A Stainless Steel Selection Guide For Cooling Towers

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A slight difference in carbon content greatly affects the corrosion resistance between the two materials in the welded regions.

Engineers must choose from a variety of stainless steel types when configuring a package cooling tower. Options like Type 301L stainless steel (SS), Type 304 SS, and Type 316 SS are available for tower structure and components, including cold water basins, when enhanced corrosion protection beyond galvanized steel is desired.

Understanding the different attributes of stainless steel types can lead to more reliable choices. Type 301L (the 'L' designates the low carbon version of 301) has a maximum carbon content of 0.03 percent, while Type 304 has 0.08 percent. This small difference substantially impacts corrosion resistance in welded regions.

While Type 301L and Type 304 are nearly identical in chromium and nickel content, the low-carbon content of Type 301L provides superior corrosion resistance at welds compared to Type 304. However, away from the welds, both stainless steel types offer virtually identical corrosion protection in typical cooling tower environments.

Additional advantages of certain Type 301L grades include higher yield and tensile strength, along with better fatigue resistance. These grades also cold-work more efficiently, resulting in reduced thinning and increased strength in formed areas.

In extreme conditions such as low pH environments, high chloride levels, or extreme oxidizing and reducing environments, the additional corrosion protection provided by materials like Type 316 stainless steel may be warranted. Type 316 stainless steel includes molybdenum, which enhances its corrosion resistance.

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Most cooling towers do not encounter these extreme conditions. It is vital to select materials that are best suited for your application, avoiding unnecessary investment in costly materials that your cooling tower may never require.

3. Fill Pack and Heat Exchange Coils

In open-circuit cooling towers, you will find the fill pack. In closed-circuit cooling towers, you will find heat exchange coils, which serve a similar function.

These components are the 'heart' of cooling towers, where heat exchange between water and air occurs.

In closed-circuit cooling towers, the heat exchange coil consists of a closed tube bundle through which the process fluid or water circulates. This water remains clean during the cooling process as it is not in contact with air.

Conversely, in open-circuit cooling towers, water is in direct contact with air, leading to potential contamination during the process. Depending on water quality, the most suitable type of fill pack must be considered. A wide range of fill packs can be utilized, from 'film' fill packs to 'splash' fill packs.

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