Abstract: A hybrid heat exchanger apparatus having a heat exchanger device with a hot fluid flowing therethrough includes a cooling water distribution system and an air flow mechanism for causing ambient air to flow across the heat exchanger device. The cooling water distribution system distributes evaporative cooling water onto the heat exchanger device to wet only a portion of the heat exchanger device while allowing a remaining portion of the heat exchanger device to be dry. The air flow mechanism causes ambient air to flow across the heat exchanger device to generate hot humid air from the ambient air flowing across the wet portion of the heat exchanger device and hot dry air from the ambient air flowing across the remaining dry portion of the heat exchanger device. Methods are also described.

Abstract: A new design for large scale field erected industrial steam condensers in which all of the bundles are constructed as secondary bundles, in A-frame or V-Shape configuration, with tubes oriented 25-35 degrees from the vertical, steam fed from the bottom and condensate is collected from the bundles from the bottom using a combination/hybrid manifold that both delivers steam to the tubes and collects condensate from the tubes and which is constructed so that the condensate is prevented from returning down the steam delivery riser(s) and in which the cross-sectional dimensions of the tubes are 125 mm wide with a cross-section height of less than 10 mm with fins that are 9.25 mm in height, arranged at 9 to 12 fins per inch.

Abstract: A hybrid heat exchanger apparatus includes a direct heat exchanger device and an indirect heat exchanger device and a method of operating the same encompasses conveying a hot fluid to be cooled from a hot fluid source through the indirect heat exchanger device to a cooling fluid distribution system. The hot fluid to be cooled is distributed from the cooling fluid distribution system onto the direct heat exchanger device. In a hybrid wet/dry mode, ambient air flows across both the indirect heat exchanger device and the direct heat exchanger device to generate hot humid air from the ambient air flowing across the direct heat exchanger device and hot dry air from the ambient air flowing across the indirect heat exchanger device.

Abstract: A hybrid heat exchanger apparatus having a heat exchanger device with a hot fluid flowing therethrough includes a cooling water distribution system and an air flow mechanism for causing ambient air to flow across the heat exchanger device. The cooling water distribution system distributes evaporative cooling water onto the heat exchanger device to wet only a portion of the heat exchanger device while allowing a remaining portion of the heat exchanger device to be dry. The air flow mechanism causes ambient air to flow across the heat exchanger device to generate hot humid air from the ambient air flowing across the wet portion of the heat exchanger device and hot dry air from the ambient air flowing across the remaining dry portion of the heat exchanger device. Methods are also described.

Abstract: A hybrid heat exchanger apparatus having a heat exchanger device with a hot fluid flowing therethrough includes a cooling water distribution system and an air flow mechanism for causing ambient air to flow across the heat exchanger device. The cooling water distribution system distributes evaporative cooling water onto the heat exchanger device to wet only a portion of the heat exchanger device while allowing a remaining portion of the heat exchanger device to be dry. The air flow mechanism causes ambient air to flow across the heat exchanger device to generate hot humid air from the ambient air flowing across the wet portion of the heat exchanger device and hot dry air from the ambient air flowing across the remaining dry portion of the heat exchanger device. Methods are also described.

Abstract: A hybrid heat exchanger apparatus includes a direct heat exchanger device and an indirect heat exchanger device and a method of operating the same encompasses conveying a hot fluid to be cooled from a hot fluid source through the indirect heat exchanger device to a cooling fluid distribution system. The hot fluid to be cooled is distributed from the cooling fluid distribution system onto the direct heat exchanger device. In a hybrid wet/dry mode, ambient air flows across both the indirect heat exchanger device and the direct heat exchanger device to generate hot humid air from the ambient air flowing across the direct heat exchanger device and hot dry air from the ambient air flowing across the indirect heat exchanger device.

Abstract: A louver assembly is disclosed for use in a heat exchanger associated with a liquid basin. The louver assembly is made of a plurality of generally vertically oriented, non-corrugated sheets attached to adjacent corrugated sheets of material. Spaces between the corrugations and the non-corrugated sheets form air passageways extending downwardly through the louver assembly from an inlet face to an outlet face of the louver assembly. The corrugated and non-corrugated sheets have a V-shape in a top plan view defined by two acute angles X and Y on one surface of the sheets with respect to a transverse reference plane, resulting in a vertex angle Z on an opposite surface of the sheets of about 120° to about 140°. The V-shape of the sheets provides each of the corrugations and air passageways with a single inlet portion and a single outlet portion.

