Drop size distribution below different wet-cooling tower fills

• Published in: Applied thermal engineering Vol. 29; no. 8; pp. 1552 - 1560
• Main Authors: Terblanche, R., Reuter, H.C.R., Kröger, D.G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.06.2009; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Cooling tower; Devices using thermal energy; Drop diameter; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Exact sciences and technology; Fill; Heat exchangers (included heat transformers, condensers, cooling towers); Heat transfer; Polydisperse; Rain zone; Rosin–Rammler; Theoretical studies. Data and constants. Metering; Polydisperse; Fill; Rain zone; Drop diameter; Rosin–Rammler; Cooling tower; Flow rate; Wet cooling; Measurement technique; Cement; Rosin-Rammler
• ISSN: 1359-4311
• DOI: 10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2008.07.013

Drop size distribution is measured photographically below three different counter-flow wet-cooling tower fills (cross-fluted film, trickle and fibre cement) and a number of splash grid configurations installed below a trickle fill. The air and water flow rates are varied to investigate their influence on drop size. The data for each test case is presented as a cumulative mass distribution curve, Sauter mean diameter, Rosin–Rammler distribution curve and Rosin–Rammler function. The main objectives are to describe the implemented experimental apparatus and measurement techniques and to determine the drop size distribution beneath different fills and ultimately the drop size reduction capability of grids installed below the fill. An important conclusion is that the Rosin–Rammler distribution curve generally does not fit the measured data adequately and thus should be avoided.