Abstract: An improved structure of cooling tower includes a fan housing with a fan disposed therein, induction openings distributed on the fan housing and located below the fan, and a diffuser stack disposed at one end surface of the fan housing. In operation, cold air is drawn into the cooling tower by the fan through inlet openings of the cooling tower so as to exchange heat with the condensing water within a water chiller. When warm and wet air is drawn out of the cooling tower and the warm and wet air outside the cooling tower is induced in through the induction openings and then is drawn out, circulation reflux of warm and wet air, which tends to occur in conventional cooling towers, can be avoided and therefore increase the efficiency of the water chiller.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a direct methanol fuel cell system. More particularly, the present invention provides a water controller system constructed such that water generated from a cathode of the direct methanol fuel cell system and carbon dioxide and an unreacted methanol solution generated from an anode of the direct methanol fuel cell system are introduced into the water controller system, the carbon dioxide is discharged out of the water controller system, and the methanol solution is circulated to the corresponding electrode so as to reuse the methanol solution, and a fuel cell system including the water controller system. The water controller system for fuel cells according to the present invention has the effects of reusing water and an unreacted methanol solution discharged from the fuel cell, minimizing the amount of methanol evaporated and discharged, and accurately controlling the water level of the water controller.

Abstract: A divided wall exchange column includes a dividing wall strengthened by stiffening members and/or a double wall design to better withstand pressure differentials and minimize temperature differentials. When a double wall is used, cost of manufacture and installation is minimized by reducing the manufacturing tolerances required while providing a design robust in construction, installation, and operation. When structured packing is used, the stiffening members, combined with positioning the layers of packing at preferred angles relative to the dividing wall, result in minimal interference with the heat and/or mass transfer process while minimizing the complexity of manufacture and construction of the packing. Further, by positioning the top layer of structured packing at other preferred angles relative to the dividing wall, a simplified liquid distributor design may be used in the divided wall exchange column while the layers below may still be orientated as described above with all the associated benefits.

Abstract: A device for dissolving a gas in a liquid. The device comprises a pressure vessel or column for receiving a gas-entrained liquid via an inlet and for injecting the gas-entrained liquid via a riser into a headspace of the vessel. A flow director is disposed in an upper portion of the vessel or column to form a swirling flow path extending into a liquid pool in a lower portion of the vessel or column. An outlet is provided to direct the liquid away from the vessel or column.

Abstract: A system for evaporating excess water from a source includes a housing having: an air inlet, the air inlet directing air in a first direction; an air outlet; a plurality of channels arranged generally perpendicular to the first direction, the channels having undulations; and a water reservoir that feeds water into the channels. In some embodiments, baffles are created with walls that depend from the ceiling of the housing and that are interdigitated with dividers that separate the channels. This configuration can remove water generated by the source (such as an external compressor unit) in a quick and efficient manner.

Abstract: In an upflow reactor for reacting heavy hydrocarbons with hydrogen gas in a liquefied catalyst slurry, that mixture is recirculated down through a downcomer having an upper degassing section which includes a frusto-conical upper surface. The mixture is caused to flow along that surface in a downward helical path, such that heavier components are centrifugally urged outwardly, and lighter components, e.g., gas, migrate inwardly. The gas bubbles can thus coalesce such that small bubbles become bigger bubbles having a greater tendency to rise out of the downcomer. Baffles placed on the upper surface can maximize the residence time of the mixture in the degassing section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid distributor for a material and heat exchange column, comprising a series of adjacent parallel vertical walls (11) which define alternate gas and liquid volumes, whereby some of the vertical walls are separated by horizontal bottom walls, provided with a line of holes and at least one section of each vertical wall is provided with a line of openings (12, 12A), formed in the upper part of the vertical wall and whereby first openings (12) have a first length towards the horizontal wall and second openings (12A) have a second length towards the horizontal wall, the second length being greater than the first.

