Frequently Asked Questions
Q
Why should I purchase a fluid cooler instead of a cooling tower/heat exchanger combination?
A
Fluid coolers reduce piping and system complexity by combining three pieces of equipment (cooling tower/
heat exchanger/pump) into one unit. This can prove beneficial in critical application areas.
In addition, a cooling tower and heat exchanger usually have a combined approach temperature of about 4°C.
With a closed circuit fluid cooler, certified approaches as low as 3°C can be guaranteed – allowing for colder
process fluid temperatures and greater efficiency during operation.
Closed circuit systems also protect the process fluid from contamination – reducing fouling and scaling
tendencies within sensitive systems. Clean closed loops result in greater efficiency, reduced energy costs
and reduced maintenance costs.
Q
What are some common closed circuit/fluid cooler applications?
A
Typical closed circuit applications include any process that is sensitive to fouling and corrosion. Many HVAC
applications are ideal for fluid coolers. Fluid coolers are also ideal for installations where the process fluid
is something other than water. Although certified with water as the process fluid, the MC Fluid Cooler can
effectively discharge heat from other fluids such as glycol, oil or other unusual water mixtures.
Common applications for the MC Fluid Cooler:
Common sites for the MC Fluid Cooler:
•
Water source heat pumps
•
Cooling special fluids
•
Condominiums
•
Self-contained cooling
•
Compressor jacket cooling
•
Steel mills
•
Chillers
•
Machine jacket cooling
•
Power plants
•
Free cooling
•
Schools
•
Hospitals
Q
Why would I install a
forced draft
fluid cooler over other fluid cooler configurations?
A
There are a number of reasons why a
forced draft
fluid cooler might be the smartest choice:
Low energy and water consumption
– forced-draft fluid coolers can alternately operate in a dry cooling
mode if ambient conditions are favorable. This minimizes energy and water consumption, saving money
while conserving natural resources. For situations that require greater
electrical
energy savings, consider
the Marley MH Fluid Cooler.
Low noise
– centrifugal fans and a fully-enclosed falling water area work to create one of the quietest
fluid cooler configurations on the market.
Small footprint
– a forced-draft, counterflow design requires considerably less plan area than
crossflow towers.
High static
– the capability of centrifugal fans makes it ideal for ducted applications, indoors or out.
Q
Can a fluid cooler be used in freezing weather applications?
A
Yes, but care must be taken to ensure proper operation and orientation (preventing recirculation).
By maintaining sufficient flow rate and heat load on the process fluid, a closed circuit tower can be
utilized in almost any environment.
Fluid exiting the coil must be maintained at or above 7°C. Cycling of the recirculation should not be used
to control process temperatures. Instead, introduction of ethylene or propylene glycol solutions is the best
means to protect the coil. For more severe fluid cooler freezing environments, we recommend the Marley
MH Fluid Cooler.
