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Cooling Tower Supplier
Cooling towers are essential systems used to dissipate excess heat from buildings and industrial processes. Cooling towers absorb heat via water that has been circulated through machinery and release it into the atmosphere through evaporation, lowering the water’s temperature before it’s recirculated.
Cooling towers are available in a number of designs, including open and closed systems and are a cost-effective, sustainable solution that enhances system efficiency. By keeping equipment at optimal temperatures, cooling towers help extend machinery life, minimise maintenance needs and improve overall operational stability.
Cooling towers are a proven, efficient way to manage heat produced by a wide variety of industrial processes. By keeping machinery at optimal temperatures, they also help extend equipment life which translates into fewer interruptions and lower operational costs.
For industries focused on reliable, around-the-clock performance, cooling towers are invaluable. Their adaptable designs can be seamlessly integrated into existing systems, making them a practical investment for businesses looking to enhance safety, maintain efficiency and minimise downtime.
Summit Systems offers a comprehensive range of cooling towers, backed by decades of experience in process cooling solutions. Our team works closely with you to advise on the right system configuration, ensuring each solution is perfectly suited to your operational needs.
Our cooling towers are available in open and closed circuit designs, with construction options including galvanised steel, stainless steel and GRP for durability across different environments. Key features include:
- Open Circuit Towers: Featuring high-efficiency packing to improve cooling performance.
- Closed Circuit Towers: Choose between tube bundle designs in steel or stainless steel or opt for plate-type heat exchangers for additional efficiency.
- Fan Options: Available with axial or centrifugal fansets to meet your airflow requirements.
- Design Flexibility: Select from induced or forced draught models, each optimised for effective heat transfer.
- Maintenance and Safety: Each tower includes access doors for straightforward maintenance, with optional access ladders and safety rails.
- Drift Eliminators: Equipped with modern drift eliminators to reduce water loss, reducing water costs.
How Do Cooling Towers Work?
Cooling towers operate through a multi-step process designed to remove heat from industrial systems safely and efficiently. Here’s how they work:
- Heat Absorption: Water is circulated through machinery or heat-generating equipment, where it absorbs excess heat. This heated water is then directed into the cooling tower.
- Entry into the Cooling Tower: The hot water flows into the cooling tower and is distributed across heat transfer packing*. This packing increases the surface area, allowing for more effective cooling.
- Airflow Introduction: Fans are used to draw or push air through the tower. The design may be induced draught (drawing air in) or forced draught (pushing air through), depending on the cooling tower type.
- Evaporative Cooling: As the air passes through the tower, a small portion of the water evaporates*. This evaporation process removes heat from the remaining water, cooling it down.
- Drift Elimination: Drift eliminators capture water droplets that would otherwise escape, reducing water loss and improving system efficiency.
- Recirculation: The cooled water is then recirculated back into the industrial system, ready to absorb more heat and repeat the process.
*In closed circuit towers, heat is transferred by water travelling through a heat exchanger, keeping the circulating water in a closed loop that does not come into contact with the air.
Types of Cooling Towers
Open Cooling Towers
Open cooling towers, also called open-circuit cooling towers, operate by exposing the circulating water directly to the air. The heated water flows over the tower’s heat transfer packing, where it meets with air drawn or forced through the tower. Some of the water evaporates, removing heat from the remaining water, which is then recirculated.
Key Benefits of Open Cooling Towers:
- Efficient Heat Removal: The direct exposure of water to air allows for rapid heat dissipation, making open cooling towers highly efficient for cooling larger systems.
- Flexible System Integration: Open cooling towers are compatible with a variety of industrial applications and can be easily integrated into different setups.
- Cost-Effective Operation: Open systems are generally simpler and more economical to install and maintain compared to closed systems, making them a cost-effective choice for many industries.
Closed Cooling Towers
Closed cooling towers, also known as closed-circuit cooling towers, operate within a sealed loop. In this design, the process water (or cooling fluid) flows through a coil or heat exchanger inside the tower, where it is cooled by air without direct exposure. This closed-loop system keeps the water clean and free from contaminants, making closed cooling towers ideal for applications where water quality is critical.
Key Benefits of Closed Cooling Towers:
- Reduced Contamination: The closed-loop system reduces the risk of contaminants entering the cooling water, protecting sensitive equipment.
- Lower Maintenance: With reduced exposure to airborne particles, there’s less buildup of contaminants, meaning less frequent cleaning and maintenance.
- Consistent Cooling Performance: A closed-loop system provides stable cooling for equipment, helping maintain optimal operating temperatures.
What is the Difference Between a Cooling Tower and an Adiabatic Cooler?
Cooling towers and adiabatic coolers serve the same fundamental purpose—removing excess heat from industrial processes—but they achieve this in distinct ways, each offering unique advantages.
Cooling towers rely on the evaporative cooling process. They circulate water through heat exchangers/transfer packing which absorb heat, which is then released into the atmosphere as water evaporates within the tower. This continuous evaporation makes cooling towers highly effective for large-scale applications but results in significant water consumption and requires regular chemical treatment to prevent corrosion and bacterial growth.
Adiabatic coolers, by contrast, primarily operate as dry air coolers, using fans to dissipate heat without water. During peak temperatures, they activate an adiabatic process, where warm air is drawn through lightly moistened pads, cooling it as water evaporates. This reduces water consumption by up to 95%, making adiabatic coolers more sustainable and cost-efficient. Also, their closed-loop design prevents contamination, eliminating the need for chemical treatments.
Cooling towers are best for industries prioritising heavy-duty heat management in areas with stable water availability, while adiabatic coolers are suited to those seeking a more sustainable, low-maintenance solution with long-term cost savings. The choice hinges on balancing heat loads, local water availability and environmental considerations.
Adiabatic coolers.
Cooling towers.
Hire Cooling Towers from Summit
Summit Process Cooling offers a comprehensive cooling tower hire service, providing immediate solutions for various industrial cooling needs. We understand that businesses may require temporary cooling solutions due to breakdowns, seasonal demands, or research and development projects. Our flexible rental options cater to these scenarios, allowing you to access high-quality cooling equipment without the commitment of a full purchase.
Our team of experts is dedicated to determining your specific cooling requirements and matching you with the appropriate hire unit. For more information on our cooling tower hire services, please visit our website or contact our team directly.
Services and After-Sales
Summit Systems are committed to delivering exceptional after-sales support and repair services to ensure your cooling towers operate efficiently, safely, and hygienically long after the initial purchase.
Whether or not you have a service agreement with us, our team is ready to assist with any technical issues that arise. Our experts are equipped to handle emergency breakdowns swiftly, preventing extensive downtime and helping you maintain smooth, uninterrupted productivity.
We also ensure your cooling tower systems remain compliant with health standards and free from harmful build-up and biological contaminants.
Our support extends beyond the cooling towers we supply—we’re here to help with other cooling equipment you may have on-site. This comprehensive approach allows us to be a single point of contact for all your maintenance needs, keeping servicing straightforward and cost-effective.
We provide professional technical guidance and support during system breakdowns. Our focus is on maximising uptime and enhancing the efficiency of your cooling systems, regardless of whether you have a maintenance contract with us.
Our expertise isn’t restricted to our own equipment—we can service and support any system. Contact us today for assistance with spare parts, remote monitoring, energy efficiency solutions, equipment rental, service engineer callouts, or 24/7 technical support.
Cooling Tower FAQs
The cost of a cooling tower varies based on the type, size and materials used. Factors such as open vs. closed circuit, construction materials (galvanised steel, stainless steel or GRP) and additional features will impact the price. Contact us for a customised quote to find the best solution for your needs.