulb and dry-bulb temperatures are measured.
For small stacks the number of measurement points may
be reduced, by mutual agreement between the parties,
with a minimum of eight sampling stations at the fan stack
or cooling tower exhaust exit plane.
3.5.3.1 For circular sample planes without hub effects,
the samples locations will be based on the total area and
located at the centers of equal annular sample zones
with 4 radii and 5 points per radius.
For circular sampling planes the position of the
sampling locations is calculated by:
 2 M − 2m + 1  2   Dh 
2
Xm =
Df
−   D f − Dh
2
( )+ 2 
2  8M    
where
Xm = sample location, distance from wall
Df = stack diameter
Dh = hub diameter
M =number of sampling points on a single radius
m = sampling point number
The hub diameter should be the larger of diameter of the fan
hub seal disk or the diameter of the circle described by the
base of the fan blades. This equation may also be used to
calculate the sample positions for circular sample planes
without hub effects by setting the hub diameter equal to zero.
3.5.3.2 For circular sample planes with hub effects, the
 sample location will be based on the net area and
located at the centers of equal annular sample zones
with 4 radii and 5 points per radius.
3.5.3.3 For rectangular sample planes, the sample
locations will be at the centers of a matrix of equal area
sample zones of similar length and width.
3.6 Exhaust air velocity measurement. The vertical
component of the exhaust air velocity shall be measured
simultaneously and at the same locations as the exhaust air wet
and dry bulb temperatures (See Section 3.5.3) with an angle
sensitive propeller anemometer, a S type pitot tube or another
device meeting the requirements of 3.6.1.
3.6.1 The velocity measurement shall be accurate to 2%
of the maximum measured velocity.
3.6.2 The normal velocity component of the air stream
must be determined through either a cosine sensitive
propeller anemometer, or measured angle of rotation for a
pitot tube measurement or evaluated through alternate
means with a measurement accuracy of 2 degrees.
3.6.3 If an air Pitot is used, the vertical component of the
velocity is calculated using following equation:
Vv = Vm * COS α
v v = Vertical component of air velocity
v m = Measured air velocity
α = Air velocity angle to vertical
3.6.4 Each air velocity measurement shall be taken
simultaneously with temperature measurements in order to
calculate the flow weighted average wet and dry bulb
temperatures at the exhaust of the cooling tower.
M
vvm * ρ m * Am * TDBem
TDBe = ∑ M
i =m
∑v
i =m
vm * ρ m * Am
M
vvm * ρ m * Am * TWBem
TWBe = ∑ M
i =m
∑v
i =m
vm * ρ m * Am
ρ m = f (TWBem , TDBem , PBm ) per ATC-105, based on
ASHRAE psychrometrics
3.7 Wind velocity. (speed and direction) Wind velocity and
direction shall be measured with a meteorological type
anemometer and wind vane, preferably with remote reading and
recording. Rotating cup anemometers with separate wind
direction vane or combination self-aligning propeller and
direction vane devices are readily available and acceptable.
3.7.1 Measurements shall be made in an open and
unobstructed location, upwind of the tower and beyond
the influence of the inlet air approach velocity or any
influencing obstructions. Care shall be taken to assure
-7-
recorded wind speed and direction are representative of
wind conditions affecting the tower.
3.7.2 Placement of the wind measurement device shall be
subject to mutual agreement by all parties to the test.
Wind direction shall be recorded in compass degrees with
the tower orientation and reference North clearly
indicated.
3.7.3 For towers with an overall height of 6 m (20 ft) or
less, wind velocity shall be measured 1.5 m (5 ft) above
curb elevation, at a point within 15 m (50 ft) to 30 m (100
ft) of the tower.
3.7.4 For towers where the distance between the curb and
exhaust elevations exceed 6 m (20 ft), the wind velocity
shall be measured at an elevation above the curb level
approximately one-half the difference between the curb
and exhaust elevations and at a point at least 30 m (100
ft) from the tower.
3.8 Fan driver power. Fan power shall be measured as the
power input to the motor or other contractual guarantee point.
3.8.1 In the case of electric motors, power input shall be
determined by measurement of the voltage, current, and
power factor, or by direct measurement of the kilowatt
input.
3.8.2 If motor input power is not directly measured at the
motor, then a line loss correction shall be made, unless
agreed upon by all parties.
3.8.3 If the performance guarantee is based on the motor
or the driver output, efficiencies stated by the
manufacturer of the motor or the driver may be used.
3.9 Water analysis. A sample of the circulating water shall be
taken during the test. If there are any questions concerning the
condition of the circulating water, the sample shall be analyzed
by a reputable testing laboratory to determine conformance with
Section 2.4.5 of this test procedure.
3.10 Atmospheric pressure. The atmospheric pressure
measurement is required to calculate the relative humidity of the
air using the wet and dry bulb temperatures measurements. The
atmospheric pressure shall be taken on site using a mercury
barometer or any other manual or remote barometer with the
required accuracy. The barometer shall return the local
atmospheric pressure and not one adjusted to sea level.
3.11 Other Measurements. Any other measurements which may
affect the plume performance of the cooling tower shall be
recorded. For example, the inlet and exit water or steam
temperatures, inlet and exit steam pressures, and the flow rate
through the heat exchanger of a wet-dry plume abatement
cooling tower using an external source of energy.
4.0 REPORT OF RESULTS
4.1 Scope. The report of test results shall include following
information:
a) Name and function of all individuals witnessing or
participating in the test.
 b) Description of the cooling tower with its orientation and
principal dimensions.
c) Guaranteed plume design point with reference to the
level of plume abatement testing required and guaranteed
thermal plume abatement design point (if required) with the
reference numbers of all the corresponding guarantee curves
(Plume Abatement, Thermal) as supplied by the
manufacturer,
d) Sketch of the installation showing the location of points
where water flow, temperatures, and other measurements
were taken. Notation shall be made of any buildings,
