Cooling Towers

Industrial-grade cooling towers for reliable, cost-effective thermal management

Product Highlights

Our Cooling Towers offer reliable, high-capacity cooling for industrial processes by efficiently dissipating heat through evaporation. Designed for durability and long-term performance, our towers are suitable for both open and closed-loop systems and can be configured to suit a wide range of flow rates and site conditions. With options for low-noise operation, corrosion-resistant materials, and easy maintenance access, these systems provide a cost-effective solution for continuous process cooling where water-based heat rejection is preferred.

  • Open cooling towers with high efficiency packing
  • Closed cooling towers with tube bundle in steel or stainless steel
  • Closed cooling towers with plate type heat exchanger
  • Induced draught or forced draught design
  • Galvanised steel, stainless steel and GRP construction
  • Access doors, ladders and rails available

Cooling towers are essential systems used to dissipate excess heat from buildings and industrial processes. Cooling towers absorb heat via water that has been circulated through machinery and release it into the atmosphere through evaporation, lowering the water’s temperature before it’s recirculated.

Cooling towers are available in a number of designs, including open and closed systems and are a cost-effective, sustainable solution that enhances system efficiency. By keeping equipment at optimal temperatures, cooling towers help extend machinery life, minimise maintenance needs and improve overall operational stability.

How Do Cooling Towers Work?

Cooling towers operate through a multi-step process designed to remove heat from industrial systems safely and efficiently. Here’s how they work:

  1. Heat Absorption: Water is circulated through machinery or heat-generating equipment, where it absorbs excess heat. This heated water is then directed into the cooling tower.
  2. Entry into the Cooling Tower: The hot water flows into the cooling tower and is distributed across heat transfer packing*. This packing increases the surface area, allowing for more effective cooling.
  3. Airflow Introduction: Fans are used to draw or push air through the tower. The design may be induced draught (drawing air in) or forced draught (pushing air through), depending on the cooling tower type.
  4. Evaporative Cooling: As the air passes through the tower, a small portion of the water evaporates*. This evaporation process removes heat from the remaining water, cooling it down.
  5. Drift Elimination: Drift eliminators capture water droplets that would otherwise escape, reducing water loss and improving system efficiency.
  6. Recirculation: The cooled water is then recirculated back into the industrial system, ready to absorb more heat and repeat the process.

*In closed circuit towers, heat is transferred by water travelling through a heat exchanger, keeping the circulating water in a closed loop that does not come into contact with the air.

Types of Cooling Towers

Open Cooling Towers

Open cooling towers, also called open-circuit cooling towers, operate by exposing the circulating water directly to the air. The heated water flows over the tower’s heat transfer packing, where it meets with air drawn or forced through the tower. Some of the water evaporates, removing heat from the remaining water, which is then recirculated.

Key Benefits of Open Cooling Towers:

  • Efficient Heat Removal: The direct exposure of water to air allows for rapid heat dissipation, making open cooling towers highly efficient for cooling larger systems.
  • Flexible System Integration: Open cooling towers are compatible with a variety of industrial applications and can be easily integrated into different setups.
  • Cost-Effective Operation: Open systems are generally simpler and more economical to install and maintain compared to closed systems, making them a cost-effective choice for many industries.

Closed Cooling Towers

Closed cooling towers, also known as closed-circuit cooling towers, operate within a sealed loop. In this design, the process water (or cooling fluid) flows through a coil or heat exchanger inside the tower, where it is cooled by air without direct exposure. This closed-loop system keeps the water clean and free from contaminants, making closed cooling towers ideal for applications where water quality is critical.

Key Benefits of Closed Cooling Towers:

  • Reduced Contamination: The closed-loop system reduces the risk of contaminants entering the cooling water, protecting sensitive equipment.
  • Lower Maintenance: With reduced exposure to airborne particles, there’s less buildup of contaminants, meaning less frequent cleaning and maintenance.
  • Consistent Cooling Performance: A closed-loop system provides stable cooling for equipment, helping maintain optimal operating temperatures.

