Abstract: A cooling tower including counter flow film fill extending in a generally horizontal direction. Gravitating liquid is supplied to the film fill upper surface. Below the film fill is mounted splash fill disposed in the cooling tower inlet plenum. It includes an inner side sloping from an outboard portion of the film fill generally downward in an inboard direction and a conforming generally open central chamber. Air is optimally directed to the lower surface of the film fill means while simultaneously cooling the liquid on the splash fill means.

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 splash bar method and apparatus are described employing elongate splash bars each having a substantially flat, perforated upper central strip and a pair of substantially flat perforated lower strips connected to the central strip by elongate vertical strips holding the upper and lower strips in parallel, vertically spaced apart relation. Circular perforations are arranged in staggered rows with semicircular holes in alternate rows along the edges of the strips. The upper strip has imperforate strips along its lateral edges.

Abstract: The fill slat for use in water cooling towers comprises a perforated body portion, a central longitudinal rib, and downwardly inclined side flanges. The rib is inverted v-shape in cross-section and functions as a rigidifying beam for the fill slat. The rib is open at its bottom, thereby permitting a plurality of fill slats to be nested to reduce shipping costs. The side flanges are formed with slots, certain of which are angled, to receive the supporting wires. A holding clip can be additionally provided to reduce rolling or longitudinal movement of the fill slat.

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 pair of upwardly converging leg members joined together to form an apex, and a vertical supporting rib member extending downwardly from the apex. The fill assembly also includes a wire mesh support system for the splash bars. The wire mesh supports the splash bars within the cooling tower in an arrangement of successive rows. Each row of the arrangement has its splash bars arranged in parallel and in spaced apart relationship. The splash bars of one row are disposed angularly to those of an adjacent row and are arranged parallel to and vertically offset from those of an alternate row. The wire mesh is formed from a plurality of vertical and horizontal wires which are joined together at their points of intersection.

Abstract: A liquid cooling tower includes precast concrete support legs and cross beams and fiberglass reinforced polyester resin side and top panels. A liquid distribution system is supplied with liquid by a vertically extending main pipe, and a fan and fan motor are supported by the main pipe.

Abstract: A drainage collection system for use in an evaporative cooling tower is disposed transversely within a cooling tower below a gas/liquid heat exchanging contact body to receive liquid gravitating therefrom and to collect the same. The drainage collection system includes a plurality of liquid collection plates which are arranged in parallel and inclined from the vertical. Each of the plates includes an upper and a lower end portion with the upper end portion of each overlapping the lower end portion of a respectively adjacent plate. Each plate is shaped over its central portion to form substantially planar upper and lower sections. The lower section is inclined less from the vertical than the upper section. The lower end portion of each of the plates is shaped to form primary and secondary collecting channels extending substantially across the width of the plate for collecting liquid directed thereto by the plate.

Abstract: A cooling tower splash bar which includes an elongate generally flat splash plate section and a structural rib longitudinal to the splash plate section. The rib is integral with and projects along the axis of the splash plate section. In one embodiment the splash bar is generally T-shaped, and in another embodiment it is a generally squared U-shaped configuration. In still another embodiment it is a cross-shaped configuration. Multiple spaced slots are provided in the rib sections to permit firm engagement with the transverse horizontal string wire of a cooling tower. The slots are at a substantial angle off perpendicular from the splash plate section to provide stability against upward air drafts. Preferably, the slots include enlarged entrances to facilitate registry of the slots and string wire.

Abstract: A cooling tower has hollow fill slats formed in a rectangular cross-sectional configuration from a suitable polymer. These slats are supported on polymer grids, each comprised of an upper section and a lower section which forms a downward extension of the upper section. The two sections for each grid have horizontal and vertical stringers which are arranged in rows and delineate rectangular grid openings through which the slats extend. The two sections overlap, and in the region of overlap the upper section on its horizontal stringers has knuckle-type connectors that interlock with horizontal stringers of the lower section such that the grid openings for the two grid sections are generally in registration in the region of overlap. The upper section also has alignment lips on some of the vertical stringers in the region of overlap, and these lips maintain the lower section properly aligned with the upper section.

