Abstract: A nozzle assembly for use in a cooling tower having a hot water deck including a nozzle body positioned in an opening in the deck, the body having mounted at the bottom thereof a diffusion plate for diffusing water, a vortex crown member telescopically received within said nozzle body, the crown member having an orifice ring which defines an orifice opening through which water passes for engaging the diffusion plate, with the nozzle body and the crown member being locked to the deck when the crown member is fully telescopically received with the nozzle body.

Abstract: A misting assembly for an exhaust gas scrubber tower which includes an elongated central member, a plurality of perforated baffle plates affixed to the elongated central member at spaced apart distances thereto such that the perforations from each baffle plate are out of alignment with those of the next higher baffle plate. An inner tubular ring and an outer tubular ring are affixed to each baffle plate wherein the diameter of the inner tubular ring and of the outer tubular ring are different from the diameters of the inner and outer tubular rings of the other baffle plates. Spray nozzles are affixed to each ring at regular radially spaced apart locations around each of said inner and outer rings such that the integrated density of fog generated by said spray nozzles over all of said baffle plates is substantially uniform.

Abstract: A direct forced counterflow cooling tower apparatus includes concrete side walls having L-shaped troughs located at the lower ends thereof. The cooling tower includes a liquid distribution system, fill material located below the liquid distribution system, a drainage collection system located below the fill material and a fan located below the drainage collection system. Liquid is supplied to the tower and is distributed on top of the fill material. The liquid will pass downward therethrough and will be collected by the drainage collection system. The drainage collection system will communicate the liquid to the troughs located at the lower end of the longitudinal side walls. A modular cooling tower construction includes the cooling tower apparatus in combination with at least one additional cooling tower apparatus.

Abstract: An integrated spray header tray assembly (18) for a wet flue gas desulfurization spray tower (10) wherein a series of spray headers (22) having opposed nozzles (26) for desulfurizing spray are located along a perforated plate (24) acting as one set of baffles (30) while a second set of baffles (32) positioned perpendicularly thereto forms a baffled tray with the perforated plate (24) and headers (22) while allowing the introduction of desulfurizing spray from the header nozzles (22) parallel to the perforated tray (24).

Abstract: A combination splash/trickle pack for an evaporative cooler, which comprises packing elements 10,12 made from expanded metal or plastics sheets. The packing elements 10,12 are arranged such that in use they form a stack of packing elements within the cooler with the width and length of the packing elements determining the width and depth of the pack. Each of a plurality of the elements 10,12 has an inclined surface with an angle of inclination which varies so that in use a first region of the surface is sufficiently inclined to the horizontal to serve as a trickle surface and a second region of the surface is sufficiently close to the horizontal to serve as a splash surface.

Abstract: A splash bar is provided for use in a water cooling tower, the splash bar comprising an elongated body portion having a tubular central rib and a plurality of wing members, each wing member extending laterally from the central rib, the wing members each having a plurality of apertures therethrough. The surface formed by the wing members is preferably sloped, and the tubular central rib preferably has a triangular cross section.

Abstract: A side feeding fluid distribution system is provided which is used for uniformly distributing a heat exchange fluid to an underlying structure. The distribution system comprises a distribution pan, a pre-distribution box, and a removable basket strainer housed within the pre-distribution box. The fluid transporting pre-distribution box is centrally located in resting relationship on top of the distribution pan. The pre-distribution box has a pair of uniquely configured converging sidewalls which allow portions of the flowstream to be incrementally stripped from the main flowstream as it flows towards the backwall of the pre-distribution box. The velocity energy of the stripped portion of flow is thereby conserved, and then advantageously used to create uniform water distribution throughout the distribution pan, and hence, to the nozzles attached in the bottom of the pan. The pre-distribution box sidewalls also form an internal chamber for receiving a removable in-line basket filter or strainer.

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 water quality control method for recycling cooling water in a cooling tower equipped with a blow system and water treatment agent introduction means. Water is made up in response to the blow-down amount encountered by a blowing operation, and water treatment introduction means is actuated to introduce the water treatment agent into the recycle cooling water in the cooling tower, whereby the concentration of said agent in the recycle cooling water is retained at a desired level. The water treatment agent is made up by a predetermined amount, according to the amount of scattered water, at predetermined intervals of time during the operation of the arrangement. The water treatment introduction means is actuated after lapse of a fixed period of time, based on a predetermined level of the conductivity of the cooling water at the operational starting or cleaning of the cooling tower.

