Cooling Towers

[UDP10]

My understanding from contractors and facility owners is that Evapco cooling towers are more difficult to maintain and are generally cheaper (not just less expensive) than some of the other manufacturers. I've expressed this concern to the local rep and he's offered to take me and my co-workers thru the factory to "prove us wrong," so I'll be headed there in the next few weeks.

I'd like to make the most of the trip but I don't have a lot of first hand experience with the Evapco towers - everything I have is from disgruntled owners. I'm looking for some questions to ask or things to look for from someone with strong feelings either way. I'm not looking for manufacturer bashing, more trying to find the right application for the right products.

Thoughts?

 

[CESSNA1]

UDP10: Go in with an open mind. Do your homework. Find out what the current owners do and do not like about them. I've seen instances where the user of equipment is down on the equipment when it is their fault. Learn the similarities and differences between the different companies. Get into details. If possible take the same tour with other manufacturers. You probably will be dealing with the marketeers so hold on to your wallet and ask to talk to engineering. (Marketeers don't like that)

Regards
Dave

 

[quark]

I don't know about Evapco but I have used many cooling towers of different makes, here in India, and cooling towers are the machines that gave me least trouble, so far. What are the concerns of the users about the particular make you mentioned?

Cooling towers are the most ignored and misunderstood items in a plant. First list down the specification viz., Range, Approach, L/G ratio, surface area and fan power consumption. Get the tower characteristic if possible. Compare with other manufacturers and question about the differences. When you do this, make sure that you are keeping WBT and heat load constant.

On an inspection, I will check the approach and range of the CT, the water distribution system and air flow around the tower. Just feel the water temperature across the tower cross section to check proper mixing. Check the sturdyness of the tower and that is all.