1. What Is Cooling Tower Flow Rate?

The cooling tower flow rate represents the total makeup water required to compensate for water losses in a cooling tower system. It includes evaporation, blowdown, and drift losses that occur during the cooling process.

2. How Does The Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the cooling tower water balance equation:

Where:

• \( Flow \) — Total makeup water flow rate (m³/h)
• \( Evaporation \) — Water lost through evaporation (m³/h)
• \( Blowdown \) — Water intentionally drained to control concentration (m³/h)
• \( Drift \) — Water droplets carried out with exhaust air (m³/h)

Explanation: This equation maintains the water balance in the cooling tower system, ensuring proper operation and preventing scale formation.

3. Importance Of Flow Rate Calculation

Details: Accurate flow rate calculation is essential for proper cooling tower sizing, water treatment chemical dosing, water conservation, and overall system efficiency optimization.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter evaporation, blowdown, and drift rates in m³/h. All values must be non-negative. For accurate results, use measured or calculated values from your specific cooling tower system.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is evaporation loss in cooling towers?
A: Evaporation loss is the water that turns to vapor during the cooling process, typically representing the largest portion of water loss in cooling tower operation.

Q2: Why is blowdown necessary?
A: Blowdown removes concentrated dissolved solids to prevent scaling, corrosion, and biological growth in the cooling system.

Q3: How can drift be minimized?
A: Drift can be reduced using efficient drift eliminators, proper tower design, and maintaining optimal air and water flow rates.

Q4: What factors affect evaporation rate?
A: Evaporation rate depends on cooling load, wet-bulb temperature, relative humidity, and tower design characteristics.

Q5: How often should flow rates be calculated?
A: Flow rates should be calculated during system design, commissioning, and whenever operating conditions change significantly.