obstructions, or other equipment in the immediate vicinity
of the tower tested. Notation shall also be made of other
equipment or facilities discharging heat or vapor in the
immediate vicinity.
e) Calibration check or certification of the instruments used
for the test.
f) All data recorded during the test required by this test
procedure. Notation shall also be made of the weather
conditions during the test and any external incident which
may affect the thermal or the plume performance of the
cooling tower.
g) Evaluation of the thermal test by the performance curve
method as defined by the CTI ATC-105 thermal testing
code.(If required)
h) Evaluation of the plume performance as defined in Part II
of this test procedure.
i) Manufacturer’s plume characteristic curves.
4.2 Test forms. The test observations shall be entered on a log
sheet and authenticated by signatures of the representatives from
the manufacturer, the purchaser and the CTI representative.
4.3 Distribution. Upon completion of the test, one copy of the
log sheet (or equivalent) becomes the property of the purchaser,
one copy becomes the property of the manufacturer and the
original becomes the property of the CTI representative. A single
summary sheet listing all important data and tower performance
-8-
shall be prepared by the CTI representative, who shall mail
copies to the purchaser and the manufacturer within 20 days
following the test.
4.4 Security. Information on any test will be available only to
the purchaser, the manufacturer and the CTI representative. Such
information will not be accessible to CTI members.
4.5 Limitations. Adherence to the limits of wet-bulb
temperature, dry-bulb temperature, cooling range, circulating
flow(s), heat load on the dry section (when applicable), air flow
control devices position (when applicable), fan driver power and
wind velocity imposed by this procedure will yield results with
accuracy commensurate with the stability of the test conditions
and the accuracy of the instruments specified for measurements.
When used for test conditions outside the limits described, errors
may result due to the following considerations:
4.5.1 The effects of wide deviations from design in the
following variables may not be adequately described by the
equations and/or graphs used for adjustment of the test data:
a) Water circulation rate
b) Water temperatures
c) Air flow rate
d) Air inlet or up-wind temperatures
e) Power at driver
f) Heat load on the dry section (when applicable)
g) Air flow control device’s position (when applicable)
4.5.2 Strong and/or gusting winds are likely to result in
cooling tower malperformance, and may have significant
adverse impact on test measurements and safety.
4.5.3 Poor air and/or water distribution will result in
malperformance
4.5.4 For evaluation of performance (Tower capability and
plume performance), the accuracy of the results will depend
on the accuracy of the curves and/or equations supplied.
 PART II
EVALUATION OF THE RESULTS
5.0 EVALUATION OF THE RESULTS
5.1 Scope and purpose. This part of the procedure outlines a
method for evaluation of the plume performance of a wet-dry
cooling tower from test data, using a set of plume
characteristic performance curves supplied by the tower
manufacturer.
5.1.1 If the performance test concerns a design referring
to Level 1 plume abatement, the results will be expressed
in terms of “Tower Plume Indicator”, ratio between
guarantee and measured plume relative humidity. (Section
6)
5.1.2 If the performance test concerns a design referring
to Level 2 plume abatement, the results will be expressed
in terms of
1. “Tower Plume Indicator”, ratio between guarantee and
measured plume relative humidity. (Section 6)
2. Mixing quality coefficient. (Section 7)
5.1.3 If the level of plume abatement is not specified in
the contractual agreement between the purchaser and the
manufacturer, the test will be conducted referring to the
Level 2 procedure.
5.1.4 If a thermal test is required, the thermal evaluation
in terms of tower capability shall be made in accordance
with the CTI ATC-105 Part II (latest edition), using the
performance curve method.
5.2 Manufacturer’s data. The tower manufacturer shall
submit a family of plume characteristic performance curves
which correctly relates the pertinent performance variables.
5.3 Reducing data recorded. (Calculation of averages)
Performance curves shall consist of 9 sets of curves. These sets
shall apply to 80 %, 100 % and 120 % of design range for each
of 90 %, 100 %, and 110 % of the design water flow. Each set
shall consist of four or more relative humidity curves. The full
set of curves are arranged to show the effects of air
temperatures (wet-bulb and humidity or dry-bulb and
humidity), cooling range and water flow rate on the plume
performance.
The plume characteristic performance curves may have two
different presentation formats: “Exhaust air characteristics
curves” or “Maximum plume humidity curves”. The test
evaluation must be adapted to the format of the curves
supplied by the manufacturers. Section 6.1 describes the
“Exhaust air characteristics curves” method and Section 6.2
describes the “Maximum plume humidity curves” method.
Both methods give the same result in terms of fulfillment of
plume performance.
5.2.1 Exhaust air characteristics curves. (Example given
in section 10)
5.2.1.1 Each set shall be presented as a plot of exhaust
air temperatures (wet bulb and dry-bulb) as ordinate
-9-
versus inlet air wet-bulb temperature as abscissa. One
curve gives the exhaust wet-bulb temperature, and a set
of curves using the inlet air relative humidity as
parameter, gives the exhaust dry-bulb temperature.
5.2.1.2 Graphical scaling shall be incremented so as to
provide accurate readings on the curves. The minimum
recommended value is 0.2 C per millimeter (10°F per
inch) for the temperatures. The increment of the inlet
air relative humidity must be 20% or less to get
minimum 4 humidity curves (100%, 80%, 60%, 40%).
5.2.2 Maximum plume humidity curves (Example given
section 12)
5.2.2.1 Each set shall be presented as a plot of air
maximum plume relative humidity during the dilution
process as ordinate versus inlet air wet-bulb or dry-bulb
temperature as abscissa. The set of curves uses the inlet
air relative humidity as parameter.
5.2.2.2 Graphical scaling shall be incremented so as to
provide accurate readings on the curves. The minimum
recommended value is 0.2 C per millimeter (10°F per
