Cooling Pad Assembly
The cooling pads are critical for proper, efficient cooler operation. They are made of laminated cellulose (paper) fibers and arranged to
give a large surface area for evaporation and to provide a rigid structure. The shape of the cells allows high velocity airflow through the
pad at a minimum pressure drop. At the same time, the air passages between the cells force the incoming air to impinge on the wet cell
surfaces and maximize evaporation.
Note: The WayCool® evaporative cooler also acts as an air filter and removes dust and other particles from the air. This dirt
collects on the cooling pads and lowers cooler efficiency. The pads should be cleaned at least weekly and more frequently in
dusty conditions. See Regular Cleaning under "Operation & Maintenance".
The pump supplies a continuous flow of water over the pads causing a "sheet flow" which constantly replaces the water lost to evaporation
and keeps the pads saturated.
One cubic foot of the cooling pad material holds about a gallon of water during operation. One cubic meter holds about 100 liters of water.
Note: The cooling pads are relatively strong but are subject to crushing, especially when wet. Always run the unit with the plastic
retaining grates in place and handle them carefully when you clean them. Crushed cells reduce the total airflow through the unit
and therefore lowers it's cooling capacity.
The cooling pad sections, two sections for each side (eight sections total), sit in metal channels at the top and bottom of the unit. The
channels hold the cooling pads in position and form four sidewalls to completely enclose the unit.
The top channels house the PVC pipe, which run horizontally along the channel directly above the cooling pads. The bottom channels
have a series of holes drilled through them to allow excess water flowing down the cooling pads to return to the bottom.
The plastic retaining grates fit in front of the cooling pads and sit in the same channels as the pads; holding them in place and protecting
them from accidental damage. The plastic grates and cooling pads are easily
removed by placing a flat blade under the bottom and lifting upwards, then outwards. Once one pad is removed, the others can be lifted up
and out by hand without using a blade.
Note: Do not remove or handle the cooling pads when they are wet, as they damage easily. Run the blower without the pump
until pads are dry. With normal care, the pads should last at least two seasons. Abuse or mishandling will reduce their
effectiveness and shorten their life.
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