The apparatus includes a forced draught, counter flow cooling tower, where a fan provides cooling air. Air enters the tower from the bottom, while hot water is generated by a geyser. As the hot water flows downward, it is sprayed over mesh packing through nozzles. The water cools due to evaporative cooling driven by air movement. This allows students to calculate the energy balance and study the operation of the cooling tower.

Experimental Objective

• To study the effect of heater power on the outlet water temperature.
• To perform energy and mass balance analysis of the cooling tower system.

Specification

• Cooling tower made of M.S. sheets with 200 x 200 mm cross section and 1.2m height, featuring a Perspex front.
• Wire mesh packing is included in the tower.
• 3 kW geyser provides hot water.
• Centrifugal blower with 1 hp capacity forces air through the tower.
• Multichannel digital temperature indicator measures temperature at various points.
• Rotameter is used to measure inlet water flow.
• Measuring tank is provided to measure outlet water flow.
• Calibrated orifice and water manometer are included to measure airflow.
• Arrangement to measure dry and wet bulb temperatures at 5 intermediate stations.
• A technical manual is included with the unit.
• The unit is coated with an attractive anti corrosion powder coating.         

Utilities Required Other than above Supply

• Requires 440V, 32A AC supply with neutral and earthing connection.
• Floor space required is approximately 2 meters x 1.5 meters.
• Water flow rate of 10 liters per minute at constant head.