Abstract: The repair pad comprises a generally flat flange having a central opening for receiving a spray nozzle and a generally cylindrical mounting element which is attached to the flange of the central opening and depends from the central opening for attachment to the body of the spray nozzle. The pad is used with a spray nozzle having a generally cylindrical body which is received in the cylindrical mounting element, a mounting flange connected to one end of the body and disposed in contact with the flat flange, and a dispersion plate connected to the opposite end of the cylindrical body for dispersing liquid contacting the dispersion plate.

Abstract: A cooler employing air, as the cooling media, and a streaming liquid is of the type comprising a peripheral liquid receiving pan resting on piles which are independent and evenly spaced apart below the pan, a distribution system for a liquid to be cooled, a liquid-gas contacting unit extending under the distribution system and liquid receiving devices for the liquid including channels, disposed under the contacting unit, characterized in that the pan of the cooler rests on the piles through a wide peripheral lintel which supports an inner flange and an outer flange thereby defining a u-shaped member into which the cooled liquid collected in the channels is discharged by gravity.

Abstract: A cooling water distribution system for an air cooler includes a condenser that is subdivided into two independent bodies forming separate compartments, one or the other of which may be temporarily shut down. The water distribution system itself may be, similarly to the condenser, subdivided into two independent hydraulic circuits, each having its own pump and serving its own sprinklers, so that in the case of the shutdown of one of the two hydraulic circuits, the sprinklers in the other circuit remain in service, as they continue to be normally supplied without being affected with repect to their supply by the shutdown of the first circuit. The invention is particularly applicable to central air conditioning installations.

Abstract: A fill section arrangement for crossflow cooling towers which utilizes a mixture of high density fill strip regions and low density fill strip regions. The regions of the fill section which include the high density fill strips are those regions which have the highest enthalpy driving forces.

Abstract: An improved filling for emergency cooling towers of nuclear power plants, of the type made of a grid of tubular rods in plastic material, such as PVC, has an anchoring system by which it can withstand atmospheric depressions or overpressures up to 700 Kg/m.sup.2, as required. The tubes of plastics, arranged in pairs of staggered, spaced parallel rows, are inserted to pass through two opposite walls of at least one elongated square section, perpendicular thereto and preferably of the same plastic material. The distance between the two rows is slightly less than the diameter of an auxiliary stiffering tube which is inserted between said two section walls and the two rows of tubes, transversely thereto. For each layer of filling, a particular system of fixing said square sections to the concrete structure of the tower is described to meet also the aseismatic requirements.

Abstract: A cooling tower has a circular cooling section, the top of which is a hot water distribution basin to which hot water is pumped while the bottom is a collecting basin. Within the cooling section is a fill comprised of a multitude of slats and wire grids through which the slats project so that the slats are carried by wire grids. The grids in turn are supported at several levels on a framework that rests on the collecting basin and extends upwardly to the distribution basin, but the framework is not suspended from that basin, so the distribution basin carries only its own weight and the weight of the pool of hot water within it. That water flows into the fill from nozzles in the distribution basin and cascades through the multitude of slats in the fill, thereby becoming quite finely divided. Air, on the other hand, passes transversely through the fill and absorbs heat from the water so as to lower the temperature of the water.

Abstract: Improved support means are disclosed for a plurality of vertically arranged transversely oriented fill sheets or grids for direct contact cooling towers.