inch) for the temperatures (abscissa) and 0.5% relative
humidity per millimeter (12.5% Rh /inch) for the
maximum plume relative humidity (Ordinate). The
increment of the inlet air relative humidity must be 20
% or less to get minimum 4 humidity curves (100%,
80%, 60%, 40%).
5.2.2.3 Both types of curves shall be based on constant
fan pitch angle.
5.3.1 Circulating water flow measurements (Q W ). Refer to
CTI ATC-105
5.3.2 Water temperature measurements.
5.3.2.1 Hot water temperature (T HW ): The average hot
water temperature is the arithmetic average during the
test period of all the hot water temperature
measurements concerning the selected cell(s) or, if not
applicable, concerning the whole cooling tower.
5.3.2.2 Cold water temperature (T CW ): The average
cold water temperature is the arithmetic average during
the test period (corrected with the thermal lag, if
applicable) of all the cold water temperature
measurements concerning the selected cell(s) or, if not
applicable, concerning the whole cooling tower.
If applicable, the following corrections shall be made on
the average cold water temperature:
a) Heat added by the pump (See Appendix I of CTI
ATC-105 as a guideline)
b) Make-up and blow-down:
T CW = ( Q W * T CWm + Q wbd * T bd - Q wmu * T mu )/( Q W + Q wbd -
Q wmu )
T CW = Cold water temperature corrected
QW = Circulating water flow measured
T CWm = Cold water temperature measured
Q wbd = Blow-down flow
T bd = Blow-down temperature
Q wmu = Make-up flow
T mu = Make-up temperature
5.3.2.3 Range. (R) The cooling range is the difference
between the hot and the cold water temperature.
R = T HW - T CW
5.3.3 Air dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperature, Relative
Humidities.
5.3.3.1 Air inlet temperatures. (T WBi ,T DBi ) The average
air inlet wet-bulb and dry-bulb temperatures are the
arithmetic average during the test period of the local
measurements made on all air inlet faces of the selected
cell(s). The relative humidity of the inlet air (Rh mi ) will
be calculated from the air inlet wet bulb, dry bulb
temperatures and the atmospheric pressure, (P Bm ) using
the psychrometric data or software in CTI ATC-105.
5.3.3.2 Up-wind air temperatures. (T WBu , T DBu ) The
average up-wind air wet-bulb and dry bulb temperatures
are the arithmetic average during the test period of
measurements made on the up-wind side of the selected
cell(s). The relative humidity of the up-wind air will be
calculated from the air up-wind wet bulb, dry bulb
temperatures and the atmospheric pressure, (P Bm ) using
the psychrometric data or software in CTI ATC-105.
5.3.3.3 Exhaust air temperatures. (T WBe , T DBe ) The
average dry-bulb temperature, wet-bulb temperatures
and relative humidity of the exhaust air of the selected
cell(s) of the cooling tower shall be calculated from the
average enthalpy and the average humidity ratio of the
exhaust air, using psychrometric data or software (by
iteration) from CTI ATC-105. From each set of local
exhaust air measurements (wet and dry bulb
temperature) and the site barometric pressure, the
enthalpy and the humidity ratio shall be calculated
using psychrometric data or algorithms equivalent to
those included in CTI ATC-105. The average enthalpy
and the average humidity ratio are the average of the
local enthalpies and humidity ratios at each of the
sample locations, weighted by the local air mass flow
measured at the same points. (See example at section
10) Negative (toward the fan hub) velocities may occur
for interior points at the fan exhaust. If this occurs, the
wet bulb and dry bulb values for these points shall not
be included in the average.
5.3.3.3.1 The dry bulb temperature at each of the
measurement locations at the exit plane should exceed
the wet bulb temperature at the same location by at
-10-
least 0.1 F. This is necessary because when the wet
and dry bulb temperatures are equal the possibility of
an oversaturation condition exists. In this case, the
psychrometric state of the air is undefined and
indeterminate. If such conditions occur, the test may
by mutual agreement be delayed until warmer ambient
conditions prevent this condition. For plume
compliance testing it is a disadvantage to be too close
to the design point, as the exit conditions may not be
measurable. No more than 10% of the measurement
location averages can be at saturation for a valid test.
For most locations, conditions with higher dry bulb
also tend to have lower relative humidity, so that
warmer conditions reduce this issue.
5.3.4 Other data. All other data recorded, as described in
Section 3.11 shall be averaged.
6.0 EVALUATION OF THE PLUME PERFORMANCE
6.1 Evaluation using the “Exhaust air characteristics
curves” The plume performance is evaluated in term of
“Tower Plume Indicator” by the ratio between the “Equivalent
guarantee relative humidity” (calculated from the guarantee
exhaust air wet-bulb and dry-bulb temperatures read on the
manufacturer plume performance curves for the test
conditions) and the “measured relative humidity of the exit
air”.
6.1.1 Correction of the relative humidities to chart
barometric pressure. As the barometric pressure is not
necessarily the same as the barometric pressure of the
psychrometric chart, a correction has to be calculated to
refer to the chart barometric pressure. This correction will
be applied to the inlet, up-wind and exhaust air relative
humidities, calculated as Section 5.3.3.
R hc = R h * (P diag /P m )
R hc = Corrected relative humidity (Inlet, Up-wind or Exhaust)
R h = Measured relative humidity (Inlet, Up-wind or Exhaust)
P diag = atmospheric pressure of the psychrometric diagram
(generally 1013.3 mbar, 29.92 “hg, 14.697 PSI)
P m = atmospheric pressure at the test.
6.1.2 Drawing of the “Measured plume dilution line”. On
the psychrometric diagram :
6.1.2.1 Locate the point representing the up-wind air
properties using the up-wind dry-bulb temperature and
the up-wind relative humidity. (Corrected as 6.1.1)
6.1.2.2 Locate the point representing the exhaust air
properties using the exhaust dry-bulb temperature and
the exhaust relative humidity. (Corrected as 6.1.1)
6.1.2.3 Draw the straight line between these two points.
This line is the “Measured plume dilution line”.
6.1.3 Calculation of the guarantee relative humidity. On
the manufacturer’s guarantee curves, the “guaranteed”
exhaust wet-bulb and dry-bulb temperatures are read,
using linear interpolation between the curves and the set

