SPX Cooling Technologies 160 manual Casing, Access and Safety, Cold Water Basin

The primary structural elements of all Class 160 towers are the nominal 4″ x 4″ columns spaced on 4′-0″longitudinal centers. A system of nominal 4″ x 4″ tower diagonals carries loads in both tension and compression to heavy-duty hot dip galvanized steel anchor plates.

Pressure-treated Douglas Fir is the standard material for structural members in Class 160 towers because it offers predictably consistent structural strength and provides long service life in cooling towers.

Unless otherwise specified, all lumber is pressure treated after fabrication. Treatment in accordance with CTI Standard STD-112 is available on request.

All structural framing connections use ¹⁄₂″ diameter galvanized machine bolts with either fiber-reinforced nylon shear connectors or FRP connector straps.

The fan deck is pressure treated exterior grade fir plywood designed for a uniform live load of 60 psf.

Hinged doors through the endwall casing permit access to the interior of the tower at the basin level. Single-cell towers have one door. Multicell towers have doors in both endwalls, plus accessways through any and all partition walls.

All mechanical equipment is accessible both from the interior of the tower and through the fan cylinder. Every component of every tower is removable and replaceable.

■Casing

Tower endwalls are cased with gray 8 oz/sq ft ribbed FRP sheets. Water and corrosion-proof FRP is immune to biological deterioration and requires no maintenance.

Casing ribs run vertically. Vertical joints between sheets are overlapped one rib and are sealed in the fill areas. Casing attaches to the structural members with stainless steel fasteners and neoprene bonded washers. Corner trim pieces are 12 oz/sq ft molded FRP.

■Access and Safety

The Class 160 tower is designed to meet all OSHA requirements. A 3′-6″high guardrail system complete with top rails, intermediate rails and toeboards, surrounds the entire top perimeter of the tower.

Aluminum ladders attached to the tower endwalls provide access to the fan deck level. Ladders begin at the cold water basin level and end at the top of the guardrail around the fan deck. Each tower normally includes two ladders—one at each endwall.

■Cold Water Basin

Most Class 160 owners install their towers over concrete cold water basins provided by others—or you can choose a wood collection basin as an option. See page 11.

Consult your Marley sales representative for detailed

dimensional drawings and load schedules to help you with your basin design.

5