TYPES OF COOLING TOWERS
Not all towers are suitable for all applications. Cooling towers are designed and manufactured in several types, with numerous sizes available. Understanding the various types and their advantages and limitations is essential when determining the right cooling tower for the project. Below is an overview of tower designs to help you decide which is suitable for your application.
CROSSFLOW COOLING TOWERS
In crossflow towers the water flows vertically through the fill while the air flows horizontally, across the flow of the falling water.
Because of this, air does not have to pass through the distribution system, permitting the use of gravity flow hot water distribution basins mounted at the top of the unit above the fill.
These basins are universally applied on all crossflow towers.
KEY BENEFITS: Maintenance access, variable flow, cold weather operation.
COUNTERFLOW COOLING TOWERS
Counterflow towers are designed so that air flows vertically upward, counter to the flow of falling water in the fill.
Because of this vertical airflow, it is not possible to use the open, gravity-flow basins typical in crossflow designs. Instead, counterflow towers use pressurized, pipe-type spray systems to spray water onto the top of the fill.
Since air must be able to pass through the spray system, the pipes and nozzles must be farther apart so as not to restrict airflow.
KEY BENEFITS: Application in tight spaces (under 750 tons), or in spaces where lower operating weight is required.
COUNTERFLOW VS. CROSSFLOW
Marley manufacturers both counterflow and crossflow cooling towers. We can confidently say in almost any circumstance that crossflow towers are the best choice. If you’ve ever tried to clean or maintain a crossflow tower you know they are incredibly difficult to get into. The only benefit to using a crossflow design is in small footprint situations where space is tight.
| CROSSFLOW | COUNTERFLOW | |
|---|---|---|
| LOWEST ENERGY USE |  |
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| LOWEST PUMP HEAD LOSS (GRAVITY FED) | |
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| EASIEST TO MAINTAIN | |
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| RELIABILITY | |
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| LOW FLOW FLEXIBILITY | |
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| ACCESS WHILE RUNNING | |
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| EASY NOZZLE ACCESS | |
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| FOOTPRINT | |
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THE MARLEY® DIFFERENCE
All of Marley towers are CTI Certified, have 3rd party verified sound data and designed in-house. These towers well-constructed and built to last.
3RD PARTY CERTIFIED SOUND DATA
Marley is the only tower manufacturer to subject its towers to CTI ATC-128 test code, conducted by a third-party certified acoustical engineer.
301L STAINLESS STEEL
301L has higher tensile strength, fatigue resistance, more corrosion resistance and higher strength in formed areas compared to 304 Stainless.
GEAR DRIVEN TOWERS
Gear driven motors require less space, less friction and are safer than belts. Our competition standardizes on belt driven towers. Gear driven motors are expected to last much longer than belt driven.
MARLEY DESIGNED
Marley engineers almost all of their components to fit in the cooling tower. This results in much tighter construction and performance when compared to the competition.
Price a New Marley® Tower Now!
Cooling tower technology is always advancing. Wether you are looking to replace an existing tower or add one, we can give you the best option to fit any budget.
Save money with high efficiency towers
New Towers have ultra low drift
Quick Installation
Long lasting stainless steel towers available
Lower maintenance
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Crossflow and Counterflow
This documents explains in detail the differences between crossflow and counterflow cooling towers, pointing out the advantages of each configuration for certain applications. Download and find out which one is best for you.
Cooling Tower Performance
Understand the link between cooling tower approach and range, and how they impact cooling tower performance, in particular heat load and airflow.
Sweeper Pipe System
Adequate solids control is crucial for optimal cooling tower performance and can lead to significant savings seen through reduced electricity, maintenance, and chemical expenses. Learn about the benefits of a Sweeper Pipe System.