TP22-15: Case Study of a 20-Year-Old 12-Cell Fiberglass Counterflow Cooling Tower

This paper examines fiberglass member characteristics and structural design aspects of a 20-year-old, 12-cell fiberglass counterflow evaporative cooling tower. A detailed structural inspection that included fiberglass pultrusion sampling from each cell was conducted. Column samples (3” x 3” x ¼”, 76.2 mm x 76.2 mm x 6.35 mm tube) were taken from below the fill area (cold water basin/air inlet/falling water), the fill and spray area, and the plenum area. Each location (bottom, middle, and top) represents a different temperature and potentially a different moisture environment. Other structural C-channels and smaller (2” x 2” x ¼”, 50.8 mm x 50.8 mm x 6.35 mm) fill support tubes used in the tower were also harvested. All samples were analyzed and tested both full scale and as coupons. The conclusions will report the results obtained including comparison to CTI Standards and tower history.