Abstract: A cooling tower splash bar method and apparatus are disclosed wherein splash bar elements are positioned in a matrix assembly with each element having elongate perforated upper and lower surfaces with the perforations in the surfaces staggered with respect to one another and with laterally outwardly projecting edge supports for the surfaces. Splash bar elements can include one or more interior longitudinally extending support members and notched projections along at least one longitudinal edge of the splash bar for holding the bar in the matrix assembly. A configuration for the splash bar element is disclosed with certain flat surfaces and certain upwardly projecting surfaces in the form of a single element which can be folded along its centerline to form the splash bar.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved mass transfer or gas-liquid contact device having a specially contoured grid member(s) interposed in the gas flow of the device. Ideally the grid member(s) has a cross-sectional profile which equals the sum of the theoretical velocity pressure profile of the gas flowing in an open vessel and the static and dynamic heads of the contacting liquid. An additional depth is added to the grid approximately 5 to 40% more, to create an energy imbalance in favor of the introduced liquid, thereby allowing it to drain. In existing vessels where it is desirable to replace prior art devices with an apparatus embodying the present invention, a plurality of grid modules may be employed, each module including a shaped grid or grid pair approximating the velocity profile of the gas stream in each.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a new apparatus for fluid dispersion for use in removing particulate matter from air. A spray head or other fluid spray-producing means comprises a rigid spray plate bent to a predetermined configuration with two spray head side plates attached to said spray plate, and two spray head side guide bars attached to said side plates. A pressurized fluid, such as water, is delivered at the bottom of the spray plate whereupon impact with the surfaces of the spray plate, side plates and guide bars causes the fluid to be dispersed in spray form. Through this spray is passed contaminated air containing undesirable particulate matter such as paint overspray, whereupon the air is scrubbed to remove substantially all of the particulate matter.

Abstract: An improved vapor-liquid contact grid apparatus which maximizes the generation of small drops and which is inexpensive to manufacture and easy to construct is disclosed. The grid apparatus consists of multiple layered grids, each grid being formed of upright grid members and connectors. The grid members carry vanes, formed from the member itself by a process of slitting and bending, which vanes extend out into the region between the upright grid members, thus restricting vapor passage, providing drip points and increasing the effective surface area for gas-liquid exchange. The grid members and connectors are arranged in an "egg carton"-like fashion to provide a simple, yet sturdy, grid.

Abstract: A liquid cooling tower is formed from fiberglass reinforced polyester resin panels, a fiberglass reinforced polyester resin liquid basin, and a fiberglass reinforced polyester resin top assembly which includes a fan and a water distribution pipe. One or more cross beams extend between two opposed side panels for supporting a porous heat and mass transfer section. The panels are formed so that the weight of the tower and the fill material is distributed to, and supported by, the corners and inlet columns of the tower.

Abstract: A system for precipitating vapors from a continuous coater and retrieving suspended matter therefrom. The entrance and exit passages communicating with a spray coating booth are vented to a scrubbing chamber where a precipitant spray drives the vapors through a precipitant baffle. Suspended matter in the vapor is thus precipitated and drained into a recovery tank. The scrubbed vapors are then exhausted up a stack. In one embodiment of the invention, the vapors are vented through openings in the top of the entrance and exit passages, in which embodiment there is also provided an input chamber for receiving the vapors and transferring the same to the scrubbing chamber. In a second embodiment, the vapors are vented through openings in the side walls of the entrance and exit passages, in which case they are vented directly to the scrubbing chamber.

Abstract: A supply device for use in an evaporative contact body of the multi-layer type having gaps between the layers of the body to which water is supplied from above comprises water supply pipes having outlet openings formed therein. The pipes are in direct contact with the top of the contact body or may be embedded therein, and the pipe openings are located to direct water jets directly inside the gaps between the layers of the contact body.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a spray nozzle having an orifice plate leading to a vertically oriented opening for directing liquid onto a dispersion plate which is disposed below. The dispersion plate is frusto-conically shaped and has a fluted outer periphery for breaking the liquid up into droplets. A central aperture is formed in the dispersion plate leading to a conical dispersion element which has raised projections on its surface for breaking liquid up into droplets. A filter screen can be removably mounted over the top of the orifice plate for filtering debris or the like prior to its entering the nozzle. The apparatus is especially adapted for use in cross flow water cooling towers.

