Increasing cooling tower capacity 1

[mechanicblues]

A quick estimation is being asked if the cooling tower capacity increased about %25 percent more, how will this affect the system. I mean, the capacities of the other equipments in the system such as heat exchangers, pumps, piping,etc., would also be icreased.

 

[quark]

There is no quick estimation. It depends upon what capacity enhancement you have undergone.

If the flowrates are increased, then pump capacity should also be increased same flowrate and head requirement goes up by square of flowrate ratio. Heat exchanger capacity should be increased by 25% (the straight relation mxcpxdT) but then you should check enhanced pressure drop and reduction in flow rate across the HX.

If cooling tower dT increases (i.e if you lower the approach or increase the range) then pump capacity can remain same, yet there will be improvement in HX by equal proportion, theoretically.

 

[mechanicblues]

Thanks quark

 

[STYMIEDPIPER]

As QUARK mentioned there is not a quick response to your inquiry.
I recently had investigated somewhat of a similar situation. The heat exchanger effectiveness is based on the contact time of the two medias thru HX to provide design cooling. Another item to consider is the increased flowrate. If the water is transported thru FRP piping than wear and deterioration becomes a factor. Most FRP piping manufacturer's recommend flowrate of 14 fps.
QUARK pointed you in the right direction.

 

[mechanicblues]

Thanks STYMIEDPIPER