Hire Cooling Towers from Summit

Summit Process Cooling offers a comprehensive cooling tower hire service, providing immediate solutions for various industrial cooling needs. We understand that businesses may require temporary cooling solutions due to breakdowns, seasonal demands, or research and development projects. Our flexible rental options cater to these scenarios, allowing you to access high-quality cooling equipment without the commitment of a full purchase.

Our team of experts is dedicated to determining your specific cooling requirements and matching you with the appropriate hire unit. For more information on our cooling tower hire services, please visit our website or contact our team directly.

Cooling Tower FAQs

The cost of a cooling tower varies based on the type, size and materials used. Factors such as open vs. closed circuit, construction materials (galvanised steel, stainless steel or GRP) and additional features will impact the price. Contact us for a customised quote to find the best solution for your needs.

A well-maintained cooling tower can last 15 to 20 years or longer, depending on environmental conditions, usage and maintenance practices. Regular inspections and servicing can help increase the lifespan of your cooling tower.

A cooling tower removes heat by using air and water in an evaporative process, typically for larger industrial or residential applications. A chiller, on the other hand, uses refrigerants and a closed-loop system to cool water.

Cooling towers should be serviced at least twice a year. For systems in demanding environments, more frequent servicing may be needed to ensure efficient operation and prevent buildup that can reduce cooling performance.

Inspections should be conducted monthly to check for signs of wear, buildup or mechanical issues. Regular inspections can help identify minor issues before they become costly repairs.

Cooling towers should be tested for Legionella bacteria at least every three months. In high-risk settings or areas with strict health regulations, more frequent testing may be required to ensure safety and compliance.

Water treatment costs for cooling towers depend on system size, water quality, and usage. On average, cooling tower water treatment costs between £2 to £3 per 1,000 gallons of makeup water. These costs are an estimate based on average cooling tower operation; for a more accurate quote, get in touch with the Summit team. These costs typically include chemical treatments to prevent scaling, corrosion and bacterial growth.

Services and After-Sales

Summit Systems are committed to delivering exceptional after-sales support and repair services to ensure your cooling towers operate efficiently, safely, and hygienically long after the initial purchase.

Whether or not you have a service agreement with us, our team is ready to assist with any technical issues that arise. Our experts are equipped to handle emergency breakdowns swiftly, preventing extensive downtime and helping you maintain smooth, uninterrupted productivity.

We also ensure your cooling tower systems remain compliant with health standards and free from harmful build-up and biological contaminants.

Our support extends beyond the cooling towers we supply—we’re here to help with other cooling equipment you may have on-site. This comprehensive approach allows us to be a single point of contact for all your maintenance needs, keeping servicing straightforward and cost-effective.

We provide professional technical guidance and support during system breakdowns. Our focus is on maximising uptime and enhancing the efficiency of your cooling systems, regardless of whether you have a maintenance contract with us.

Our expertise isn’t restricted to our own equipment—we can service and support any system. Contact us today for assistance with spare parts, remote monitoring, energy efficiency solutions, equipment rental, service engineer callouts, or 24/7 technical support.

We understand how critical it is to get your cooling system back up and running in the event of a system failure. That’s why we offer prompt and efficient chiller repairs – our qualified engineers can arrive on-site without disruption and replace parts to address breakdowns on the initial visit.

We also provide emergency and maintenance packages. Get in touch today to find out more.

Looking for a temporary chiller system? Here at Summit Process Cooling, we also offer chillers for hire, designed for temporary breakdown cover or seasonal equipment which isn’t needed for 12 months of the year. Whatever your cooling requirements, we can provide a hire solution across England, Wales, and Scotland.

Got a question about our Cooling Towers?

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+44(0)1827 213 401

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hello@summitprocesscooling.co.uk
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