Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for continuously pumping flowable concrete mix to elevated heights for introduction into forms used in the fabrication of annular structures such as concrete hyperbolic cooling towers. A tower crane is erected in the center of the circle for the hyperbolic structure and concrete conveying piping is provided for raising mix to a lateral conduit carried by a secondary boom suspended from the swingable overhead jib of the crane. A pumping unit at ground level forces concrete mix up the vertical piping on the tower and then through the boom supported conduit for delivery into the form structure. The jib and thereby the boom suspended therefrom are swingable through an arc of 180.degree. in one direction to cover one half of the form structure and then the jib and boom may be swung in the opposite direction through the remaining 180.degree. arc for introduction of mix into the form structure.

Abstract: An improved recovery fan cylinder for mechanical draft water cooling towers is provided which is configured with an upper reflex angle recovery section above the fan blade which gives unexpected increases in velocity head recovery as compared with conventional frustoconoidal stacks. The reflex stack hereof includes first and second superposed portions above the blade which are respectively oriented so that the external surfaces thereof cooperatively define a reflex angle; in preferred forms, the lower portion lies at an angle of from about 15.degree. to 30.degree. relative to the central upright stack axis, whereas the upper portion is oriented at an angle of 0.degree.-10.degree. on the same basis. Test evidence demonstrates that the stack of the invention permits unexpected reductions in fan horsepower, as compared with typical prior art stacks.

Abstract: An improved, three-path continuous cellular drift eliminator and method for counterflow cooling towers is provided which gives enhanced water removal without undue pressure drops, and a desirable water particle size distribution in the air leaving the tower, so that excessive water coating on adjacent equipment and structures is avoided. The eliminator preferably includes a plurality of generally upright, discrete, gap-free continuous cells which present three air diversion sections along the length thereof in order to divert fill-derived air along a serpentine path for drift elimination purposes. The third and final section of the eliminator serves to direct the exiting air generally vertically for proper discharge thereof to the atmosphere. The eliminator is preferably fabricated using spaced apart members having planar panels, with corrugated elements therebetween, so as to cooperatively define elongated, continuous eliminator cells.

Abstract: An improved, self-positioning, synthetic resin, multiple-sheet fill structure for cooling towers is provided which preferably includes upright, thin fill sheets having elongated, outwardly extending, hollow, cooperable indexing units thereon; the respective indexing units are strategically located and arranged such that opposed units on adjacent sheets are transversely disposed relative to one another and telescopically interengage with two point contact. This construction minimizes sheet warpage while increasing the load and deflection resistance of the fill structure. Preferably, the indexing units are of outwardly tapered configuration and present arcuate, opposed end segments separated by recess-defining walls; inwardly extending bottom walls connected to the recess-defining walls serve as spaced abutment surfaces extending into the hollow regions defined by the units for engaging the associated units on adjacent fill sheets.

Abstract: An improved, high efficiency, combination fill assembly for crossflow cooling towers is provided which employs a strategically located, multiple sheet film fill section in conjunction with splash-type fill to maximize tower performance with a minimum tower height, pumping head requirements, and pressure drop across the assembly. In preferred forms, the fill includes a film fill section presenting substantially separate air and water entrance and exit faces, along with structure above the upper water entrance face thereof for dispersing water and inhibiting exiting of cooling air out of the water entrance face; in this fashion "short circuiting" of cooling air is inhibited, and the inertia of airflow is thereby maintained in the desirable crossflowing direction for enhanced water cooling. Separate film packs cooperatively define the overall film fill section, and the packs are advantageously arranged in an inwardly staggered relationship, with the uppermost pack being outermost, i.e.

Abstract: A non-clogging liquid distribution assembly especially adapted for use in counterflow water cooling towers is provided which includes a hollow-cone, swirl-type nozzle and a series of circularly arranged, arcuate water-dispersing buttons disposed below the nozzle for breaking up water sprayed from the latter and uniformly dispersing the same over a relatively wide planar area in order to ensure adequate water cooling. The configuration and orientation of the buttons is carefully chosen so as to ensure that individual water particles from the nozzle angularly impinge against the dispersing buttons for maximum water breakup. The assembly is constructed for safely clearing foamed plastic or cellular synthetic rubber balls conventionally placed in cooling water systems to clear condenser tubes or the like. These balls are sized for a particular condenser tube system and vary from 1/2 in. to 11/2 in.

Abstract: A simplified, selectively actuatable deicing apparatus for evaporative water cooling towers is provided which permits selective delivery of hot water from the upper distribution basin to the outer margin of the tower for deicing of the fill structure and inlet louvers thereof in order to maintain adequate airflow through the tower during sub-freezing ambient conditions. The deicing apparatus includes a substantially continuous slot in the bottom of the distribution basin adjacent its outer margin, in combination with valving devices for directing the flow of hot water through any selected segment of the slot to the underlying outer margin of the tower. The hot water carrying flume which feeds the distribution basin has a normal water level spaced above the bottom of the basin and is in direct flow communication with the latter at an elevation corresponding to its bottom such that a substantial part of the tower water is available for delivery through the selected segment of the slot.

Abstract: A high efficiency, induced draft, combination counterflow-crossflow fluid cooling apparatus and method is provided which gives unexpectedly enhanced cooling of hot fluid by causing the fluid to pass upwardly through a series of serpentine heat exchange conduits in primarily countercurrent, indirect sensible heat exchange relationship with external cooling water gravitating from an overlying evaporative water cooling section. Crossflowing air currents are pulled through the apparatus to evaporatively cool the water not only in the upper cooling section but also in the sensible heat exchange area as well.

Abstract: A simplified, selectively actuatable deicing apparatus for evaporative water cooling towers is provided which permits selective delivery of hot water from the upper distribution basin to the outer margin of the tower for deicing of the fill structure and inlet louvers thereof in order to maintain adequate airflow through the tower during sub-freezing ambient conditions. The deicing apparatus includes structure defining a substantially continuous water passageway or slot in the distribution basin adjacent the outer margin thereof, in combination with valving devices in the form of a series of elongated, individually shiftable cover members which can be selectively raised to permit flow of hot water through the slot in sufficient quantities to deice the outermost areas of the tower which are prone to ice clogging.

Abstract: A dual path drift eliminator and method is provided which effectively removes entrained water particles from high velocity moist airstreams leaving a crossflow cooling tower fill structure by the use of spaced, cellular, individually draining, diversion path-defining structures strategically located and arranged to facilitate maximum drift elimination. The drift eliminator has a plurality of elongated air passages therein disposed to first divide the moist air from the tower fill into a series of separate streams which are first diverted at an upward angle relative to the initial path thereof, and thereafter rediverted laterally to one side of the first diversion path. Water particle removal is thus greatly enhanced by virtue of increased impingement of the entrained particles against the cellular walls defining the respective diversion paths.