Abstract: A device for deflecting a liquid slurry flow in a housing away from an inlet flue conveying hot flue gas to the housing, the device having an upper surface and communicating with the housing at an inner wall of the housing. An inlet awning having a bottom portion horizontally extends into the housing from an upper surface of the inlet flue. An inclined top portion is connected to the bottom portion and an inner wall of the housing, the top portion extending upwardly at an incline from the bottom portion to the inner wall of the housing, the top portion having sufficient area to collect liquid slurry in excess of that required to achieve instant cooling and humidification of the hot flue gas, the top and bottom portions forming a tip at an area where the top portion is connected to the bottom portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to tower coolers in which the exchange of heat between the liquid to be cooled and the atmospheric air takes place in cross-flow, in plural successive heat exchangers. Liquid leaving a first exchanger is homogeneously mixed before passing to the next exchanger. This may be effected by a device comprising a first compartment sited beneath a first exchanger so as to receive the liquid which falls from said first exchanger. A spillway is placed at one end of said compartment in such a manner that the liquid is displaced therein in a first direction, either that of the airflow or the reverse direction. A second compartment is placed beneath the first and communicates therewith via the spillway such that the liquid is displaced therein in a second direction opposite to the first. Means are provided for discharging the liquid from the second compartment toward the following exchanger.

Abstract: A retractable cover unit for a hot water distribution basin of a cooling tower includes a frame secured to the basin and a flaccid cover. The frame includes opposed framing members overlying the opposed side walls of the basin, and a pair of connectors are secured between the framing members and spaced laterally from one another. A plurality of grommets are presented along the lateral sides of the cover through which the connectors are threaded. The end edges of the cover are attached to the framing members for holding the cover over the basin, while structure is provided for detaching at least one of the end edges of the cover to permit the cover to be moved along the connectors allowing access to the basin.

Abstract: The present invention refers to improvements in contact filling for cooling towers, of the type comprising prismatic triangular bars (1) made of plastic material and arranged in multiple parallel horizontal layers, one lateral plan face thereof being turned upwards, the improvements comprising a support structure having the shape of a vertical grill (2) with lozenge-shaped meshes, said support structure intended to provide stable support to said bars (1) which are stably seated by their peaks and flanks, each of said bars (1) further including an inner longitudinal edge extending in one or in a pair of longitudinal rectilinear rules (3), whose completely free edge is cut in transversal teeth (4) having negative hollow intended to obtain attachment over the grill seats (2), as well as to impede formation of liquid grooves or beads along the rules (3).

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and the method to treat process water of heat exchange systems with fluid flow through the system at an idling or inoperative system mode, which system may have a biocidal treatment arrangement coupled thereto.

Abstract: A cooling system with at least one cooling tower and multiple upper pans or distribution manifold pipes is provided with a strainer tank assembly at the tower lower end in proximity to the sump to receive incoming fluid for cooling, which strainer tank includes a screen to strain particulate material from the inlet fluid communicated to the tower upper end and to equally distribute this fluid at the lowest elevation at a pressure with a higher static pressure component than its dynamic pressure component to avoid a requirement for a flow control valve to provide relatively quiescent fluid for fluid distribution to the tower and fluid transfer media therein. A pressure relief baffle in the strainer tank is operable in response to a fluid overpressure condition to bypass the screen and open fluid communication to avert catastrophic failures within the fluid circuit.

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 direct forced draft counterflow water cooling tower module includes an integral one-piece frame and basin preferably constructed from molded fiberglass. The cooling tower includes a liquid distribution system, fill material located below the liquid distribution system, a drainage collection system located below the fill material, and at least one fan located below the drainage collection system. The fan blows cooling air directly upward through the drainage collection system and then through the fill material.

Abstract: A splash bar for use in cooling towers in which a plastic strand material having an irregular surface is formed to provide a tubular network of similarly-shaped interstices that effect a maximum splash-effect and prevent water-film build up on the splash bar. The individual strand portions forming the interstices of the tubular splash bar cooperate with support rods in a cooling tower for securing the splash bar into a fixed horizontal position without the aid of auxiliary clamping members or additional structure other than the splash bar itself.

