LABORATORY: BENCH TOP COOLING TOWER

1.0 1.1

INTRODUCTION BASIC UNIT

1.1.1 Water Circuit Warm water is pumped from the load tank through the control valve and water flow meter to the column cap where its temperature is measured. The water is uniformly distributed over the top packing deck and, as it spreads over the plates, a large thin film of water is exposed to the air stream. During its downward passage through the packing, the water is cooled, largely by the evaporation of a small portion of the total flow. The cooled water falls from the lowest packing deck into the basin, from where it flows past a thermocouple and into the load tank where it is re-heated for re-circulation. Due to evaporation, the level of the water in the load tank slowly falls. This causes the float operated needle valve to open and transfer water from the make-up tank into the load tank. Under steady conditions, the rate at which the water leaves the make-up tank is equal to the rate of evaporation, plus any small airborne droplets in the air discharge

1.1.2 Air Circuit Air from the atmosphere, pre-heated by external means if desired, enters the fan at a rate, which is controlled by the intake damper setting. The fan discharges into the distribution chamber and the air passes wet and dry bulb thermocouples before it enters the packed column. As the air stream flows through the packing, its moisture content increases and the water is cooled. On leaving the top of the column the air passes through the droplet arrester, which traps most of the entrained droplets and returns them to the packing. The air is then discharged to the atmosphere via the air measuring orifice and further wet and dry bulb thermocouples. All of the foregoing may be observed through the transparent structure of the column. All temperatures are indicated by a digital temperature indicator and thermocouple selector switch.

2.0

LEARNING OUTCOMES (LOs):

At the end of an experiment, student should be able to:

Describe the basic components and functions of a Cooling Tower. (CO5-PO1) Examine the performance of the Cooling Tower. (CO5-PO10)

3.0

OBJECTIVES To know the function of the cooling tower and the application in a building. To know the essential important parts that install in the cooling tower system and its function. Can see the operational and performance of the cooling tower system. To compare the difference between the air conditioning system and cooling tower. To know the definition of each term in the cooling tower system as water inlet, water outlet, and so on.

4.0

APPARATUS

Figure 1: Bench Top Cooling Tower H891

Bench Top Cooling Tower H891 Stop watch

4.0

PROCEDURES

1. Switch on the main switch; 2. Measure and record the diameter and height of make up tank; 3. Then, record the temperature readings; 4. Set the pump flow rate meter at 40 gm sec-1; 5. After that, record reading of t1, t2, t3, t4, t5 and t6; 6. Switch on the heater which carrying the 1.0 KW load; 7. Measure and record the diameter and the height of the make up tank. 8. Hold the operation of the cooling tower for 15 minutes. 9. Repeat step 5 - 8 until 6 readings are taken.

5.0

RESULTS

Initial Air Inlet Air Inlet Air Outlet Air Outlet Water Inlet Temperature Water Outlet Temperature Orifice Differential Water Flow Rate Time Interval t1 / 0C t2 / 0C t3 / 0C t4 / 0C t5 / 0C t6 / 0C x / mm H2O Mw / gm s-1

After 15 min

6.0

REPORT SUBMISSION

Your report should include: Refer to lab report format

Duration

: 1 week