Depending on your budget, the type of industry you’re servicing with a cooling tower, and what you need a cooling tower for, cooling tower construction materials can vary.
Before you make a final choice when it comes to building a cooling tower and cooling tower design, it’s imperative to look at cooling tower materials side-by-side so you can best understand which may be the best option for you. Read on to learn more about cooling tower importance when it comes to building materials, and how to make an informed choice.
Understanding Cooling Tower Structure
As you choose your construction materials for your cooling tower, it’s important to be well-acquainted with the structure of a cooling tower. The cold water basin is located at the bottom of the cooling tower, and because of the hyperboloid shape of the cooling tower for cooling tower functionality, the rest of the cooling tower essentially rests on the cold water basin.
So, what the cold water basin is constructed of matters. If the basin corrodes or deteriorates, that essentially signals the end of your cooling tower’s life, and the whole structure will need to be replaced.
Coldwater basins can be constructed of galvanized steel, fiberglass, stainless steel, or concrete. Basins can also be built above or below grade, but below grade is more susceptible to corrosion and therefore, you must be even more careful with your selection of construction materials.
Cold Water Basin Construction Materials, Compared
You can build a cold water basin (the bottom of the cooling tower) with galvanized steel (very common), fiberglass, stainless steel, or concrete. However, some options are better than others, but this can weigh out somewhat when it comes to cost. Here are the materials, compared:
- Galvanized steel. This is one of the most common materials because it’s the most inexpensive to use. However, it’s the most susceptible to corrosion and only offers your tower a 15-year life expectancy.
- Fiberglass. This is not the best option for many. Fiberglass cannot be used with crossflow towers and may not meet IBC requirements. Its structural integrity is moderate, and it offers a 20-year life expectancy. However, it rivals concrete in cost, which is overall a better option in many cases.
- Stainless steel. Stainless steel is a good intermediate option for those who have a more flexible budget at the outset. Stainless steel offers about a 20-year life expectancy and his superior structural integrity. It is more expensive than galvanized steel, but less expensive than fiberglass and concrete.
- Concrete. Concrete is recommended by most as the go-to for basin construction; however, it is one of the most expensive materials, so for many, this isn’t in the initial budget. Concrete offers a 30-year life expectancy and is resistant to corrosion, and has excellent structural integrity. If your basin is below grade, this should be your choice if it is affordable.
Cooling Tower Construction
While cold water basin construction is certainly important, what is the cooling tower itself usually composed of? Most cooling towers are made of galvanized steel, although many are made from stainless steel. For the longest life, many recommend a stainless steel frame on top of a concrete cold water basin for your cooling tower to have the longest life.
Contact us
For more information about cooling tower construction, or to hear more about our services, contact Pinnacle Cooling Tower Service today at 732-570-9392.
Whether you’re constructing a new cooling tower or you need maintenance or repair, we pride ourselves on safety, service, and customer satisfaction.