Abstract: A bottom fed fluid distribution system is provided which may be used to uniformly distribute fluid to an underlying structure. The distribution system comprises a distribution pan, fluid transporting flume, and inlet chamber. The fluid transporting flume is positioned inside the back edge of the distribution pan and is elevated above the bottom of the pan. The flume has an opening in its bottom to allow fluid to flow downwardly into the distribution pan. The inlet chamber is located at the back edge and at one side of the distribution pan. Fluid flows into the bottom of the inlet chamber and then into the flume. As the fluid is flowing all along the length of the flume, a portion of the fluid flows downwardly through the opening in the bottom of the flume and into the distribution pan.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an emission control system including an air pretreatment system for enhancing the ability of air passing therethrough to absorb moisture, a humidification chamber having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet being attached to the air pretreatment system, the pretreated air passing from the air pretreatment system into the inlet and through the humidification chamber so that it is humidified at a consistently controllable rate in its passage through the humidification chamber to and out of the outlet.

Abstract: A structural column has a generally cruciform cross section. The column includes a generally rectangular core section formed by four orthogonally related walls and four flange portions. Each flange portion is provided by a pair of spaced-apart parallel flanges which are extensions of a pair of parallel walls. The column is particularly suited for a cooling tower which includes at least four vertically extending columns. A horizontal beam extends between each pair of adjacent columns, and the ends of each beam are inserted between the parallel flanges of the columns. A side panel is supported by each beam, and a cover is supported by the side panels and the columns.

Abstract: A fluid distributing apparatus provides a fountain-type distributor which effects substantially uniform radial distribution of fluid across a spray pattern. An irregular spaced annular nozzle opening is provided for deflecting the spray pattern into a non-circular pattern, and in a preferred case into a square pattern. Also, an automatic adjustment varies the spacing around the entire nozzle opening to accommodate varying supply pressures. The distributor is particularly suited for use in industrial cooling towers to increase the efficiency of the cooling towers by increasing the uniformity of water distribution across the fill material of the cooling tower.

Abstract: A fluid distributing apparatus provides a fountain-type distributor which effects substantially uniform radial distribution of fluid across a spray pattern. A fixed deflector is provided for deflecting the spray pattern into a non-circular pattern, and in a preferred case into a rectangular pattern. The distributor is particularly suited for use in industrial cooling towers to increase the efficiency of the cooling towers by increasing the uniformity of water distribution across the fill material of the cooling tower.

Abstract: Improved synthetic resin splash-type fill bar (32) for water cooling tower fill assemblies (26, 28) are provided which give enhanced cooling results over virtually the entire range of duty conditions encountered in commerical practice. The bars (32) are preferably integrally formed of PVC and present a dome-like cross-sectional configuration, with an imperforate, fore and aft extending upper apex section (36) and downwardly and outwardly diverging, apertured sidewalls (38, 40) terminating in bifurcated feet (42, 44). The sidewall apertures (50) are nominally circular and are arranged in staggered rows to maximize dispersal of descending hot water in a tower fill. The bars (32) are advantageously used in crossflow cooling tower (10), and are preferably oriented transverse to incoming cooling air currents entering the fill assemblies (26, 28) of the tower (10).

Abstract: A radial flow cooling tower is disclosed employing a novel circular support structure for housing both a plurality of sections of fill media and sections of a means for entraining fluid droplets and which permit their easy removal for cleaning or replacement. A system is provided for delivering the fluid to be cooled over the fill media and a motor driven fan for drawing air through the fill media as well as through the droplet entraining sections is positioned in an open central area defined by the fluid entraining sections.

Abstract: An improved splash-type fill bar (32) for water cooling towers (10) is provided which gives enhanced water cooling as compared with conventional bars. The bars (32) are of trapezoidal configuration and present a flat, apertured top wall (36), a pair of obliquely oriented, downwardly and outwardly extending apertured sidewalls (42, 44) and short, horizontal, imperforate flange walls (50, 52) extending from the lower margins (46, 48) of the sidewalls (42, 44). The width of top wall (36) is at least four times the vertical height of a sidewall (42, 44) so as to present an effective water dispersal surface; the oblique sidewalls (42, 44) and flange walls (50, 52) prevent formation of gravitating sheets or films of water which can inhibit tower performance.