-11-
 of curves, for the test conditions (Flow, range, inlet wet-
bulb temperature, corrected inlet relative humidity). The
“guaranteed” relative humidity of the exhaust air is then
calculated from these values at the standard barometric
pressure (the one used for the psychrometric chart), using
the psychrometric data or software in CTI ATC-105.
6.1.4 Drawing of the “Guaranteed plume dilution line”.
On the psychrometric diagram:
6.1.4.1 Locate the point representing the up-wind air
properties using the up-wind dry-bulb temperature and
the up-wind relative humidity. (Corrected as 6.1.1)
6.1.4.2 Locate the point representing the guarantee
exhaust air properties using the guaranteed
exhaust dry-bulb temperature and the exhaust relative
humidity. (Calculated as 6.1.3)
6.1.4.3 Draw a straight line between these two points.
This line is the “Guaranteed plume dilution line”.
6.1.5 Equivalent guaranteed exhaust air relative humidity.
The relative location of the two dilution lines on the
psychrometric chart (“Measured” and “Guaranteed”)
shows whether the plume performance is fulfilled. If the
“Measured dilution line” is below (low humidity side) the
“Guarantee dilution line”, the plume performance is
fulfilled. To quantify the performance, the “Tower Plume
Indicator” must be calculated. The guarantee exhaust air
relative humidity must be transferred to an equivalent one
at the same enthalpy as the test. The procedure is:
6.1.5.1 Draw the enthalpy line passing at the point
representing the measured exhaust air conditions
6.1.5.2 Read the “Equivalent guaranteed relative
humidity” at the crossing point between the
“Guaranteed dilution line” (6.1.4) and the subject
enthalpy line.
6.1.6 Calculation of the “Tower Plume Indicator”. The
ratio, expressed in %, between the “Equivalent guarantee
exhaust air relative humidity” (R hgc as 6.1.5) and the
“Measured exhaust air relative humidity” (Rh m as 6.1.1)
is the “Tower Plume Indicator”
TPI = 100 * R hgc / Rh m
TPI must ≥ 100 %
If the “Tower Plume Indicator” is larger than 100%, the
plume performance is fulfilled.
6.2 Evaluation using the “Maximum plume humidity
curves”. The plume performance is evaluated in term of
“Tower Plume Indicator” by the ratio between the “Guaranteed
maximum relative humidity during the dilution process” (read
from the manufacturer’s plume performance curves for the test
conditions) and the “Measured maximum relative humidity of
the exhaust air during the dilution process in the atmosphere”
6.2.1 Correction of the test relative humidities to chart
barometric pressure. As the test barometric pressure is not
necessarily the same as the barometric pressure of the
psychrometric chart, a correction is to be calculated to
-12-
refer to the chart barometric pressure. This correction will
be applied to the inlet, up-wind and exhaust air relative
humidities, calculated as Section 5.3.3.
R hc = R h * (P diag /P m )
R hc = Corrected relative humidity (Inlet, Up-wind or Exhaust)
R h = Measured relative humidity (Inlet, Up-wind or Exhaust)
P diag = atmospheric pressure of the psychrometric diagram
(generally 1013 mbar. 29.92 In Hg, 14.697 psi)
P m = atmospheric pressure at the test.
6.2.2 Drawing of the “Measured plume dilution line”. On
the psychrometric diagram:
6.2.2.1 Locate the point representing the up-wind air
properties using the up-wind dry-bulb temperature and
the up-wind relative humidity. (Corrected as 6.2.1)
6.2.2.2 Locate the point representing the exhaust air
properties using the exhaust dry-bulb temperature and
the exhaust relative humidity. (Corrected as 6.2.1)
6.2.2.3 Draw a straight line between these two points.
This line is the “Measured plume dilution line”.
6.2.3 Calculation of the measured maximum relative
humidity during the dilution process. On the
psychrometric diagram, locate on the “Measured dilution
line” the point corresponding to the highest relative
humidity. This point is the “Measured maximum relative
humidity during the dilution process”
6.2.4 Calculation of the “Guaranteed maximum plume
humidity”. On the manufacturer’s guarantee curves, the
guaranteed maximum plume humidity is calculated using
linear interpolation between the curves or the set of
curves, for the test conditions. (Flow, range, inlet air wet-
bulb or dry- bulb temperatures, inlet relative humidity)
6.2.5 Calculation of the “Tower Plume Indicator”
The ratio, expressed in %, between the “Guarantee
maximum plume humidity” (R hmx as 6.2.4) and the
“Measured maximum relative humidity during the dilution
process” (Rh m as 6.2.3) is the “Tower Plume Indicator”
TPI = 100 * R hmx / Rh m
TPI must ≥ 100 %
If the “Tower Plume Indicator” is larger than 100%, the
plume performance is fulfilled.
6.3 Comparison between the two evaluation methods.
6.3.1 Comparison of the absolute values. The value of the
“Tower Plume Indicator” evaluated using the “Exhaust air
characteristics ” method is not the same figure as the value
evaluated using the “Maximum plume humidity” method,
