Adiabatic systems can be applied to air cooled condensers and dry air coolers when there is a reasonable difference between the dry bulb and wet bulb temperatures. The following benefits and features may be achieved when fitting adiabatic systems:

• Fluid temperatures lower than ambient dry bulb when there is sufficient difference between the dry bulb and wet bulb is temperatures.
• Reduction in physical size of plant.
• Increasing in capacity on existing dry systems.
• Standby - used as emergency capacity on critical applications or upgrades.

Temperature reduction is achieved by spraying water into the incoming air via a series of sparge pipes and nozzles located adjacent to the heat exchange coils.

On a typical unit fitted with 12 pole motors operating in an ambient of 32 oC db and 40% RH a depression of 80% can be achieved, resulting in an effective incoming air temperature of 24 oC. Maximum depression on units fitted with 6 pole Delta motors is 60%.

GEA Searle Adiabatic cooling systems are made up of two principal assemblies. The adiabatic control box, which can be factory fitted to air-cooled condensers and dry air coolers. The sparge and nozzle assembly is factory fitted to Vee bank units and supplied loose (for shipment) on flat bed units. These items are also available as a retro fit kit for site upgrades.

Three versions of the adiabatic control box are available:

• Option 1 - Without a pressurisation pump where the supply water pressure, at design flow rate, is not less than 5 bar.
• Option 2 - A low flow rate pressurisation pump where the supply water pressure, at design flow rate, is not less than 2 bar.
• Option 3 - A high flow rate pressurisation pump where the supply water pressure, at design flow rate, is not less than 2 bar.

  Searle Adiabatic Cooling System Leaflet

 

  Searle Adiabtic Installation and Maintenance Manual