Abstract: The invention relates to a distribution device (1) for distributing liquid over an underlying catalyst bed comprising a horizontal collection tray (2) provided with at least one gas chimney (3) for upward or downward passage of gas and with liquid dosing nozzles (4) for downward passage of liquid, wherein the gas chimney(s) (3) and liquid doing nozzles (4) are separate from each other and do not have the same longitudinal axis, and wherein each liquid dosing nozzle (4) comprises a concentrically arranged liquid passing hole (5) and splash plate (6), wherein the splash plate (6) is located below the liquid passing hole (5) and below the collection tray (2) such that there is a free fall distance for liquid of at least 100 mm between the hole (5) and the splash plate (6). The invention further relates to a reactor for hydroprocessing comprising such distribution device (1), the use of such reactor for hydroprocessing and a process for hydrocracking or hydrotreating in such reactor.

Abstract: A de-entrainment device separates entrained liquid from vapor in a fluid stream that flows through a chimney tray in a distillation tower. The separated liquid is collected and shielded from the fluid stream to prevent re-entrainment of the liquid in the vapor flowing upward into the tower. The chimney tray includes risers with hats that have gutters to guide liquid toward the tray deck, channels to collect and drain liquid from the top of the hats to the tray deck, and baffles extending from the risers to shield the liquid collected on the tray deck from the vapor flow.

Abstract: A mechanical draft cooling tower is provided. The cooling tower includes a direct cooling section having a plurality of fill sheets. Water is sprayed downwardly over the fill sheets and is collected in a collection sump. The collection sump is comprised of two end walls, two side walls, a floor and a drain. The end walls are sloped at the floor intersection. The floor is sloped to a center section where the drain is located.

Abstract: A heating tower apparatus for heating a liquid. The heating tower includes a frame assembly, liquid distribution assembly and a fill medium. The heating tower additionally includes a hood that extends from the frame assembly. A shroud is disposed within the hood and the hood provides an air flow outlet. The heating tower further includes a track connected to the frame assembly along with a first door connected to the track and a second door connected to the track. The first door moves along the track between the hood and a first air flow inlet while the second door moves along the track between the hood and a second air flow outlet. The heating tower also includes first and second winches that operate to move the first and second doors along the track.

Abstract: A packing element for use in a fluidised bed includes a continuous surface with at least one recessed portion. The recessed portion has a volume in the range of 0.2 to 30% of the volume of the packing element itself.

Abstract: Bubble columns fractionate with vapor-liquid mass transfer efficiencies approaching that of distillation towers when vapor velocities in excess of 50% of jet flood are used. If the vapor velocities are pushed above about 70% of jet flood then the distillation performance of a given column packing becomes similar for both liquid continuous operation (bubble column mode) and vapor continuous operation (ordinary distillation tower mode).

Abstract: The invention provides an improved natural draft cooling tower (10) having improved cooling capability and reduced liquid losses of evaporation and blow-out. To this end, the distribution of hot liquid to the packing assembly within the tower is increased around the perimeter zone of the packing assembly and reduced within the remaining packing assembly of the tower (24). A plurality of air injector fans (30) spaced circumferentially in the air inlet (20) between the shell (12) support columns (14), together with reduced air resistance through reduced hot liquid distribution to tower interior, produce increased air rates (32) and (34) resulting in improved cooling capability and reduced evaporation loss. With improved cooling, further reduction in evaporation, if required, can be achieved with a hot liquid by-pass (52).

Abstract: A heating tower apparatus for heating a liquid having more than one inlet and more than one outlet. Each of the more than one inlet and more than one outlet is selectively openable and closable. The heating tower apparatus also includes a liquid distribution assembly and a fill medium. The liquid distribution assembly distributes the liquid onto the fill medium.