but both figures are proportional one to the other. The
“Maximum plume humidity” method always returns a
figure closer to 100% than does the “Exhaust air
characteristics” method. Nevertheless, in term of plume
performance, the result is the same as both evaluations
always return values lower, equal or above 100%.
 6.3.2 Calculation of “Tower Plume Indicator” from one
method to the other.
6.3.2.1 From “Maximum plume humidity “ to “ Exhaust
air characteristics”
On the psychrometric diagram :
6.3.2.1.1 Draw the straight line between the measured
up-wind air conditions and tangent to the guarantee
maximum plume humidity curve. (Curve of the
maximum plume humidity calculated 6.2.4). This
straight line is the “guaranteed dilution line “ as
defined in 6.1.4.
6.3.2.1.2 Calculate the correction of the guaranteed
relative humidity as 6.1.5 and the Tower Plume
Indicator as 6.1.6.
6.3.2.2 From “ Exhaust air characteristics” to
“Maximum plume humidity”
On the psychrometric diagram
6.3.2.2.1 Locate on the “measured “ dilution line
(6.1.2) the point corresponding to the maximum
plume humidity. This point is the measured maximum
plume humidity as defined
6.3.2.2.2 Locate on the “guaranteed” dilution line
(6.1.4) the point corresponding to the maximum
plume humidity. This point is the “maximum
guaranteed plume humidity as defined
6.3.2.2.3 Calculate the Tower Plume Indicator per
6.2.5.
7.0 EVALUATION OF THE AIR MIXING QUALITY
This evaluation must be done only when the guarantee
specifies Level 2 plume abatement.
For Level 2 plume abatement, the quality of the air mixing
shall be verified. The principle is to check that all exhaust air
measured points are within an acceptable variation from the
average point. (This variation is called "Scattering criteria")
7.1 Scattering Criteria Evaluation - CASE 1. If all the points
are within an acceptable variation, then the mixing quality is
fulfilled.
7.2 Scattering Criteria Evaluation - CASE 2. If some points
exceed the acceptable variation, but the air flow associated
with these points is small (Called maximum air flow criteria),
the plume will disappear very quickly above the fan stack, and
the mixing quality is also fulfilled.
7.3 Scattering Criteria Evaluation - CASE 3. If some points
exceed the acceptable variation, but the air flow associated
with these points is large, the plume will not disappear quickly
above the fan stack, and the mixing quality is not fulfilled.
7.4 Scattering criteria.
7.4.1 Calculation of the maximum limit of the exhaust air
relative humidity. Tests on models and on actual cooling
towers show that a scattering from 1.2 to 0.8 times the
average value of the exit air relative humidity is normal
and acceptable when mixing wet and dry air. This means
-13-
that the maximum "Measured relative humidity"
(corrected to the chart barometric pressure as described in
Section 6.1.1 or 6.2.1) in the fan exhaust area must be less
than or equal to the average multiplied by 1.2
Rh Max = Rh m * 1.2
Rh Max = Maximum permissible exhaust air relative humidity (%)
Rh m = Corrected measured average relative
humidity (%)
(Calculated per Section 6.1.1 or 6.2.1)
7.4.2 Criteria calculation
0n the psychrometric diagram:
7.4.2.1 Draw the enthalpy line passing through the
point representing the average measured exhaust air
properties.
7.4.2.2 Locate on this enthalpy line the point
corresponding to the allowed maximum permissible
exhaust air relative humidity (Rh Max )
7.4.2.3 Draw a straight line between the point just
plotted and the point representing the up-wind air
properties. This line is the "maximum dilution line"
Mark any individual measured air exhaust point that
is above the “Maximum dilution line”
7.5 Maximum air flow criteria.
If the measured relative humidity at some points is above the
normal scatter, these particular points must be marked, and the
associated air flow calculated. If the air flow associated with
these points doesn't exceed 15% of the total air flow of the
cooling tower, then the mixing quality is still acceptable and
fulfilled.
7.6 Mixing quality coefficient.
The mixing quality coefficient can be calculated from the
above marked and recorded air flow.
M Q = ( 1 - SUM ( v vi ) / SUM ( v v ) ) * 100
M Q = Mixing quality percentage
v vi = Marked exhaust local air flows (air velocity)
v v = Local exhaust air flows (air velocity)
M Q must be  85 %
The air mixing quality is fulfilled if the mixing quality
coefficient is equal to or greater than 85%.
8.0 COMPLIANCE
The fulfillment of the plume performance guarantee implies,
following the contractual agreement, that
Case 1: Thermal and Level 2 plume abatement guarantees
1. The thermal guarantee is fulfilled by testing per CTI
ATC-105
2. The “Tower plume indicator” is greater or equal to 100%
3. The mixing quality coefficient is greater or equal to 85 %.
Case 2: Thermal and Level 1 plume abatement guarantees
1. The thermal guarantee is fulfilled by testing per CTI ATC-
105