Abstract: A dry-air-surface heat exchanger is provided for use in a liquid cooling tower, and includes a plurality of preformed, shape-retaining heat transfer members of relatively thin synthetic resin sheet material. Each member presents a pair of upright, side-by-side panels that are preferably folded together about a vertical axis to present inward-facing wet-transfer surfaces adapted to transfer heat between the fluid and the member, and an outward-facing dry-transfer surface adapted to transfer heat between the member and air. The folded member is configured to present a series of tortuous liquid flow paths between the panels extending between the upper and lower edges, and the side edges are secured together in substantially fluid tight sealing engagement. A plurality of the folded members are provided in a pack, and a diffuser is positioned adjacent to the upper edges of the folded members for receiving hot liquid and directing the hot liquid between the panels of each member.

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).

Abstract: A method of rehabilitating existing circular, industrial-size crossflow water cooling towers is provided wherein a new fill ring is built by sequentially constructing segments of the new ring around the old ring until the full circumference thereof has been encased. The individual structural segments are added to the existing fill ring without the necessity of deactivating the tower or significantly decreasing its performance output. New ring segments may be sequentially constructed next adjacent a previously initiated fill supporting structure well before completion of the latter. As soon as each new fill supporting structure is completed to a point that new fill components may be incorporated therein, hot water from the existing distribution basin may be directed to the new fill section, and the old fill removed. Addition of the fill ring around the existing fill ring increases the capacity of the tower at a cost substantially less than constructing a new tower.

Abstract: A fill pack for counterflow water cooling towers is disclosed which is provided a series of generally parallel upright film fill sheet sections wherein each of the sheet sections has wall structure configured such that adjacent sheet sections define therebetween a series of elongated, side-by-side, vertical, longitudinally non-linear passages for receipt of hot water which flows in counter-current heat exchange relationship with upflowing coolant air. Each of the passages is defined fully formed tube sections having an open area throughout their length of dimensions such that there is no tendency for the passages to become clogged by extraneous objects in the water or microorganism growth on the wall structure defining the passages. Transition zones between horizontally offset vertical segments of the passages provide for smooth and uniform film flow of water from one passage segment to the offset passage segments therebelow.

Abstract: A crossflow cooling tower includes at least two separate packs of film fill which are both horizontally and vertically offset relative to each other. Each of the film packs has a height within a certain critical range of values, and presents a plurality of air passageways of lengths within a certain critical range. In addition, each pack is inclined from vertical to a degree within a certain range of values. Construction of a multilevel tower with film fill packs in accordance with the invention provides far greater cooling effectiveness than could be attained by, for instance, a single film fill pack or fill structure comprising a plurality of splash bars. A water distribution system directs separate streams of hot water to be cooled to a corresponding distribution basin laying atop each fill pack and nozzles within the floor of each basin are subjected to substantially equal heads so that the flow rates of the water dispersed to each pack are essentially equal.

Abstract: A multiple-purpose, non-clogging target-type water distribution nozzle assembly for use in counterflow or crossflow water cooling towers is provided which is sized to safely clear large debris found in some cooling water while giving relatively full coverage water dispersal for enhanced water cooling. The preferred nozzle assembly includes a water metering upper section having a tubular flow conduit for substantially axial, downward water flow. A target is situated below the conduit and includes a central, essentially conical ramp-like element, and a plurality of elongated, outwardly extending, transversely arcuate water-dispersing fingers oriented in a circular array around the base of the ramp-like element. Hot water is initially passed downwardly through the conduit for impingement on the target structure, which serves to create a relatively even dispersal of water over a large area beneath the target, thus enhancing cooling of the water.

Abstract: A mechanical draft crossflow cooling tower is provided with a novel hot water distribution structure which overlies a fill assembly. The distribution structure includes a basin which extends horizontally along the length of the fill assembly and the basin bottom is provided with a plurality of metering nozzles for directing the flow evenly across the top face of the fill assembly. Additionally, a flume is located within the confines of the basin and extends horizontally along the length of the latter in spaced disposition from the basin bottom. The flume has opposed sidewalls which are operable as weirs such that the water is evenly directed to all areas of the basin. As such, the static head on each of the nozzles is equivalent throughout the length of the basin so that the hot water is evenly directed toward all areas of the fill assembly regardless of the flow rate of the water.

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: 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.