Abstract: A method and device for introducing a liquid-vapor mixture into a radial feed cylindrical fractionating column (1). The method includes separating the liquid-vapor mixture into two opposite and horizontal flows (6, 7), and directing the flows toward the lower part (4) of the column (1) to reduce the entrainments of liquid toward the upper part (5) of the column. The device includes elements (9a, 9b) for separating the liquid-vapor mixture into two opposite and horizontal flows and elements for directing the flows toward the lower section of the column. The elements cooperate to reduce the entrainment of liquid toward the upper section of the column. The method and device can be applied in the oil industry, namely in crude oil refineries as well as in chemistry and petrochemistry.

Abstract: The lower, liquid collecting section of a gas/liquid contacting column has an entrained substance depleting duct extending therearound wherein gas, for example, steam is fed by the duct into the lower section, steam depleted by gravity of liquid droplets, is deflected upwardly by deflectors in the duct through duct openings into a central, upper region of the lower section, while steam with the droplets is deflected downwardly by deflectors in the duct through other duct openings towards a liquid pool in the lower section. Any other liquid and/or solids entrained in the gas (steam) are also deflected downwardly in this manner.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fan cylinder for a cooling tower, which is configured to prevent the air discharged from the cooling tower from flowing back thereinto. The fan cylinder is fixed to the upper side of the cooling tower, and is configured to mount a cooling fan therein. The fan cylinder comprises a linear portion having a constant inner diameter, and mounted therein with the cooling fan; an inlet portion connected at an upper end thereof to a lower end of the linear portion, and having an inner diameter increasing downwardly; an extension portion connected at a lower end thereof to an upper end of the linear portion; and having an inner diameter increasing upwardly, and an outlet portion connected to an upper end of the extension portion, and having an inner diameter decreasing upwardly.

Abstract: A mass transfer column includes a feed device that is used to de-entrain liquid and more uniformly distribute vapor across a horizontal cross section of the column after a vapor or mixed phase stream has been directed into the column through a radially oriented feed nozzle. The feed device includes an annular passageway formed in the spacing between the column shell and an inner wall spaced inwardly from the shell. A deflector with oppositely directed deflecting surfaces is positioned at an inlet from the feed nozzle to the annular passageway and splits the vapor or mixed phase stream into two roughly equal streams that flow in opposite circumferential directions in the annular passageway. At least one pair of turning vanes is spaced on opposite sides of the deflecting surfaces in the annular passageway to create subpassages through which the vapor or mixed phase stream flows.

Abstract: A method for forming a top for a cooling tower having a bottom wall at least one opening therein for accommodating an air current generator. The cooling tower top additionally includes a plurality of hot liquid distributors for distributing hot liquid. The cooling tower top also includes a top wall having an opening for accommodating an air cooling generator and a liquid inlet.

Abstract: A cross-flow cooling tower having a frame assembly that is unitarily molded from a plastic material. The frame assembly has opposing top and bottom walls along with opposing side walls and opposing ends. The side walls extend parallel to one another between the top and bottom walls. In addition, the opposing ends extend parallel to one another between the top and bottom walls. The frame assembly additionally has a vertical stack extending vertically from the top wall. The top covers of the tower extend outwardly and downwardly from the vertical stack.

Abstract: A sound attenuating apparatus for mounting on a heat exchanging apparatus such as a cooling tower, this apparatus having an attenuator housing with vertically extending sides, a top cover and a bottom adapted for mounting on the tower. There is an annular air inlet in the bottom and an air outlet is formed in at least one of the sidewalls. Perforated interior walls are mounted in the housing and define an /airflow passageway that extends from the air inlet to the air outlet. These walls include a first annular wall section extending about and defining an outer circumferential portion of the airflow passageway and a second wall section with that is annular and extends about a substantially vertical central axis. The latter wall section defines an inner circumferential portion of the passageway. The second wall section extends generally upwardly and outwardly from the air inlet. Sound absorbing material is arranged behind the perforated walls.

