Cooling Towers Patents (Class 261/DIG11)
  • Patent number: 6145818
    Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a tube register through which a liquid to be cooled or heated is conveyed. The heat exchanger provides for contacting an outside surface of the tube register with a spray of water flowing in the same direction on the outside of the tube register as the fluid flows within the tube register, and a stream of air flowing in the opposite direction on the outside of the tube register as the fluid flows within the tube register. The tube register includes capillary tubes which extend generally parallel to each other and which are bent back about one or several lines extending transverse to the directions of air and water flow past the tube register to form layers of the tube register one upon another. The spaces between the capillary tubes are at least partly filled with foamed material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Donald Herbst
  • Patent number: 6105663
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat dissipation unit for cross flow type cooling tower with which it is possible to prevent the emission of white vapor without lowering the cooling power of the cooling tower, and also without requiring troublesome routine operation. In order to accomplish the above object, the heat dissipation unit of the present invention comprises filling plates arranged vertically and parallel with each other so as to form spaces therebetween, each of the filling plates having uneven surfaces down which water to be cooled flows when water to be cooled is supplied onto the filling plates, and cowl members disposed between neighboring filling plates, each of the cowl members including a pair of side plate portions having upper ends and a roof portion connecting the upper ends of the side plate portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Usui, Shigehira Yamamoto, Osamu Goto
  • Patent number: 6070860
    Abstract: A high thermal capacity crossflow water cooling tower (30) is provided having upright fill structure (32) with a plurality of water distributors (34) oriented to deliver initially hot water to upper portions of the fill structure (32) for gravitation therethrough, with a cooling air current generator for producing cooling air currents which enter the fill structure inlet face (44) and exit the fill both laterally through the fill outlet face (46) and upwardly through the horizontal fill upper face (48). In practice, at least about 50% (more preferably at least about 70%) of the total airflow through the fill structure (32) exits the fill through the outlet face (46). Low cooling potential air traversing the fill structure (32) is thus vented upwardly so that greater volumes of more effective cooling air may be drawn through the fill structure (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: The Marley Cooling Tower Company
    Inventors: Ohler L. Kinney, Jr., John D. Dalton, Eldon F. Mockry
  • Patent number: 6032932
    Abstract: A contacting grate or panel for mass transfer or heat exchange comprising a substantially rectangular supporting framework having two connecting frame members extending along opposite side edges and a number of elongate supporting frame members extending between the connecting frame members. A series of small, parallel plates are mounted along each of the supporting frame members and each plate is relatively short. The grate has two relatively large and opposite sides and the planes in which the plates lie are perpendicular to these two opposite sides. Preferably, each plate lies in a plane which extends at an acute angle of less than 90 degrees to a longitudinal central axis of its respectively supporting frame member. A number of these grates can be connected together at their corners to form a module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventor: Richard Sixsmith
  • Patent number: 6012708
    Abstract: A cooling tower includes a cover and a heat exchanger positioned within a water circulation channel in order to exchange heat between water and air through contact with air. A closed housing is positioned within the cover, and the heat exchanger is positioned within and maintained in an airtight state within the housing. An air supply duct is in communication with the housing for supplying air, and an exhaust duct is in flow communication for exhausting air from the housing. A blower generates air flow in the air supply duct, the housing, and the exhaust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Shigeru Nagano
    Inventor: Shigeru Nagano
  • Patent number: 5961784
    Abstract: A method for reducing the consumption of fresh water and energy in a paper mill in which fresh water is passed into the paper mill for various needs, and a cooling tower is utilized for cooling water heated in the papermaking process. All fresh waters or a substantial proportion of the fresh waters of the paper mill are introduced into the process through the water system of the cooling tower. The cooling tower includes at least one inlet for passing the water to be cooled into the cooling tower, nozzles for discharging the water that was passed in and that is to be cooled onto heat transfer faces, filler pieces and/or filler plates, which disperse the water to be cooled so as to increase the contact area between the water and the cooling air, at least one outlet for passing the cooled water out of the cooling tower, and blowers for blowing the cooling air through the cooling tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventors: Pertti Heikkila, Henrik Pettersson, Iikka Sipila, Markku Saarinen, Rainer Gartz
  • Patent number: 5958306