Abstract: A scrubber device for removing finely divided contaminants including gases from a gas stream is disclosed. The device comprises a housing defining a pretreatment section, an implosion section, and a diffusion section. The pretreatment section includes an inlet for directing a gas stream therein and means which define an annular flow path between the pretreatment section and the implosion section for the gas stream. The implosion section is disposed in the housing and is configured such that as the gas stream flows through the annular passage, it is directed radially inward. Means for supplying a liquid to the implosion section is also included, such that as the gas stream passes through the implosion section, finely divided liquid particles are entrained in the gas stream. The diffusion section is configured to receive the gas stream from the implosion section and includes means for removing the finely divided liquid particles. The now clean gas stream is then directed out of the diffusion section.

Abstract: The distribution pipe which is horizontally mounted includes longitudinal reinforcement ribs formed of an increased wall thickness and extending substantially the length of the pipe preferably along the interior surface thereof. One such rib extends along the top of the pipe and preferably two ribs extend in parallel and spaced relationship along the bottom of the pipe. The pipe is formed of a polyester resin having fiberglass reinforcement extending longitudinally throughout the wall and ribs. External stiffener rings are positioned on the pipe at spaced intervals defined by support locations and the pipe is suspended from concrete beams by cable extending about the pipe and beams. The cable is connected above the beams and forms loops below the beam, which loops extend about the external ring stiffeners.

Abstract: An apparatus for damping the noise of water charged in a cooling tower onto the top of heat exchanger elements by a distributing device and dropping down from the bottom of the heat exchange elements into a collecting basin, by means of vertically inclined impact surfaces of rigid insert elements which are arranged above the collecting basin in the cooling tower. In order to avoid the direct impingement of drops of water onto the surface of the water without impairing access to the collecting basin even with a greatly varying level of water, the lower edge of the rigid impact surfaces is arranged above the maximum water level in the collecting basin and extended by a flexible guide tail which extends into the water of the collecting basin with a minimum water level. This guide tail can be pushed aside and held out of the way upon cleaning and continuously diverts the water film into the vertical direction so that a noisy separation of the water film is made impossible.

Abstract: A liquid cooling tower has liquid distribution nozzles that spray liquid to be cooled away from the sides of the fill chamber. The spray pattern is restricted to less than about 180.degree.. This prevents liquid from being sprayed out of or on to the tower or from being carried out of or on to the tower by the air flow. The nozzles have a single large liquid discharge opening so that solid objects that flow in with the liquid will not clog them.

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 scrubber for cleansing flue gases is disclosed. The scrubber includes a housing which defines a channel. The channel includes a scrubber stage wherein vertically spaced rows of deflecting members of L-shaped cross-section are disposed. In a given row of deflecting members, a plurality of flow paths are defined between horizontally adjacent deflecting members. Each deflecting member has an upper arm and a lower arm. The lowermost edge of the lower arms of the deflecting members in one row are disposed between vertical projections from the uppermost edges of upper arms of deflecting members in a row below the last mentioned row.

Abstract: A gas scrubbing tower is described which has a top region, a sump region and at least two washing stages between these regions. The tower comprises gas entry means between the the sump region and the lowermost of the washing stages; gas exit means in the top region; a first washing stage, in the direction of gas flow through the tower, constituted by a layer of packing elements resting on supporting means in a cross-sectional plane; a first circulating line for wash liquid from the sump region to the layer of packing elements; a second, packing-free washing stage above the first washing stage; a second circulating line for conducting wash liquid through the second washing stage; a sludge separator, and conduit means for introducing water from outside the tower into a washing stage or into the sludge separator of the tower.A process for operating the scrubbing tower is also described.

