MANUFACTURERS OF
Cooling towers

Cooling towers are installations that use the principle of water evaporation.

This process involves the evaporation of a small portion of the water volume. By changing state to steam, this evaporation extracts energy from the non-evaporated water flow, thus providing an efficient cooling solution for various industrial processes and air-conditioning systems.

In modern cooling towers, the heat exchange between water and air is optimized by efficient components. To understand this process, it is crucial to understand two concepts: sensible heat and latent heat. Sensible heat refers to the energy required to change the temperature of a physical element, while latent heat involves the change of state of a substance due to the absorption or release of heat.

For a cooling tower to operate effectively, it must provide ample surface area contact between water and air. This is achieved by a specially designed fill to maximize heat exchange. This surface area must be selected according to the quality of the water to be cooled, the possible liquids in suspension, its efficiency and the ease of subsequent maintenance.

There are several types of cooling towers that can be classified and grouped according to different characteristics.

Evaporative:

In evaporative cooling towers, part of the fluid evaporates when it comes into contact with the air, thus cooling the rest of the fluid. This evaporation process is essential for its operation.

In non-evaporative cooling towers, the evaporation process does not occur for cooling. A different mechanism is used.

Water and air contact:

In open circuit towers the water is in direct contact with the air, allowing heat to dissipate. The contact surface between water and air is crucial to the cooling capacity of the tower.

In closed circuit towers the water and air have no direct contact. A coil in the center of the tower allows the water to circulate, while the air, from the outside, steals heat by wetting the tubes, thus cooling the fluid.

Air draft:

Natural draft cooling towers are large structures where air moves by density difference, without the need for additional energy. They are safe and efficient for large water flows, but their size and cost can be limiting.

In the case of mechanical draft cooling towers, they use fans to drive air through the fill.

Induced draft towers have fans at the top that draw air, while forced draft towers have fans at the bottom that push air upward.

In addition to these towers, there are other cooling solutions, such as adiabatic systems or hybrid towers, which offer alternatives for various industrial applications and sectors.

At Torraval Cooling, we are experts in industrial refrigeration with more than 40 years of experience. Our mission is to help you select the ideal cooling tower to optimize your industrial process and achieve maximum efficiency. To do so, we follow a comprehensive process that guarantees the best solution for your needs:

In-depth evaluation of your needs: we start with a thorough analysis of your plant and your specific cooling requirements. Our experts will visit your facility to gather detailed information together with your technicians and the engineering companies involved.

Personalized advice: we will guide you through a process of key questions to gain a thorough understanding of your challenges and objectives. Our team will provide you with the best advice, taking into account your particular needs and the characteristics of your process.

Tailor-made solutions: we have a wide range of cooling towers and evaporative condensers designed to meet the specific needs of each industry. We offer you a variety of models and configurations so you can choose the solution that best suits your application.

High-quality design and manufacturing: We are known for our high design and manufacturing standards. We use top quality materials and state-of-the-art technology to ensure maximum efficiency, durability and performance of our cooling towers.

Comprehensive support: we accompany you throughout the entire process, from the selection of the right cooling tower to installation, commissioning and preventive maintenance. Our technical team is at your disposal to provide you with expert support and guarantee the correct operation of your cooling system.

By choosing us you get more than a cooling tower: you get the commitment and personalized attention of a team of experts that will help you achieve maximum efficiency and profitability in your industrial process.

Main structure: provides containment and support for the cooling tower.

Fill or heat exchange pack: present in open circuit towers, this component facilitates heat exchange between water and air.

Axial or centrifugal fan: the only mechanical device in motion, this fan drives the evaporation of the water necessary for the cooling process.

Water distribution system: usually consisting of a series of pipes and nozzles, this system ensures uniform water distribution throughout the tower.

Droplet separator: located just upstream of the fan, its function is to retain water droplets that would otherwise be carried away by the airflow from the fan.

The nature of the water to be cooled significantly affects both the choice of construction materials to be used and the most suitable type of filler. In the presence of particularly aggressive or acidic water, stainless materials or fiberglass, intrinsically insensitive to most chemical agents, should be preferred.

Cooling towers need a regular maintenance program and, in case of problems, additional attention. Although their construction is simple, keeping them in optimal condition involves following some essential guidelines to ensure safety and efficiency and maximizing their service life:

Periodic inspections: inspect the tower for damage or wear.

Cleaning: cleaning the tower regularly is important to remove dust, dirt and algae.

Water treatment: the water should be treated to prevent scaling and corrosion. It is crucial to control and condition the water to prevent physical and chemical deterioration. A clean and well-treated cooling tower ensures maximum performance with minimum consumption of electricity and evaporated water.

Preventive maintenance: perform regular preventive maintenance to identify, prevent and solve potential problems.

Cooling towers find a wide range of applications, mainly in the industrial field, but they can also be used in civil applications, such as public or commercial buildings.

In the industrial sector, both open-circuit and closed-circuit cooling towers are used. These towers are used in evaporation systems for a variety of applications, including:

Industrial refrigeration: widely used in various industries, such as food and beverage, to optimize efficiency and resources (water and energy) in food production and storage lines.

Commercial refrigeration: present in commercial establishments and supermarkets to maintain proper temperature conditions.

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning): integrated in air conditioning systems for commercial and industrial buildings.

Industrial processes: essential in a variety of industrial processes requiring temperature control, such as in oil and gas plants, as well as in the tire, paper and biomass industries. This last area represents one of the most important applications for cooling towers.

Efficiency: cooling towers are an efficient way to cool water and other liquids.

Ecology: these types of solutions do not use chemical refrigerants, which makes them more environmentally friendly than other cooling systems.

Versatility: cooling towers can be used in a wide variety of applications.

Scalability: all Torraval Cooling cooling towers can be sized to meet the needs of any application.