    Abstract: A collection system for use in cooling towers is disclosed. The collection system includes a plurality of spaced collection troughs with a pre-collector thereabove disposed between the fill material in the cooling tower and the collection troughs. The pre-collector includes a plurality of corrugated sheets positioned laterally and transversely adjacent one another to substantially fill the space between the collection troughs and the fill material. Water falling through the cooling tower will fall on the corrugations and will be directed by the corrugations into vertical discharge drains defined by the corrugated sheets. The vertical discharge drains will direct liquid falling onto the sloped flow surfaces defined by the corrugated sheets into collection troughs therebelow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Harold D. Curtis
  • Patent number: 5944094
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: The Marley Cooling Tower Company
    Inventors: Ohler L. Kinney, Jr., Glenn S. Brenneke, Thomas W. Bugler, III
  • Patent number: 5902522
    Abstract: A cooling tower is disclosed that is resistant to lateral displacement while minimizing the number and type of parts, and while limiting the amount of horizontal bracing. The cooling tower has a fiber reinforced material skeletal frame. Moment-transferring connections are provided in the connections between the elements of the skeletal frame and between the skeletal frame and the base on which it sits. Further cost savings may be realized by using separable parts made of wood instead of fiber reinforced material. The moment-transferring connections between the frame members are made by bonding the joined elements to a mounting plate. The moment-transferring connections between the frame and the base are made by bonding the frame members and the base to footings. A method of constructing such a cooling tower is also disclosed. Diagonal bracing may be provided at preselected joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Baltimore Aircoil Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse Q. Seawell, Toby L. Daley, Charles J. Bardo, James A. Bland, Gregory S. Mailen
  • Patent number: 5853595
    Abstract: The invention is a process for increasing the system thermal capability of a splash filled cooling tower where cooling water is circulated and splashed against splash bars during the cooling process. The process comprises contacting the circulating water of the cooling tower with a nonionic surfactant composition in an amount effective to increase the system thermal capability of the cooling tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Ashland, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Douglas Hancock, Andrew A. Romano, Russell T. Noble
  • Patent number: 5851446
    Abstract: A cooling tower is disclosed that is resistant to lateral displacement while minimizing the number and type of parts, and while limiting the amount of horizontal bracing. The cooling tower has a fiber reinforced material skeletal frame. Moment-transferring connections are provided in the connections between the elements of the skeletal frame. The moment-transferring connections between the frame members are made by bonding the joined elements to a mounting plate. The mounting plate may be held in place by mechanical fasteners that bear construction loads until the bonding material cures. The mounting plate, columns, beam and mechanical fasteners define construction joints that are capable of bearing construction loads until the bonding material cures. The mounting plate, columns, beam and cured bonding material define post-construction joints that are capable of transferring moments from the beam to the columns and are capable of bearing post-construction loads on the joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Baltimore Aircoil Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles J. Bardo, Jesse Q. Seawell, Toby L. Daley, James A. Bland, Gregory S. Mailen
  • Patent number: 5851441
    Abstract: Supply water temperature in a cooling tower is detected by a temperature detector, and based on the temperature detected by the temperature detector, a flow control valve in a hydraulic pressure supply line is controlled. As a result, operation of a hydraulic motor connected to a cooling fan can be controlled to efficiently cool down the water temperature to reach a preset temperature. Further, by a pressure-compensated variable displacement regulator of a variable displacement pump, the flow control valve is controlled to have irreducibly minimum pressure difference such that pressure on upstream side is slightly higher than the pressure on downstream side. Therefore, discharge pressure of the variable displacement pump can be suppressed to the irreducibly minimum value, and capacity of the variable displacement pump can be controlled to match the opening degree of the flow control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Ishikawajima-Harima Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kanji Kato, Hiroshi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 5811035
    Abstract: A pultrudable, fiber reinforced synthetic resin multiple purpose panel for cooling towers is provided of construction such that when a series of the panels are mounted in side-by-side relationship on supporting structure of the tower, they may be used to form either a deck or wall of the tower. Each of the panels has an elongated main panel section, and two longitudinally extending end sections which project from the main panel section in the same direction. A flange extending outwardly from the outer margin of one of the end sections is adapted to receive a series of self-tapping fasteners for securing each of the panel sections to the tower supporting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: The Marley Cooling Tower Company
    Inventor: Eldon F. Mockry