Abstract: An improved annular support structure for the dispersion section including the hot water basin of a cooling tower. The annular outer structure comprises a plurality of sector-shaped independent, self-supporting and self-stabilized towers each comprising a pair of radial sides formed by a stack of superposed precast reinforced concrete portal frames and precast reinforced concrete right triangular bracing members extending between and supported on the uprights of spaced pairs of portal frames. Cantilevers extending from the outer uprights of the portal frames support precast concrete louvers. The hot water basin has part annular sections supported on beams aligned with the radial sides and spaced from one another by expansion joints.

Abstract: Washing fluid is distributed in a scrubber or a stripper to treat a countercurrent gaseous or vaporous stream by spigots receiving fluid from a tray for discharge onto spray pipes underneath a nozzle at the end of the spigot. A casing surrounds the spigot in a concentrically-spaced relation to a point where slots in the spigot discharge fluid onto a spray plate carried on the lower end of the spigot above the nozzle. The spray plate on the spigot includes a base section with a slotted edge section having some of the slotted portions bent upwardly and others bent downwardly while others are completely removed. The base section supports downwardly-extending fingers that extend into space. A frame carried by the casing supports an upper and smaller spray plate above a lower and larger spray plate all beneath the nozzle in the spigot. The upper and lower spray plates each have upwardly- and downwardly-bent edge portions carried by a base plate.

Abstract: A support bracket for ends of concrete beams, particularly precast ones, more especially the bottoms of T-beam legs positioned on a support beam of similar material, including inverted U-shaped straps inserted over the support beam on either side of the T-beam, and a supportive angle member connected to the straps and in supportive engagement with the underside of the T-beam leg, with a gasket therebetween, and the method of repairing joints between crossing engaging ends of concrete beams.

Abstract: An improved vapor-liquid contact grid apparatus which maximizes the generation of small drops and which is inexpensive to manufacture and easy to construct is disclosed. The grid apparatus consists of multiple layered grids, each grid being formed of upright grid members and connectors. The grid members carry vanes, formed from the member itself by a process of slitting and bending, which vanes extend out into the region between the upright grid members, thus restricting vapor passage, providing drip points and increasing the effective surface area for gas-liquid exchange. The grid members and connectors are arranged in an "egg carton" -like fashion to provide a simple, yet sturdy, grid.

Abstract: A dissolving tank for dissolving a large amount of gas in a liquid and including a generally horizontally disposed tray (28) (29) mounted within the tank (2) (21) to divide the tank (2) (21) into an upper reaction zone (36) and a lower discharge zone (38). The tray (28) (29) has formed therein both a central opening (34) (35) for fluid communication between the discharge zone (38) and the reaction zone (36) and peripheral openings (32) (33) which allow any liquid which collects on the tray (28) (29) to flow from reaction zone (36) to discharge zone (38). The dissolving tank further includes liquid feed means (10) positioned within the tank (2) (21) below the tray (28) (29) to discharge liquid upwardly through the central opening (34) (35) of the tray (28) (29) and into the reaction zone (36). The dissolving tank further includes liquid distribution means (14) mounted within the tank (2) (21) above the tray (28) (29) and having flared sidewalls (15) and a vertically-oriented distribution orifice (16).

Abstract: The invention provides for a method of and means for supporting the packing in an evaporative cooling tower in which the packing includes packing elements, each of which is suspended at its central region by means of a wire hanger. The packing element includes spaced splash ribs and the elements are vertically arranged offset from each other so that in plan view the packing presents an uninterrupted surface.

Abstract: A cooling tower self-supporting vertical shell essentially circular in horizontal section and wider at the base than at the top,said shell comprising a series of courses set one above the other with each adjacent upper course supported by the course beneath it,most of the courses from at least near the bottom to the shell top portion constituting a frusto-conical shell with vertical flutes, andthe diameter of the bottom of each course being about equal to the diameter of the top of the course beneath it.

