Experimental study of cooling tower performance using ceramic tile packing

Deterioration of the packing material is a major problem in cooling towers. In this experimental study ceramic tiles were used as a packing material. The packing material is a long life burnt clay, which is normally used as a roofing material. It prevents a common problem of the cooling tower resulting from corrosion and water quality of the tower. In this study, we investigate the use of three different types of ceramic packings and evaluate their heat and mass transfer coefficients. A simple comparison of packing behaviour is performed with all three types of packing materials. The experimental study was conducted in a forced draft cooling tower. The variations in many variables, which affect the tower efficiency, are described.