How do Cooling Towers work?

Cooling towers play a key role in industrial and commercial processes, helping to manage heat and maintain efficient system performance. But how exactly do they work? Here’s a clear and simple breakdown. 

What Is a Cooling Tower? 

A cooling tower is a specialised structure that removes excess heat from water by transferring it to the atmosphere. This process is most often used in industries like power generation, manufacturing, and HVAC systems to keep machinery and environments operating efficiently. 

The Basic Cooling Process 

Water that has absorbed heat from an industrial process or air conditioning system is pumped into the cooling tower. Inside the tower, the water is exposed to air, allowing a small portion of it to evaporate. This evaporation removes heat from the remaining water, cooling it down before it is recirculated back into the system. 

Types of Cooling Towers by Franklin Hodge

Franklin Hodge, in partnership with Carter Environmental, manufactures a variety of cooling towers under the Carter brand. Each design suits specific performance needs and applications. 

Carter BAL Series: A forced-draught, counterflow tower using belt-driven centrifugal fans at the base. Offers flexibility in flow rates and can be installed as single or multi-cell units.

Carter BUC Series: An induced-draught, counterflow design with direct-drive axial fans located at the top. Also available in single or multi-cell formats, and in open or closed-circuit versions. 

Carter SAN Series: A forced-draught, counterflow tower with axial fans at the base, providing reliable cooling for a range of flow rates. 

Dry Air Blast Coolers (ABC/WABC):Closed circuit designs with copper or stainless-steel coils. WABC models include adiabatic cooling to lower outlet fluid temperatures below ambient levels. 

Built for Efficiency and Serviceability 

All cooling towers from Franklin Hodge are engineered for performance, easy maintenance, and environmental sustainability. Their modular design allows for quick inspection and servicing, while the use of quality materials ensures long service life. 

What About Visco Cooling Towers? 

Visco Cooling, a trusted name in cooling technology, has been part of the Franklin Hodge group since its acquisition by Carter Environmental in 2003. Known for durable and efficient cooling solutions, Visco Cooling Towers continue to deliver high-performance, low-maintenance systems trusted across a range of industries. 

FAQs

What is the purpose of a cooling tower?

Cooling towers remove heat from water used in industrial processes, allowing it to be reused efficiently. 

What’s the difference between forced and induced draught cooling towers?

Forced-draught towers have fans at the base, while induced draught towers have fans at the top. The fan position influences airflow and cooling efficiency. 

Are cooling towers suitable for all climates?

Yes, Franklin Hodge offers both open and closed-circuit options, including dry air blast coolers suited to a variety of environmental conditions.