COOLING TOWER WITH INDIRECT HEAT EXCHANGER

摘要

A heat exchange apparatus is provided with an indirect evaporative heat exchange section. The indirect evaporative heat exchange section is comprised of a series of serpentine tubes, and an evaporative liquid is passed downwardly onto the indirect heat exchange section. The evaporative liquid is collected in a sump and then pumped upwardly to be distributed again across the indirect heat exchange section. An improved heat exchange apparatus is provided with an indirect evaporative heat exchange section consisting of a series of serpentine tubes comprised of tube runs both of normal and increased height between tube runs. A direct heat exchange section may be provided in the increased vertical spacing between tube runs.

主权项

1. A method of exchanging heat comprising the steps of:
providing an indirect evaporative heat exchange section, the indirect heat exchange section conducting a fluid stream within a plurality of pathways, the indirect heat exchange section comprising a top and a bottom, distributing an evaporative liquid generally downward onto and through the indirect heat exchange section such that indirect heat exchange occurs between the fluid stream within the plurality of pathways and the evaporative liquid, moving air through the indirect section, the air moving through the indirect heat exchange section exchanging heat with the evaporative liquid moving through the indirect heat exchange section and hence indirectly exchanging heat with the fluid stream within the plurality of pathways in the indirect section, wherein the indirect heat exchange section is comprised of a series of serpentine tubes comprising run sections and vertically spaced apart return bend sections, the series of serpentine tubes including at least one area having an increased vertical spacing between vertically adjacent run sections of the serpentine tubes, such increased vertical spacing formed by the vertically spaced apart return bend sections, and providing a direct heat exchange section in one or more of the areas in the indirect heat exchange section having increased vertical spacing between vertically adjacent run sections of the series of serpentine tubes.