-14-
2. The “Tower plume indicator” is greater or equal to 100% 2. The mixing quality coefficient is greater or equal to 85 %.
Case 3: Level 2 plume abatement guarantee only. Case 4: Level 1 plume abatement guarantee only.
1. The “Tower plume indicator” is greater or equal to 100% 1. The “Tower plume indicator” is greater or equal to 100%

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 PART III
EXAMPLE OF CALCULATION
9.0 DESIGN AND TEST CONDITIONS

Design Test
Water flow 1100 1100 l/s
Hot water : T HW 25.0 24.5 °C
Cold water : T CW 15.0 14.5 °C
Cooling range : R 10.0 10.0 °K
Up-wind dry bulb : T DBu 5.0 7.0 °C
Up-wind wet bulb : T WBu 4.3 3.4 °C
Up-wind relative humidity: Rh u 90 53.5 %
Inlet dry bulb : T DBi 5.0 7.1 °C
Inlet wet bulb: T WBi 4.3 3.6 °C
Inlet relative humidity; Rh i 90 54.9 %

Barometric pr.:P B /P Bm 101.3 100.6 kPa

Level 2 Plume Abatement YES

Exhaust air measurements Air characteristics Average WB, DB Calculation

Pts. l WB DB Vel Enthal. Hu.rat. Spe.Vol Mass Ent.*Mass Hu.*Mass

°C °C m/s KJ/kg kg/kg m³/kg kg/s.m²

W1 17.7 18.9 3.4 => 50.2991 0.01234 0.84988 => 4.00 201.22 0.0494
W2 17.7 19.4 15.1 => 50.2867 0.01213 0.85106 => 17.74 892.22 0.2152
W3 17.2 19.6 16.4 => 48.7255 0.01144 0.85070 => 19.28 939.34 0.2205
W4 16.1 20.4 14.8 => 45.3929 0.00980 0.85082 => 17.39 789.61 0.1705
W5 16.7 20.6 6.7 => 47.1776 0.01042 0.85224 => 7.86 370.89 0.0819

