What Is A Circulation Pump Cooling Tower​

A circulation pump in a cooling tower system (often called a cooling tower circulating pump or condenser water pump) is the pump that moves warm water from the heat source to the cooling tower and returns cooled water back to the system.

What a Circulation Pump Cooling Tower  Does

1. Collects hot water from:

  * Chillers (HVAC systems)

  * Heat exchangers

  * Industrial processes

2. Pumps the water up to the cooling tower

3. Distributes water over the fill

4. Returns cooled water from the tower basin back to the system

Without the circulation pump, heat rejection in the cooling tower cannot occur.

Common Types of Circulation Pump Cooling Tower 

1. End Suction Centrifugal Circulation Pump Cooling Tower

* Most common choice

* Easy maintenance

* Used in small to medium cooling towers

2. Horizontal Split Case Circulation Pump Cooling Tower

* High flow rates

* High efficiency

* Preferred for large HVAC and industrial cooling towers

3. Vertical Turbine Circulation Pump Cooling Tower

* Installed in cooling tower basin or sump

* Suitable where NPSH is limited

* Common in large industrial towers

4. Inline Circulation Circulation Pump Cooling Tower

* Compact design

* Used in packaged or rooftop cooling towers

Key Specifications to Select a Circulation Pump

Pump Location in Cooling Tower System

* Suction side: Cooling tower basin

* Discharge side: Cooling tower riser and distribution header

* Usually installed below water level to ensure positive suction head

Common Problems & Maintenance

* Cavitation → check NPSH and basin water level

* Seal leakage → replace mechanical seal

* Low flow → clogged strainer or worn impeller

* High power consumption → impeller wear or incorrect pump sizing

Circulation Pump vs Makeup Pump