SPX Cooling Technologies 1200, 1000 manual Water Distribution System, Structure and Materials

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Water Distribution System

The gravity-flow water distribution system designed into the Sigma tower essentially reduces pump head to its most basic component – static lift – saving you money on pump power. You won’t have to force water through internal piping and pressure spray nozzles, as you would in a counterflow tower.

Warm water enters the system through the Sigma galvanized crossover pipe. Inlet connections for your piping are standard 125# flanges. Marley flow-control valves balance the flow to both distribution basins of each cell. Water flows

from each valve through a splash-suppression chamber into the treated fir plywood distribution basin.

Polypropylene patented “Spiral Target” nozzles in the basin floor then distribute the water uniformly over the fill.

All materials in the water distribution system offer long life and minimal maintenance. Valves consist of cast iron bodies and grease-lubricated stainless steel operating stems. All plywood is treated exterior grade. The nozzles are chemically and biologically inert, so they’ll last indefinitely.

Structure and Materials

Sigma tower design conforms to the latest edition of the National Design Specification for Wood Construction (NDS) published by the National Forest Products Association.

Wind load criterion is normally 30 pounds per square foot of

projected area and the design meets 5%g seismic loading, based on a maximum water temperature of 120°F.

Pressure-treated Douglas Fir is the standard material for structural members in Sigma towers because it offers predictably consistent structural strength and provides long service life in cooling towers. Treated redwood structure

is available as an option. However, you will benefit in the long run from specifying redwood very selectively and very carefully.

Unless otherwise specified, all lumber – regardless of species – is pressure treated after fabrication. Lumber treatment is CCA, infused into the wood by the full-cell process to 0.40 lb/ft3 retention.

The primary structural elements of all Sigma towers are the 4" x 4" columns. Column bent lines occur on 4'-0" longitudinal centers.

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