X1 17.2 18.4 4.5 => 48.7541 0.01193 0.84788 => 5.31 258.76 0.0633
X2 17.0 18.8 14.6 => 48.1305 0.01153 0.84850 => 17.21 828.17 0.1984
X3 17.1 20.2 16.7 => 48.4039 0.01107 0.85195 => 19.60 948.82 0.2170
X4 16.3 20.9 15.4 => 45.9734 0.00983 0.85231 => 18.07 830.67 0.1776
X5 16.6 20.3 7.8 => 46.8832 0.01043 0.85138 => 9.16 429.52 0.0956

Y1 16.4 16.9 5.1 => 46.3605 0.01160 0.84307 => 6.05 280.45 0.0702
Y2 16.1 17.4 13.9 => 45.4584 0.01104 0.84378 => 16.47 748.86 0.1819
Y3 15.5 17.2 15.7 => 43.7124 0.01043 0.84239 => 18.64 814.69 0.1944
Y4 15.2 17.7 15.2 => 42.8426 0.00988 0.84311 => 18.03 772.39 0.1781
Y5 14.9 18.4 8.2 => 41.9794 0.00926 0.84430 => 9.71 407.71 0.0899

Z1 16.6 17.1 3.8 => 46.9560 0.01175 0.84386 => 4.50 211.45 0.0529
Z2 16.3 17.5 12.9 => 46.0488 0.01123 0.84433 => 15.28 703.55 0.1716
Z3 15.9 17.6 14.9 => 44.8660 0.01072 0.84394 => 17.66 792.12 0.1893
Z4 15.9 18.6 15.4 => 44.8445 0.01031 0.84629 => 18.20 816.04 0.1876
Z5 15.3 19.2 7.2 => 43.0973 0.00938 0.84678 => 8.50 366.45 0.0798

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 Sum 268.66 12402.93 2.8850
Weighted average 46.1656 0.01074 <=
WB DB Vel
Aver. 16.35 18.84 11.4 <=

Exhaust dry bulb : T DBe 18.84 °C

Exhaust wet bulb: T WBe 16.35 °C
Exhaust relative humidity; Rh e 78.09 %

Correction of the relative humidity by barometric pressure (As 6.1.1 or 6.2.1)

Corr. Up-wind air rel. hum.: Rh uc =53.5 *101.3/100.6 = 53.87 %

Corr. Inlet air rel. hum.: Rh ic = 54.9*101.3/100.6 = 55.28 %
Corr. Exhaust air rel. hum.: Rh ie = 78.09*101.3/100.6 = 78.63 %

10.0 PLUME ABATEMENT GUARANTEE CURVE

( Exhaust air characteristics curves)

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 11.0 Test interpretation
( Exhaust air characteristics curves)

11.1 Draw the “Measured plume dilution line” (As 6.1.2)

On the psychrometric diagram,
Up-wind air conditions : DB= 7.0 °C Rh = 53.87 %
Exit air conditions: DB= 18.84 °C Rh = 78.63 %
Draw the straight line between these two points
11.2 Calculation of the guarantee relative humidity (As 6.1.3)
On the performance curves
Water flow = 1100 l/s
Range = 10 °C
Inlet wet bulb = 3.6 °C
Inlet relative humidity (graph conditions) = 55. 28 %

By interpolation between the inlet humidity curves

Guarantee exhaust air wet bulb = 15.7 °C
Guarantee exhaust air dry bulb = 17.5 °C
Barometric pressure 101.3 kPa
- > Guarantee exit air humidity = 83.35 %
11.3 Draw the “Guarantee plume dilution line “ (As 6.1.4)
On the psychrometric diagram
Locate up-wind air conditions DB = 7.0 °C Rh = 53.87 %
Exhaust air conditions: DB = 17.5 °C Rh = 83.35 %
Draw the straight line between these two points
11.4 Calculation of the “Equivalent guarantee exhaust air relative humidity” (As 6.1.5)
On the psychrometric diagram :
Draw the line from “measured point”, parallel to the enthalpy line
The cross point between the above line and the “guarantee dilution line” correspond to 83.6% humidity.
11.5 Tower Plume indicator. (As 6.1.6)
Measured relative humidity = 78.4 %
Equivalent guarantee relative humidity = 83.6 %
TOWER PLUME INDICATOR = 100 * 83.6 / 78.4 = 106.6 %

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 12.0 PLUME ABATEMENT GUARANTEE CURVE
( Maximum plume humidity curves)

Wet Dry Plume Abatement performance curve.

Maximum plume humidity during the dilution process.

Maximum plume humidity (%)

Inlet air
110
relative

humidity.