  • Patent number: 5770117
    Abstract: A cooling tower (30) with a film fill assembly (37) including a lower film fill stack (40) and an intermediate sloped or stepped film fill section (43). The lower stack (40) is disposed in a lower inboard corner (41) of the tower (30) proximal to an air outlet opening (35) and a collecting basin (36), and extends about 20% to 60% of the vertical height (L) of the film fill assembly (37). All film fill sections include vertical corrugated sheets (46) in composite forming an integral unit with adjacent sheets contacting each other and defining passages for gas and liquid. The film fill assembly (37) may include an upper vertically oriented film fill section (54) disposed in an upper outboard corner (44) of the cooling tower (30). A baffle assembly (73) collects and diverts descending water extending too far inwardly toward the tower plenum chamber (56) and past the lower film fill section (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventor: Peter M. Phelps
  • Patent number: 5751599
    Abstract: An open recirculating evaporative cooling system includes a cooling tower or evaporative condenser (12) having a heated water inlet (20) and a water collection basin (22), a water supply (34) for supplying a volume of water to the cooling tower, a water supply meter (36) coupled between the cooling tower and the water supply, for registering the volume of water supplied to the cooling tower from the water supply and for providing pulse information corresponding to the volume of water supplied, a heat exchanger (16) coupled to the cooling tower basin for receiving water therefrom, for removing waste heat (18) from heat producing equipment, and for supplying the heated basin water to the cooling tower heated water inlet, a solenoid valve (30) coupled between the heat exchanger and a drain for draining water from the cooling tower basin through the heat exchanger, sources of water treatment (24, 26, 28) coupled to the cooling tower for supplying corrosion and scale and biological fouling controlling additives th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Inventors: Michael Bortnik, Vadim A. Sadovsky
  • Patent number: 5695006
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat dissipation unit for cross flow type cooling tower with which it is possible to prevent the emission of white vapor without lowering the cooling power of the cooling tower, and also without requiring troublesome routine operation. In order to accomplish the above object, the heat dissipation unit of the present invention comprises filling plates arranged vertically and parallel with each other so as to form spaces therebetween, each of the filling plates having uneven surfaces down which water to be cooled flows when water to be cooled is supplied onto the filling plates, and cowl members disposed between neighboring filling plates, each of the cowl members including a pair of side plate portions having upper ends and a roof portion connecting the upper ends of the side plate portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Usui, Shigehira Yamamoto, Osamu Goto
  • Patent number: 5695005
    Abstract: A fluid dynamic crossflow cooling tower has a tower body. In the upper portion of the tower body, there is a horizontally disposed injection tubular element which has a plural number of spaced nozzles disposed on the lateral side. Heated fluid is pumped into the injection tubular element and is ejected out through the nozzles and forms a continuous screen of high velocity liquid flow into a horizontal diffuser. Outside cooling air is drawn into the tower through the air inlet located the lower portion of the tower body. The cooling air then mixes with heated liquid in the diffuser to perform heat exchange process. The liquid and air mixture then pass through a mist eliminator which separates liquid from the air. The air is then discharged out of the tower body, liquid is cooled and falls into a water dispersing trough and then passes through a heat radiator for the second pass heat exchanging process, and finally drops into a water tray at the bottom of the tower body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Inventors: Chia-Hsien Chen, Chiang Lai Chu
  • Patent number: 5655385
    Abstract: A cooling system typically incorporated in an outdoor rest facility has a substantially vertical tower extending vertically through the roof of the outdoor rest facility and having an air passageway defined vertically therein. The air passageway has an air inlet port defined in an upper end thereof for introducing air into the air passageway. A water ejector is disposed in the upper end of the air passageway for ejecting a shower of water downwardly through the air passageway from the upper end of the air passageway. A water retriever is disposed downwardly of and spaced from the tower, for retrieving the shower of water falling through the air passageway. An air outlet port is defined between an open lower end of the tower and the water retriever, for discharging air cooled by the shower of water out of the air passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Fujita Corporation
    Inventors: Baruch Givoni, Satoshi Yajima
  • Patent number: 5639286