Abstract: Improved scrubber and method for removing particulate matter from hot flue gases, particularly flyash in a sludge incinerator, utilizes a plurality of cylindrical slotted wire screen canisters which are preferably mounted vertically in apertures in a plate in a chamber in which the hot gas moves vertically. The bottoms of the canisters may be closed so that the vertically moving gases will change direction at least twice as they move sideways through the screen slots and then vertically again inside the screens, or alternatively, the bottoms can be screens also with a baffle plate positioned under them to cause a change of direction of the gases. A spray nozzle in each canister keeps the spaced wires forming the sides and the slots wet so that a majority of the flyash will be captured and washed down the sides of the canisters while additional particles will be captured by the water wash spray inside the canisters.

Abstract: A spraying system for distributing liquid over a contact body in biological filter beds, cooling towers and the like includes means for supplying and distributing the liquid over the surface of the contact body. The distributing means includes a liquid distribution pipe, at least one spray nozzle associated with the pipe and a sprayer for spreading the liquid discharged from the nozzle onto the surface of the contact body. The distributing pipe and nozzle are disposed below the sprayer and the sprayer consists of a conically shaped surface facing the nozzle so that liquid from the nozzle strikes the conical surface and is spread over the surrounding area of the contact body. Preferably the conical surface includes projections formed thereon for distributing the liquid in a predetermined pattern.

Abstract: A cooling tower has a plurality of cooling regions with each cooling region being constructed in a cross flow or counter flow configuration for allowing air to pass into the path of falling water within that region. Each region contains a fill bundle composed of twisted fill elements. Each fill element consists of an elongated substantially flat member which is twisted normally about its longitudinal axis. A plurality of the fill elements are connected in rows and placed in the path of the air circulation. Alternate rows will be offset from adjacent rows disposing the elements at apices of an isosceles triangle pattern to obtain equal spacing between adjacent elements and create a circuitous route through which the cooling air must pass. The spiral configuration of the elements provides centrifugal action which disperses the water and air from one element to adjacent elements, thus providing more intimate contact between the water and the cooling air.

Abstract: A liquid collecting device comprises a liquid collecting trough, an inclined wall extending above the trough for directing generally vertically falling liquid into the trough and a panel composed of a plurality vertically directed intersecting walls positioned a small distance above a major portion of the inclined wall. The collecting device has particular utility liquid-gas contacting apparatus.

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: Cooling tower splash fill batts are supported by a plurality of vertically and horizontally aligned grids made from vertical and horizontal wire strands. The grids occupying the same vertical plane are connected to each other by elongated generally C-shaped fill hanger splice beams.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved U-shaped splash bar fill configuration for use in crossflow cooling towers.

Abstract: Cooling tower splash fill batts are supported by grids made from vertical and horizontal wire strands. The grids are suspended from fill hanger beams that are adjustably connected to beams in the cooling tower subject to deflection or bowing. Splash deck members are also supported by the fill hanger beams.

Abstract: A hanger assembly to support fill strips in a cooling tower wherein the assembly includes headers and wire mesh hangers mounted on the headers. Each wire mesh hanger assembly includes vertical wires which have clamp portions formed at each end which extend through openings formed in the headers to suspend the wire mesh hanger from the header. The clamp portions include a cam surface which is compressed in the header opening when the clamp is moved to its operative position.

Abstract: The multiple-throat venturi wet gas scrubbing apparatus embodies modular venturi entry apparatus and progressively finer demister vane sections in a horizontal scrubbing unit for in-line connection in gas stream piping or ducting and mounting with its stream propulsion fan on a single platform. The modular design of the entire apparatus is calculated to maximize standardization and prefabrication which together with the in-line design results in substantial cost and space advantages as well as optimum uniform flow throughout the apparatus.

Abstract: An improved splash bar fill assembly is disclosed comprising a plurality of perforate splash bars, each bar having along its longitudinal axis a horizontally disposed section for intercepting falling liquid and a rib section disposed transverse of said horizontal member for furnishing structural strength. In a preferred embodiment, the rib section, and the horizontal section includes a bevel or a skirt extending from the lateral margins for directing accumulated liquid from the upper surface of the horizontal section to lower, laterally adjacent splash bars.

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.