100 %
100

80 %
90

60 %
80

40 %

Design point
20 %
70 WB= 4.3 øC
DB= 5.0 øC
Rh= 90.0 %
PB= 101.3 Kpa

60
-2 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16

Inlet air dry bulb temperature. (øC)

Parallel air circuit. Waterflow = 1100 l/s

Full flow in the dry section
Air shutters fully open
Range = 10øC

13.0 Interpretation following the “Maximum plume humidity curves” method

13.1 Draw the “Measured plume dilution line” (As 6.2.2)
On the psychrometric diagram,
Locate up-wind air conditions : DB = 7.0°C Rh = 53. 87 %
Locate exhaust air conditions : DB = 18.84 °C Rh = 78. 63%
Draw the straight line between these two points
13.2 Calculation of the maximum plume humidity (Measured point) (As 6.2.3)
On the psychrometric diagram, we observe that the measured dilution line is tangent to the relative humidity curve corresponding to
78.7 %
13.3 Calculation of the guarantee maximum plume humidity . (As 6.2.4)
On the performance curve :
Water flow = 1100 l/S
Range = 10°C
Inlet dry bulb = 7.1 °C
Inlet relative humidity = 55. 28 %
We read, by interpolation between the relative humidities,
Guarantee maximum plume humidity = 83.7 %
13.4 Tower Plume indicator. (As 6.2.5)

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 Measured maximum plume humidity = 78.7 %
Guarantee maximum plume humidity = 83.7 %
TOWER PLUME INDICATOR = 100 * 83.7 / 78.7 = 106.4 %
14.0 Evaluation of the air mixing quality
Level 2 plume abatement
Maximum limit of the exhaust air relative humidity = 78.4 * 1.2 = 94.1 %
On the psychrometric diagram:
Locate the point on the enthalpy line passing at the measured point and corresponding to 94.1 %
Draw the straight line between above point and the point representing the up-wind air conditions. (Maximum limit of
the dilution line)
The measured points named Y1 and Z1 are located “above” the maximum limit of
the dilution line. These points are marked “Yes” in the table.
The air velocity corresponding to these points are : Y1 V = 5.1 m/s
Z1 V = 3.8 m/s
Sum of the concerned points = 8.9 m/s
Sum of all the air velocities = 227.7 m/s
Mixing quality : MQ = (1 - 8.9/227.7) * 100 = 96.1 %
The Mixing quality coefficient is higher than 85 %.
The mixing quality criteria is fulfilled.

Appendix: Selection of the design point; Examples of fogging frequency curve

Wet-dry cooling tower. Selection of design point.

100

90

80
Night
Air relaive humidity (%)

70 Morning
Afternoon
60 Wet
Wet-dry 1
50 Wet-dry 2
Wet-dry 3
40

30

20
-15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
Air dry bulb tem perature (°C)

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On the above graph, the year meteorological statistics of air statistical plume occurrence corresponding the several designs.
relative humidity versus air dry bulb temperature are plotted in
Any time Only daylight time
three categories : night, morning and afternoon.
Wet design 95.2 % 92.7 %
Four “Fogging frequency curves” are superposed on the same Wet-dry 1 66.5 % 54.9 %
graph. These “Fogging frequency curves” correspond to the Wet-dry 2 19.9 % 14.9 % Typical Selection
same “summer” thermal design and the same structural design Wet-dry 3 0% 0%
for the wet section (same amount of fill, same fan power). For
such design, any weather condition located below the fogging For example, with the design “Wet-dry 2” of this cooling
frequency curve gives a non visible plume. In contrary, any tower, the probability to have visible plume during daylight is
weather condition located above the fogging frequency curve 14.9 %.
will return a visible plume. Any points of a given fogging frequency curve can be taken as
The curve (named “Wet”, located bottom - right) correspond the design point.
to the wet thermal design, without any dry section in operation. As example, using the fogging frequency curve “Wet-dry 2”,
For example, at a dry-bulb 25°C, such a cooling tower will the design point DB = -5 °C with Humidity = 60 % will return
have a visible plume if the humidity is higher than 53%. exactly the same wet-dry cooling tower as the design point DB
The three other curves (named “Wet-dry 1 to 3) correspond to = 5°C with Humidity = 90 % or design point DB = 15°C with
three different designs of the dry section. The size of the Humidity = 99%. For this particular case, it is recommended to
bundles of the design cases “Wet-dry 3” and “Wet-dry 2” are select the design point around 5°C / 90%. The -5°C / 60%
respectively 6 times and 3 times bigger than the design of case point is too far from the allowed testing window and outside of
“Wet-dry 1” statistically common weather conditions. The 15°C / 99%
point corresponds to the flat part of the fogging frequency
The following table returns the proportion of the recorded
curve; meaning that a few percent variation in the humidity
weather conditions located above the fogging frequency curves
will have a large effect on the design.
(Weather condition with visible plume). This value is the

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 COOLING TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE
P.O. Box 73383 Houston, Texas 77273 281.583. 4087 FAX 281.537.1721
Printed in U.S.A.

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