Cooling Tower: Material Options for Structural Construction
If you are thinking about upgrading your industrial or commercial cooling systems, you should consider installing a cooling tower. This is an efficient heat-rejection device which is ideal for cooling general plant machinery and even improving the functionality of the HVAC. In general, there are multiple factors that you must evaluate before purchasing and installing a cooling tower because it is a significant investment. One of these critical aspects is the material used for constructing the outer casing. The choice will determine the cost of the tower and its durability. Here are the primary materials that you can choose in the current market.
Galvanised Steel
Galvanised steel is an ideal material for cooling tower construction because the metal is strong and resilient. Generally, the casing of the structure must be able to support the weight of the water being circulated and the fluid in the sump. In addition, it must anchor the mechanical fan system as well as other internal components. This type of steel is also favoured because it is inexpensive compared to alternatives. Therefore, the cost of the new cooling tower will be lower. Unfortunately, steel is vulnerable to corrosion; if the outer protective layer sustains damage, the casing will deteriorate fast.
Stainless Steel
Unlike galvanised steel, stainless steel is produced to intrinsically resist corrosion when exposed to the wet cooling tower environment. In simple terms, this material contains chrome which provides chemical stability. This type of casing is resilient and durable after installation. On the other hand, the cost of stainless steel is considerably high. If you want to reduce costs without compromising durability significantly, consider choosing a hybrid steel casing. This design has a stainless steel sump while the upper walls are built with galvanised steel.
Fibre Reinforced Polyester
The popularity of fibre reinforced polyester in the construction of cooling towers has increased in the recent past. When this material is manufactured effectively, it will provide long-lasting support to the cooling tower loads. FRP is not vulnerable to corrosion or water damage like metal, so you can expect a good service life. The main drawback is the high cost of a good quality FRP cooling tower.
HPDE
High density polyethylene is not as well-known as the alternatives, but it has good performance properties. This engineered plastic is moulded into a unitary structure during the cooling tower fabrication process. Therefore, it has no seams and joints which form areas of weakness. HPDE casings are durable and highly resistant to corrosion, and the structure is relatively sturdy for load-bearing applications.