Abstract: A structural column has a generally cruciform cross section. The column includes a generally rectangular core section formed by four orthogonally related walls and four flange portions. Each flange portion is provided by a pair of spaced-apart parallel flanges which are extensions of a pair of parallel walls. The column is particularly suited for a cooling tower which includes at least four vertically extending columns. A horizontal beam extends between each pair of adjacent columns, and the ends of each beam are inserted between the parallel flanges of the columns. A side panel is supported by each beam, and a cover is supported by the side panels and the columns.

Abstract: A cooling tower assembly comprising at least first and second layers of fill within the tower chamber, each of the first and second layers of fill having a source of water introduced above the fill for moving through gravity downthrough the fill during the cooling process. There is further included an upper fan member circulating at the top portion of the tower for drawing air through inlet panels along the walls of the tower through the first and second layers of fill to cool the water as it is percolating through the fill contents. The first and second layers of fill would be separated by a horizontal baffle member so that air pulled through the lower layer of fill would be prevented from the first layer, but would flow through a centrally located air flow chamber within the upper layer of fill to be drawn out of the chamber by the fan.

Abstract: A cooling tower having inboard and outboard liquid film fill sections, and inboard and outboard liquid supply sections, the outboard liquid supply section supplying liquid at a higher rate, and the fill density of the outboard film section being substantially higher.

Abstract: A liquid cooling tower construction incorporates a tower fill assembly with liquid contact plates. The liquid contact plates interconnect in abutting relation utilizing mating support and releasable latch elements on the abutting sides of adjoining liquid contact plates. Thus, in each tier level, the liquid contact plates making up that tier level are effectively locked together but in a manner which enables the individual liquid contact plates to be detachably separated and removed whenever necessary.

Abstract: A liquid cooling tower construction incorporates a tower fill assembly with liquid contact plates. The liquid contact plates interconnect in abutting relation utilizing slidable clamp members which engage locking ribs on the abutting sides of adjoining liquid contact plates. Thus, in each tier level, the liquid contact plates making up that tier level are effectively locked together but in a manner which enables the individual liquid contact plates to be detachably separated and removed whenever necessary.

Abstract: A liquid cooling tower construction incorporates a tower fill assembly with liquid contact plates which interconnect in abutting relation by use of detachable connectors formed on the sides of the liquid contact plates.

Abstract: A device for preventing condenser water carryover and makeup water spray from going down the overflow drain but permits overflowing condenser water to go down the overflow drain. The device is removably installed into the top of the overflow drain.

Abstract: A fill assembly comprising an apertured fill member of generally inverted V-shape, and a tray member which receives the bottoms of the side walls of the fill. The fill and tray are formed with cooperating flange members, with the flanges of the tray defining grooves which function to constrain laterally outward movement of the legs of the fill. Deformation of the fill under loading is thereby prevented.

Abstract: A method for removing the volatile constituents from gasoline and volatile organic chemicals from contaminated potable water when a fluid including gasoline-water mixture and when contaminated potable water is introduced into a vertical tower includes the steps of flowing the gasoline-water fluid and the water downward in a tower over and in contact with media trays stacked in courses in the tower. The media trays, either circular or square, fit closely within the tower inner wall, such trays are aluminum or molded plastic frames one inch by one inch angles one-eighth inch thick, with a plurality of one and one-half inch wide slats one-quarter of an inch thick on the top of the frame; the slats being spaced apart not less than one-half inch nor more than three-quarters of an inch.

Abstract: A retainer clip for mounting and retaining fill slat on vertical and horizontal supporting wires in a water cooling tower, wherein the retaining clip is formed with a body portion and retaining flanges adapted to coact with the fill slat. The opposite end walls of the clip are each formed with a plurality of spaced projecting tabs and surrounding recesses, and a central outwardly exposed half groove. The projecting tabs at each end of the clip correspond in dimension and location to the recesses in the opposite end wall of the clip, and vice versa, whereby adjacently disposed and mirror image end walls of laterally adjacent clips can be engaged so that the projecting tabs of both end walls define essentially continuous side walls surrounding a full groove adapted to receive a vertical wire. The reduction in length permitted by the tab and recess mounting arrangement is such that clips can be laterally adjacently mounted thereby permitting the cooling tower to be more densely packed.