    Abstract: A vertical fluid dynamic cooling tower includes a shell which ha s a horizontal tubular injection element disposed inside. A pressurized heat liquid is pumped into the tubular element and ejected out upwardly through spaced nozzles disposed on the top of the tubular element to create a continuous screen of dispersed liquid flow. A diffuser is disposed within the shell and above the injection tubular element to enable the ejected heated fluid to convert pressure to kinetic energy, to induce negative pressure at a lower section and to generate a cooling effect for the heated fluid. A mist eliminator is disposed at the top of the shell to separate fluid from the air. An air exhaust outlet is located at the top of the shell for discharging heated air. The condensed and separated fluid falls down into a heat dissipating device located at the lower portion of the shell for a second heat exchange process. The cooled fluid then passes through a silencer and drops into a drip tray to be pumped for reuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Inventors: Chia Shien Chen, Chiang Lai Chu
  • Patent number: 5585047
    Abstract: A fire resistant industrial water cooling tower (20) is disclosed having normally closed passive vent structure (28) which vents the interior of the tower (20) above the area which is undergoing combustion to enhance suppression of the fire. The vent area is dependent upon the location and extent of the fire. The vent structure (28) comprises means presenting a series of vent openings which are closed by a component (88) that responds to flames and/or hot products of combustion to move out of blocking relationship to the opening thus venting the interior of the tower. In preferred embodiments, the vent includes a panel member (82) having a series of openings (83) therein which are either covered or blocked by a synthetic resin member (88) formed of a material which will burn and has a relatively low melt temperature thereby causing the material to either burn or rapidly melt when subjected to flames and/or hot products of combustion resulting from a fire in a part of the tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: The Marley Cooling Tower Company
    Inventors: Kenneth P. Mortensen, Ronald D. Forest, John W. Rellihan
  • Patent number: 5569415
    Abstract: A crossflow cooling tower assembly (30) including a fill assembly (33) having a gas inlet opening (34) and a gas outlet opening (35). The outlet opening (35) is defined by a lower outlet portion (37) having a principal dimension generally inclined at an angle of about 5.degree. to 15.degree. to the vertical, and an upper outlet portion (38) having a principal dimension generally inclined at an angle of about 20.degree. to 45.degree. to the vertical which substantially widens an upper opening (38) into the exhaust plenum chamber (36). The cooling tower assembly (30) further includes a vertical stack (40) forming an exhaust port (41) positioned vertically over the exhaust plenum chamber (36) for exhaust of the gas in the generally vertical direction. An inner wall (43) of the vertical stack (40) is of a diameter sufficient to extend the exhaust port (41) substantially vertically over both the lower outlet portion (37) and the upper outlet portion (38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Inventor: Peter M. Phelps
  • Patent number: 5565019
    Abstract: The invention is a process for increasing the system thermal capability of a splash filled cooling tower where cooling water is circulated and splashed against splash bars during the cooling process. The process includes contacting the circulating water of the cooling tower with a nonionic surfactant composition in an amount effective to increase the system thermal capability of the cooling tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Ashland Inc.
    Inventors: R. Douglas Hancock, Russell T. Noble, Andrew A. Romano
  • Patent number: 5545356
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Tower Tech, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold D. Curtis, Randal K. Oberlag
  • Patent number: 5505882
    Abstract: Water to be cooled is sprayed through water spray ports at a bottom of an upper water vessel into a filler unit having a plurality of heat exchange surface members extending in parallel with each other to define flow passages between them and concurrently ambient air is sucked transversely into the flow passages. Thus, the water flowing down over the heat exchange surface members is cooled by the ambient air in a cross flow manner. In such cooling of water, some of the flow passages are sectioned so as to supply the water in the upper water vessel to some of flow passages so that in a normal condition with no fear of white smoke being generated, the water is sprayed over all of the heat exchange surface members and direct cooling is effected in every flow passage by the ambient air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Ishikawajima-Harima Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kanji Kato
  • Patent number: 5487849
    Abstract: A modular cooling tower apparatus is formed from a plurality of pultruded fiberglass structural members. Four hollow beams are joined together to form a combined liquid basin and support frame structure. A dual-layer drainage collection system rests upon the hollow beams and collects liquid and drains it into the hollow beams. A five-foot-thick body of fill material rests upon the drainage collection system. The overall height of the assembly from the bottom of the basin to the top of the unit is less than eleven feet thus allowing transportation on conventional trucking equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: Tower Tech, Inc.
    Inventor: Harold D. Curtis
  • Patent number: 5487531
    Abstract: A direct forced draft counterflow cooling tower apparatus is provided with a dual layer drainage collection system. Preferably, the lower layer of collection plates is formed of hollow plates having interiors which receive the warm water collected on the upper layer of plates. This provides a thermal charging or warming of the lower plates so as to prevent icing of the lower layer of plates of the drainage collection system during cold wintertime operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: Tower Tech, Inc.