Abstract: A top for a cooling tower having a bottom wall at least one opening therein for accommodating an air current generator. The cooling tower top additionally includes a plurality of hot liquid distributors for distributing hot liquid. The cooling tower top also includes a top wall having an opening for accommodating an air cooling generator and a liquid inlet.

Abstract: A sound attenuating apparatus for mounting on a heat exchanging apparatus such as a cooling tower, this apparatus having an attenuator housing with vertically extending sides, a top cover and a bottom adapted for mounting on the tower. There is an annular air inlet in the bottom and an air outlet is formed in at least one of the sidewalls. Perforated interior walls are mounted in the housing and define an /airflow passageway that extends from the air inlet to the air outlet. These walls include a first annular wall section extending about and defining an outer circumferential portion of the airflow passageway and a second wall section with that is annular and extends about a substantially vertical central axis. The latter wall section defines an inner circumferential portion of the passageway. The second wall section extends generally upwardly and outwardly from the air inlet. Sound absorbing material is arranged behind the perforated walls.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hybrid type cooling tower. The cooling tower includes a water distributing device for distributing cooling water of a high temperature, a counterflow type filler through which the cooling water distributed from the water distributing device flows downward, an eliminator for preventing drift of the cooling air, louvers which serve as passages for allowing inflow of outside air, a fan for forcibly circulating the outside air through the cooling tower and discharging air to the outside, which air undergone heat exchange with the cooling water, and a water tank for collecting the cooling water which is chilled while flowing downward through the counterflow type filler. In the present invention, a crossflow type filler is disposed inside the louvers and under the counterflow type filler.

Abstract: A cross-flow cooling tower having a frame assembly that is unitarily molded from a plastic material. The frame assembly has opposing top and bottom walls along with opposing side walls and opposing ends. The side walls extend parallel to one another between the top and bottom walls. In addition, the opposing ends extend parallel to one another between the top and bottom walls. The frame assembly additionally has a vertical stack extending vertically from the top wall. The top covers of the tower extend outwardly and downwardly from the vertical stack.

Abstract: A cooling tower is provided including a cooling chamber with a bottom-to-top cooling air flow and a water injection system having spray nozzles horizontally distributed within the cooling chamber. A first air intake and a second air intake lead into the cooling chamber from below and, respectively, laterally from above the water injection system. The second air intake is implemented by a pipe, protruding into the interior of the cooling chamber, the pipe having at least two stages, beginning with a first stage next to a wall of the cooling chamber, the stages having progressively reduced flow cross-sections.

Abstract: A cooling tower is provided for industrial process cooling as well as air conditioning systems. The cooling tower includes a base that has a bottom for supporting the base on a substrate and a plurality of support posts extending away from the bottom. The main body includes a top wall with at least one fan aperture and a plurality of side walls extending downwardly from the top wall. The side walls are dimensioned and configured to telescope onto upper ends of the support posts. Thus, areas beneath the main body and between the support posts define inlets for accommodating airflow generated by the cooling fan mounted in the top wall.

Abstract: A high velocity absorber has a lower larger diameter tank section for receiving a slurry at a liquid level in the. tank section, an upper smaller diameter absorber section where liquid scrubbing agent is mingled with flue gas from which impurities are to be absorbed, and a low pressure drop inlet assembly having a transition structure between the tank section and the absorber section for closing a gas flow path and a liquid flow path between the tank section and the absorber section. An inlet housing is connected to and communicates with the transition structure for inlet of flue gas into the transition structure between the tank section and the absorber section.

Abstract: A cooling tower incorporates a cooling chamber (1) with a bottom-to-top cooling air flow and a water injection system (12) consisting of spray nozzles (13) horizontally distributed within the cooling chamber. A first air intake (11) and a second air intake (19) lead into the cooling chamber (1) from below and, respectively, laterally from above the water injection system (12). To arrive at a cooling tower with laterally added cooling air and combining a good coolant mixing pattern with low structural height, the second air intake (19) is implemented via a two-stage or multi-stage pipe (16), protruding into the interior of the cooling chamber (1), whose stages (17a, 17b, 17c), beginning with the first stage next to the wall (9) of the cooling chamber, feature progressively reduced flow cross-sections.