Abstract: A liquid distribution device for more uniformly distributing a liquid to packed beds is composed of a box-pipe distributor, for the delivery of liquid to a pan distributor having a deck and risers postioned on the deck, with ells contained in the risers. The ells direct liquid axially through the risers so that gas/liquid interaction is minimized. The pan distributor also includes a plurality of holes positioned about the risers and a set of wall-ells about the periphery of the pan for more completely and uniformly distributing a liquid to packed beds positioned beneath the liquid distribution device.

Abstract: The mass-transfer apparatus comprises a case (1), accommodating at least one horizontal perforated tray (6) and a froth retainer (7). The froth retainer (7) is mounted directly on the tray (6) and is made in the form of a grid composed of vertical bars (8). The vertical bars (8) make up cells (9), interconnected with each other. Lower portions of the bars (8) of the froth retainer (7), contiguous with the tray (6), are made solid, whereas the cells (9) of the grid communicate with one another through perforations made in the upper portions of the bars (8) of the froth retainer (7).

Abstract: A splash bar fill assembly for a splash-type cooling tower includes a plurality of splash bars, each of which includes a one-piece elongated member having a generally convex upper surface of restricted width and also having first and second edges having a pair of converging side surfaces depending downwardly therefrom at an acute angle with respect to the upper surface. The side surfaces of the elongated member are of a restricted depth. The invention includes a means for supporting the splash bar within the cooling tower and an arrangement of successive rows. Each supporting means having a first and second section which intersect at an apex. Adjacent splash bars in the first section are vertically offset in ascending orientation towards the apex. Adjacent splash bars in the second section are vertically offset in descending orientation from the apex.

Abstract: A cooling tower assembly comprising at least first and second layers of fill within the tower chamber, each of the first and second layers of fill having a source of water introduced above the fill for moving through gravity down through the fill during the cooling process. There is further included an upper fan member circulating at the top portion of the tower for drawing air through inlet panels along the walls of the tower through the first and second layers of fill to cool the water as it is percolating through the fill contents. The first and second layers of fill would be separated by a horizontal baffle member so that air pulled through the lower layer of fill would be prevented from contacting the first layer, but would flow through a centrally located air flow chamber within the upper layer of fill to be drawn out of the chamber by the fan.

Abstract: A clip for securing splash bars of a cooling tower fill structure to supporting grids is adapted to receive grid members having different cross-sectional configurations. Opposed, depending legs of the clip are connected to tabs that normally project into a channel receiving a section of the grid member, in order to reduce the cross-sectional area of the channel in instances where the grid member has a relatively small transverse configuration. The tabs are resilient and hence deflectable in a lateral direction to enlarge the available transverse area of the channel as may be necessary to receive sections of grid members having larger cross-sectional configurations. In preferred embodiments, the clip is integrally molded of a synthetic resinous material and the tabs are relatively thin to enable the tabs to self-deflect in a lateral direction as the clip is installed onto a larger grid member.

Abstract: Low cost sealing drainboard supports adapted for use between adjacent drift eliminator sections in water cooling towers are provided which can be readily installed in the field without the necessity of custom fabrication of structural components, and which give improved drainage characteristics in the form of relatively large, concentrated streams of eliminated water resistant to reentrainment. The preferred supports are unitary, preformed synthetic resin bodies presenting an elongated, eliminator section-receiving channel together with a depending inner sealing wall and a oblique, downwardly and outwardly extending drainage tray. The tray is preformed to present a series of generally V-shaped in plane, increasing depth drainage passageways serving to collect and concentrate eliminated water into relatively large streams resistant to reentrainment in the air currents passing through the tower.

Abstract: A tray stack for a boiler feedwater deaerator is provided with a plurality of horizontally spaced troughs arranged in vertically spaced and staggered tiers. Each of the troughs has a generally V-shaped bottom and a pair of outwardly-extending, inclined wall members having notched lower edges. The vertical projected dimension of the inclined wall members is less than the overall depth of the trough such that the distance of travel encountered by the feedwater dropping from the lower edge of the wall members to the next adjacent, underlying trough is maximized, thereby increasing the interactive area of contact between the cascading water and uprising flow of steam. The lower edge of each wall member is preferably notched to enhance dispersion of the falling water, and the wall members also are disposed to positively guide the falling water into the adjacent underlying trough without bypassing the same.

