Introduction Of Bac Cooling Tower Distribution

BAC (Baltimore Aircoil Company) cooling tower water distribution system is designed to deliver uniform water flow over the fill to maximize heat transfer and prevent dry spots, scaling, and loss of performance. Here’s a clear, practical breakdown relevant to BAC towers.

1. Purpose of the Bac Cooling Tower Distribution System

* Evenly spreads hot condenser/process water over the fill

* Maintains consistent wetting of heat-transfer surfaces

* Minimizes scaling, fouling, and channeling

* Supports stable thermal performance at design conditions

2. Bac Cooling Tower Distribution Main Components

2.1 Distribution Piping (Header & Laterals)

* Typically hot-dip galvanized steel or PVC (model dependent)

* Designed for low pressure drop

* Internally flushed during operation to reduce sediment buildup

 2.2 BAC Spray Nozzles

BAC uses non-clog, large-orifice spray nozzles.

Common characteristics:

* Low operating pressure (often 0.5–1.5 psi / 3–10 kPa)

* Wide spray pattern for full fill coverage

* Snap-in or threaded mounting for easy maintenance

* Materials:

 * Polypropylene (PP) – standard

 * ABS – older models

 * Stainless steel – special or high-temperature applications

### 2.3 Hot Water Basin

* Receives hot water from the system

* Feeds distribution headers by gravity or pump pressure

* Integrated strainers may be used in some models

3. Types of Bac Cooling Tower Distribution Systems

3.1 Gravity Distribution (Most BAC Crossflow Towers)

* Water flows by gravity from the hot water basin

* Very low pressure requirement

* Quiet operation

* Easy inspection and cleaning

* Common in:

 * BAC Series V

 * FXV / CXV crossflow towers

Key point: Proper basin water level is critical for uniform distribution.

3.2 Pressurized Spray Distribution (Counterflow Towers)

* Water pumped through spray headers and nozzles

* Higher pressure than gravity systems

* Better performance in compact designs

* Used in:

 * BAC FXT

 * BAC VT (closed circuit)

 * BAC counterflow models

4. Bac Cooling Tower Distribution Design & Performance Features

* Uniform nozzle spacing to match air velocity profile

* Nozzle flow rate matched to:

 * Design water flow (m³/h or GPM)

 * Tower plan area

* Designed to operate efficiently even at **reduced flow** (turndown)

5. Bac Cooling Tower Distribution Common Issues & Maintenance Tips

Typical Problems

* Uneven water distribution (dry fill areas)

* Clogged or missing nozzles

* Incorrect nozzle type or orifice size

* Low basin level (gravity systems)

Maintenance Best Practices

* Inspect nozzles every 3–6 months

* Clean or replace damaged nozzles

* Verify correct nozzle orientation

* Check header alignment and supports

* Maintain proper water chemistry to reduce fouling

6. Bac Cooling Tower Distribution Replacement & Retrofit Notes

* Always match:

 * BAC model

 * Original nozzle part number

 * Design flow per nozzle

* Aftermarket nozzles must match spray angle and flow rate

* Replacing nozzles without recalculating flow can reduce tower capacity