94-05: Film Fill Fouling in Counterflow Cooling Towers: Mechanism and Design

Counterflow Film Fill Media was tested in a laboratory created environment that encouraged rapid fouling, allowed comparison of product features and application variables on an equal basis. The laboratory fouling mechanism mimicked field reports of problems and allowed testing without risk to end user equipment. Several important water chemistry parameters were also defined via this testing. Substantial enhancement of fill geometry for fouling environments was documented and lab tests were correlated with substantial field experience for identical products. Finally, the relationship of relative fouling load to thermal performance is investigated.