    Inventor: Harold D. Curtis
  • Patent number: 5480594
    Abstract: Natural draft water cooling tower heat transfer efficiency is improved by an inlet air flow baffle to divide the inlet cooling air between a first volumetric flow portion channeled directly to the axial core of the tower draft channel under a shielded protection from a water droplet dispersion of descending process water and a second volumetric flow portion of inlet cooling air to an outer annulus of the draft channel surrounding the axial core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Inventors: H. Joe Wilkerson, Dudley J. Benton
  • Patent number: 5454987
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: Cooling Tower Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence E. Cornwell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5449036
    Abstract: A method for reducing the amount of water vapor in gas exhausted from closed loop evaporative heat exchange systems wherein the low energy air which has been warmed and moistened within the heat exchange system is mixed with cooler air to condense moisture out of the low energy air for recovery and reuse. Various methods and apparatus for controlling and effecting the mixing are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Inventors: John P. Genge, Clarence T. Moss, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5431858
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Baltimore Aircoil Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard H. Harrison, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5427718
    Abstract: A cooling tower (30) with a film fill assembly (37) includes a lower film fill stack (40 ) and an intermediate sloped or stepped film fill section (43). The lower stack (40) is disposed in a lower inboard corner (41) of the tower (30) proximal to an air outlet opening (35) and a collecting basin (36), and extends about 20% to 60% of the vertical height (L) of the film fill assembly (37). All film fill sections include vertical corrugated sheets (46) in composite forming an integral unit with adjacent sheets contacting each other and defining passages for gas and liquid. The film fill assembly (37) may include an upper vertically oriented film fill section (54) disposed in an upper outboard corner (44) of the cooling tower (30). A baffle assembly (73) collects and diverts descending water extending too far inwardly toward the tower plenum chamber (56) and past the lower film fill section (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Inventor: Peter M. Phelps
  • Patent number: 5407606
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Tennessee Valley Authority
    Inventor: Charles F. Bowman
  • Patent number: 5390502
    Abstract: A precooling system for an evaporative cooler for a closed loop cooling fluid system includes a supplemental heat exchanging coil connected in the cooling fluid loop upstream of the main evaporative cooler coils and positioned in the outlet air flow through the evaporative cooler, but above or outside the path of the spray water. The supplemental heat exchanging coil provides enough additional cooling capacity to allow the spray water system to be completely shut off and the spray water sump drained during low outside ambient temperature operation. Freeze up of the sump and other parts of the spray water system are completely eliminated and a substantial saving in spray water consumption and energy for freeze prevention systems is realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: Oven Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Storbeck, Walter D. Olson
  • Patent number: 5368785
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: Hamon-Sobelco S.A.
    Inventor: Franz M. F. G. Bouton
  • Patent number: 5348692
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: The Marley Cooling Tower Company
    Inventor: David M. Bickerstaff
  • Patent number: 5328600
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: Baltimore Aircoil Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Cates, William H. Smith, Edward N. Schinner, Katherine K. Flamm, Vladimir Kaplan
  • Patent number: 5294916
    Abstract: An apparatus controls the treatment of water that flows through a cooling system. The electrical conductivity of the water is sensed. A valve control opens a system drain valve when the sensed conductivity is greater than a threshold, and closes the drain valve when the conductivity drops below the threshold by a given amount. The water drained form the system is replenished through an inlet and a mechanism measures the volume of water added to the cooling system. Chemicals to treat the water are fed into the system when specified volumes of water have been added. The sensing of conductivity can be inhibited for a certain period following the application of the chemicals. A possible system malfunction is indicated when the conductivity does not drop below the threshold after the drain valve is open for a given period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Assignee: Autotrol Corp.
