17-03: Distribution – Distribution – Distribution

Proper water distribution is at least three times more important than any other factor in cooling tower performance. We test cooling towers to make sure they are within 1⁰F to 2⁰F of their design. Then, in the next few years the performance quite often drops 10% to 20% because of water maldistribution. This paper covers various methods of detecting poor water distribution, how to improve the distribution, and how to continue successful water flow are included. Also included is a sample calculation of megawatt loss in a thermal electric generation plant and resultant loss of dollars, due to poor water distribution.