Abstract: An extended surface fluid contact plate which includes a plurality of vertical fins oriented in parallel relationship and multiple horizontal fins, also mounted in parallel relationship, with two sets of diagonal fins interconnecting the intersecting vertical and horizontal fins at junctions to provide an extended surface fluid contact matrix. Pins project in spaced relationship from selected locations on the face of the plate and cooperating pin slots are provided in selected junctions in the back of the plate for receiving the pins, to join individual fluid contact plates together in front-to-back, vertically staggered relationship. T-connectors and cooperating T-slots are provided at the top and bottom of each fluid contact plate, respectively, in order to facilitate stacking and connecting the plates in vertical, end-to-end relationship and separate rows of fluid contact plates are aligned to provide a cooling or mass transfer medium of desired size and thickness.

Abstract: A distribution system for a water cooling tower directs incoming hot water to particular regions of a fill assembly which are determined by the magnitude of the hot water flow rate, and structure is provided for maintaining an equal head of water above all of the nozzles in current operation. During periods of relatively low flows, a weir member mounted within a distribution box of the system directs all of the incoming hot water to an outer distribution zone which is located over four outer regions of the fill assembly. Once the hot water flow rate is increased above as certain, predetermined value, a portion of the water spills over the weir and is conveyed to an inner distribution zone located over a central region of the fill structure while the remaining portion of the water is directed toward the outer zone so that water is directed to the entire horizontal area of the fill structure.

Abstract: A splash bar for use in crossflow cooling tower fill assemblies. The splash bar has (1) a substantially horizontal upper surface, (2) two downwardly extending side surfaces terminating at their lower edges in substantially horizontal inwardly directed flanges, and (3) at least one downwardly extending rib intermediate the side surfaces and terminating at its lower edge in a substantially horizontal flange. All of the flanges are in the same substantially horizontal plane, and all are spaced from one another to facilitate extrusion of the splash bar and to prevent accumulation of water and debris in the splash bar. The upper surface may be perforate or imperforate.

Abstract: A cooling stack for a cooling tower comprises at least one volumetric polymer block of a flow-around type. Each block is built up of polyhedron shaped cells. The blocks are mounted in the cooling tower by means of connecting strips strung up on suspension devices suspended to a carrying construction disposed inside the cooling tower. Each block comprises at least two flow-around type layers. The layers are arranged in the block vertically at a distance one above the other. Each layer is made up of rows of cellular components, mounted detachably by means of connecting teeth to connecting seats in small carrying bars. The small carrying bars are mounted to the connecting strips strung up on the suspension devices which are divided by spacing sleeves.

Abstract: A splash bar for use in fill structure of an evaporative cooling tower has an extruded body with an elongated water impingement portion operable to uniformly disperse deflected water throughout the fill structure for contact with passing air. The splash bar body comprises a pair of arcuate in cross section side margins and an elongated, horizontal, flat top segment interconnecting the side margins. The centers of curvature of the side margins are coincident and lie beneath the body, while the width of the flat top segment is in the range of approximately 15% to approximately 35% of the overall width of the body. In preferred forms of the invention, the width of the flat top segment is approximately 25% of the overall width of the body. Advantageously, the body is hollow and includes a pair of spaced, flat, co-planar bottom walls integrally extending inwardly from the side margins.

Abstract: A cooling tower is formed from fiberglass reinforced polyester resin structural components including a basin, vertically extending columns, vertical side panels, and a cover. The fill material for heat/mass exchange is supported directly by the basin to eliminate the weight of a separate support system and to reduce the load on the columns and panels. A fan is mounted on the cover, and the weight of the fan is supported by the cover and the columns. The panels do not have to support the weight of the cover and the fan, and the panels can be formed of relatively thin, lightweight material. The columns do not have to support the weight of the fill material and can also be relatively lightweight.

Abstract: There is provided a rotary flow control balancing valve and an integral predistribution box for use with gravity feed cross-flow cooling towers. The valve and predistribution box provide for the balancing of flows between halves of a cross-flow cooling tower or between or among separate cooling towers and also for maximizing the uniformity of the hot water flow in the predistribution pan and the distribution pan.