    Inventors: Michael P. Bolton, James A. Rodrian, Donald R. Janke
  • Patent number: 5284590
    Abstract: Method for controlling fouling in high efficiency cooling tower fill using low molecular weight 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropyl sulfonic acid/acrylic acid-type polymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Assignee: Calgon Corporation
    Inventors: John F. Kohlhofer, Patrick H. Gill
  • Patent number: 5284628
    Abstract: Convection towers which are capable of cleaning the pollution from large quantities of air and of generating electricity utilize the evaporation of water sprayed into the towers to create strong airflows and to remove pollution from the air. Turbines in tunnels at the skirt section of the towers generate electricity. Other embodiments may also provide fresh water, and operate in an updraft mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventor: Melvin L. Prueitt
  • Patent number: 5283012
    Abstract: A multi-level film fill industrial size water cooling tower is disclosed having upper and lower film fill packs arranged one above the other, and wherein a self-balancing hot water distribution system is provided for directing flows of hot water from the main supply line to respective distributors which are proportional to flow of hot water in the main supply line. Laterally extending distribution pipes connected to the main supply line in overlying relationship to the film fill packs have restrictor nozzles thereon all located in a common horizontal plane, so that the flow of hot water from all of the nozzles remains proportional to the flow in the main supply line. Each of the restrictor nozzles is vented to the surrounding atmosphere to prevent creation of significant negative pressure on the hot water flowing from each nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: The Marley Cooling Tower Company
    Inventors: Bugler, III: Thomas W., Jack D. Bliven
  • Patent number: 5236625
    Abstract: The present invention provides a structural assembly that includes at least four vertically extending columns which form corners of the structural assembly. Wall panels extend between adjacent columns, with at least two wall panels vertically stacked and connected to each other, to form a structural wall assembly between adjacent columns. The ends of each of the wall panels are attached to flanges that extend from each of the columns. A structural column is provided in the center of the structure and braces extend from each of the corner columns to the riser. Beams also extend from the central riser outwardly to certain of the wall panels, usually connecting to the wall panels at a location equidistant between the columns. A roof structure is provided, the edges of which are received in spaces in certain of the top wall panels. In a cooling tower application of the present invention, a fan assembly is supported on the top of the central column water inlet riser and includes a fan shroud supported by the roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: BAC Pritchard, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles J. Bardo, Toby L. Daley
  • Patent number: 5232636
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: Baltimore Aircoil Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Cates, William H. Smith, Edward N. Schinner, Katherine K. Flamm, Vladimir Kaplan
  • Patent number: 5227096
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: The Marley Cooling Tower Company
    Inventor: Thomas W. Bugler, III
  • Patent number: 5227095
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Inventor: Harold D. Curtis
  • Patent number: 5225086
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the treatment of wash water from the gas washing system of an iron ore reduction plant, the wash water being brought into direct contact with dust-laden gas in a gas washer, is removed from the latter and after solids separation is again supplied in cooled form to the gas washer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: Deutsch Voest-Alpine Industrieanlagenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Bogdan Vuletic
  • Patent number: 5213694
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the amount and concentration of make-up water and chemicals introduce into the recirculating water of a cooling tower system. A float operated make-up valve controls the addition of make-up water to the tower. As make-up water is added to the tower a vacuum is produced at an injector valve which draws chemicals from a chemical holding tank into the make-up water, thereby allowing precise control of the chemical concentration in the make-up liquid. Further, a bleed valve is provided which is responsive to the vacuum produced at the injector valve and bleeds a portion of the recirculating water to waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: American Hydro Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Marshall Craig
  • Patent number: 5186841
    Abstract: The invention relates to injecting ozone through at least one injecting means operating with a pressure drop of at least about 35 psi into a pressurized stream of aqueous solution, allowing the ozone injected stream to travel or flow at a velocity of at least about 7 feet per second for a distance sufficient to dissolve at least about 70% of the ozone injected and mixing the resulting ozonated stream with an aqueous stream solution to be ozonated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: Praxair Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Robert P. Schick
  • Patent number: 5170598
    Abstract: An exoskeleton structure made up of a plurality of pairs of triangular units which are adjacent to each other and which are interconnected. Each triangular unit has a generally horizontal segment and a pair of upright diagonal segments connected to the respective ends of the respective horizontal segment. The segments of each structural unit are shell-like or transversely curved so that, when they mate with the segments of adjacent triangular units, the segments of the two units form frame elements having hollow interior spaces for receiving concrete which is directed into the hollow spaces after the structural units have been erected. The configuration of adjacent structural units is repeated throughout the entire extent of the structure so that the numerous triangular structural units form an exoskeleton structure having maximum strength and high resistance to lateral forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Assignee: Bechtel Energy Corporation
    Inventors: Istvan Kadar, John H. Robinson
  • Patent number: 5152458
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Inventor: Harold D. Curtis
  • Patent number: 5145585
    Abstract: A method for treating water in a cooling system including a cooling tower and heat exchanger are disclosed herein. The method includes the steps of removing water from the main cooling water circuit, serially subjecting the water to magnetic treatment, treatment with ozone, filtering with a centrifugal separator, and then returning to the main cooling water circuit. Underflow from the centrifugal separator is filtered with a bag filter, and the filtered water returned to the magnetic treatment step. The pH of the water may be controlled by regulating the production of dry air supplied to the ozone generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Inventor: Alden L. Coke