Abstract: A cooling tower is provided for industrial process cooling as well as air conditioning systems. The cooling tower includes a base that has a bottom for supporting the base on a substrate and a plurality of support posts extending away from the bottom. The main body includes a top wall with at least one fan aperture and a plurality of side walls extending downwardly from the top wall. The side walls are dimensioned and configured to telescope onto upper ends of the support posts. Thus, areas beneath the main body and between the support posts define inlets for accommodating airflow generated by the cooling fan mounted in the top wall.

Abstract: With the method a fluid (4) is fed into an apparatus (1), in particular into a column, in which an infeed tube (2) for the fluid opens into a deflection unit (3). This deflection unit is arranged at a vertical distance from installations (10), in particular a column packing. Two partial flows (41, 42) are formed in the deflection unit which flow largely mirror symmetrically along an inner wall of the apparatus (1) and then, after a reunion, form a backwardly moving flow (44), the horizontal velocity component of which is directed radially to the deflection unit. At least one third partial flow (43) is formed by the deflection unit which is directed radially and oppositely with respect to the backwardly moving flow of the reunited partial flows. The third partial flow is developed so strongly that the backwardly moving flow is largely prevented from flowing through the column center.

Abstract: A cooling tower is provided for industrial process cooling as well as air conditioning systems. The cooling tower includes a tower shell that is unitarily molded from a plastic material. The tower shell includes opposed parallel top and bottom walls, a bottom connecting wall extending upwardly and outwardly from the bottom wall, a top connecting wall extending downwardly and outwardly from the top wall and a side wall extending between the connecting walls. Supports are unitarily molded and extend outwardly from the bottom connecting wall for supporting a tower shell and filler material disposed therein.

Abstract: A high thermal capacity crossflow water cooling tower (30) is provided having upright fill structure (32) with a plurality of water distributors (34) oriented to deliver initially hot water to upper portions of the fill structure (32) for gravitation therethrough, with a cooling air current generator for producing cooling air currents which enter the fill structure inlet face (44) and exit the fill both laterally through the fill outlet face (46) and upwardly through the horizontal fill upper face (48). In practice, at least about 50% (more preferably at least about 70%) of the total airflow through the fill structure (32) exits the fill through the outlet face (46). Low cooling potential air traversing the fill structure (32) is thus vented upwardly so that greater volumes of more effective cooling air may be drawn through the fill structure (32).

Abstract: An improvement in a center inlet type scrubber that retrofit the scrubber with a perforated tray made up of rectangular or partially rectangular sections supported on beam supports in the annulus of the scrubber. The supports can be modified to form turning vanes or additional turning vanes can be employed. One or more perforated trays may be installed in the annulus to help correct the problem.

Abstract: A cooling tower includes a cover and a heat exchanger positioned within a water circulation channel in order to exchange heat between water and air through contact with air. A closed housing is positioned within the cover, and the heat exchanger is positioned within and maintained in an airtight state within the housing. An air supply duct is in communication with the housing for supplying air, and an exhaust duct is in flow communication for exhausting air from the housing. A blower generates air flow in the air supply duct, the housing, and the exhaust.

Abstract: A liquid-vapor distribution device for use in two-phase concurrent downflow vessels including a level, horizontal tray fabricated and installed so as to be essentially leak free at the junctions of the tray and the vessel wall, the horizontal tray being perforated with holes of equal size, the holes being distributed in an optimized pattern over the surface of the horizontal tray, each perforation through the horizontal tray being fitted with a vapor lift tube.

Abstract: Supply water temperature in a cooling tower is detected by a temperature detector, and based on the temperature detected by the temperature detector, a flow control valve in a hydraulic pressure supply line is controlled. As a result, operation of a hydraulic motor connected to a cooling fan can be controlled to efficiently cool down the water temperature to reach a preset temperature. Further, by a pressure-compensated variable displacement regulator of a variable displacement pump, the flow control valve is controlled to have irreducibly minimum pressure difference such that pressure on upstream side is slightly higher than the pressure on downstream side. Therefore, discharge pressure of the variable displacement pump can be suppressed to the irreducibly minimum value, and capacity of the variable displacement pump can be controlled to match the opening degree of the flow control valve.

Abstract: A cooling tower (30) with a film fill assembly (37) including a lower film fill stack (40) and an intermediate sloped or stepped film fill section (43). The lower stack (40) is disposed in a lower inboard corner (41) of the tower (30) proximal to an air outlet opening (35) and a collecting basin (36), and extends about 20% to 60% of the vertical height (L) of the film fill assembly (37). All film fill sections include vertical corrugated sheets (46) in composite forming an integral unit with adjacent sheets contacting each other and defining passages for gas and liquid. The film fill assembly (37) may include an upper vertically oriented film fill section (54) disposed in an upper outboard corner (44) of the cooling tower (30). A baffle assembly (73) collects and diverts descending water extending too far inwardly toward the tower plenum chamber (56) and past the lower film fill section (40).

Abstract: A mass transfer or heat exchange column is provided with a vapor distributor having, in one embodiment, a deflecting surface which directs a vapor stream about the inner periphery of the column. Following discharge from the distributor, the vapor stream contacts circumferentially spaced guide vanes which redirect the vapor stream toward the center of the column to cause a more uniform distribution of the vapor stream across the horizontal cross section of the column.

Abstract: A mass transfer or heat exchange column is provided with a vapor distributor which circulates a vapor stream about the inner periphery of the column. The vapor stream is discharged from the distributor through an at least partially open bottom and, optionally, a plurality of spaced apart outlet ports in an inner annular wall of the distributor. A deflector extends upwardly along the inner annular wall to deflect the vapor stream away from a circumferential flow path along the inward face of the wall. The deflector may also extend outwardly under the flow channel to deflect, in a radially inward direction, vapor exiting the flow channel through the open bottom of the distributor.

Abstract: A fire resistant industrial water cooling tower (20) is disclosed having normally closed passive vent structure (28) which vents the interior of the tower (20) above the area which is undergoing combustion to enhance suppression of the fire. The vent area is dependent upon the location and extent of the fire. The vent structure (28) comprises means presenting a series of vent openings which are closed by a component (88) that responds to flames and/or hot products of combustion to move out of blocking relationship to the opening thus venting the interior of the tower. In preferred embodiments, the vent includes a panel member (82) having a series of openings (83) therein which are either covered or blocked by a synthetic resin member (88) formed of a material which will burn and has a relatively low melt temperature thereby causing the material to either burn or rapidly melt when subjected to flames and/or hot products of combustion resulting from a fire in a part of the tower.

Abstract: A crossflow cooling tower assembly (30) including a fill assembly (33) having a gas inlet opening (34) and a gas outlet opening (35). The outlet opening (35) is defined by a lower outlet portion (37) having a principal dimension generally inclined at an angle of about 5.degree. to 15.degree. to the vertical, and an upper outlet portion (38) having a principal dimension generally inclined at an angle of about 20.degree. to 45.degree. to the vertical which substantially widens an upper opening (38) into the exhaust plenum chamber (36). The cooling tower assembly (30) further includes a vertical stack (40) forming an exhaust port (41) positioned vertically over the exhaust plenum chamber (36) for exhaust of the gas in the generally vertical direction. An inner wall (43) of the vertical stack (40) is of a diameter sufficient to extend the exhaust port (41) substantially vertically over both the lower outlet portion (37) and the upper outlet portion (38).

Abstract: A wet flue gas desulfurization scrubbing tower has means therein for evenly distributing the flue gas flowing through the tower for more efficient treatment therein including a ring plenum for evenly exhausting the flue gas around the periphery of the tower through a series of differently sized openings and a centrally located annular opening for evenly exhausting the flue gas to the center of the tower.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for venting the seal air pressure within an isolated system so as to obtain a relatively small, in the range of 4 to 8 inches water gauge more or less, pressure differential across the isolation dampers. This small pressure differential is desired so as to reduce the load against which the dampers must operate thereby permitting a more economical design of such dampers.

Abstract: A mass transfer or heat exchange column is provided with a vapor distributor having, in one embodiment, a plenum which circulates a vapor stream about the inner periphery of the column. The plenum has a plurality of spaced apart outlet ports which allow portions of the vapor stream to be introduced into the open column interior at a plurality of locations. The vapor streams exiting the plenum have sufficient velocity to cause turbulent mixing of the streams, thereby providing a more uniform distribution of the vapor across the horizontal cross section of the column. The ascending, uniformly distributed vapor is then able to interact more efficiently with liquid in an overlying zone which may include trays or random or structured packing. In another embodiment, the vapor distributor defines a flow channel of decreasing cross-sectional area that is in communication with a generally open bottom of the distributor.

Abstract: Natural draft water cooling tower heat transfer efficiency is improved by an inlet air flow baffle to divide the inlet cooling air between a first volumetric flow portion channeled directly to the axial core of the tower draft channel under a shielded protection from a water droplet dispersion of descending process water and a second volumetric flow portion of inlet cooling air to an outer annulus of the draft channel surrounding the axial core.

Abstract: A cooling tower (30) with a film fill assembly (37) includes a lower film fill stack (40 ) and an intermediate sloped or stepped film fill section (43). The lower stack (40) is disposed in a lower inboard corner (41) of the tower (30) proximal to an air outlet opening (35) and a collecting basin (36), and extends about 20% to 60% of the vertical height (L) of the film fill assembly (37). All film fill sections include vertical corrugated sheets (46) in composite forming an integral unit with adjacent sheets contacting each other and defining passages for gas and liquid. The film fill assembly (37) may include an upper vertically oriented film fill section (54) disposed in an upper outboard corner (44) of the cooling tower (30). A baffle assembly (73) collects and diverts descending water extending too far inwardly toward the tower plenum chamber (56) and past the lower film fill section (40).

Abstract: Apparatus useful for heat exchange by evaporative cooling when employed in conjunction with a conventional cooling tower. The arrangement includes a header pipe which is used to divert a portion of the water in the cooling tower supply conduit up stream of the cooling tower to a multiplicity of vertical pipes and spray nozzles which are evenly spaced external to the cooling tower so as to produce a uniform spray pattern oriented toward the central axis of the cooling tower and thereby induce an air flow into the cooling tower which is greater than otherwise achieved. By spraying the water to be cooled towards the cooling tower in a region external to the cooling tower in a manner such that the spray falls just short of the cooling tower basin, the spray does not interfere with the operation of the cooling tower, proper, and the-maximum increase in air velocity is achieved just above the cooling tower basin where it is most effective.

Abstract: A counterflow cooling tower (10) is provided having specially designed inlets (14, 16) which minimize turbulence and air flow disruption at the inlet region of the tower (10), thereby increasing cooling efficiency. The tower (10) preferably includes a casing (12) presenting sidewalls (28, 30) each having a lower edge (14a, 16a) which defines the upper margins of the inlets (14, 16). The tower fill structure (20) presents, adjacent each inlet (14, 16) a relieved air entrance face (44, 46) which extends at an angle both downwardly and inwardly from the adjacent casing wall edge (14a, 16a); in addition, the fill structure (20) includes a generally horizontal bottom surface (48) inboard of and below the edges (14a, 16a). A substantially unrestricted, fill-free air flow zone (51) extends between the inlets (14, 16) and between the fill bottom surface (48) and the tower cold water collection basin (22).