Cooling Tower RT Calculation

Cooling Tower Tonnage Formula:

\[ RT = (T_{in} - T_{out}) \times \frac{Circulation\ Rate}{12,000} \]

Cooling Tower Tonnage (RT):

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1. What is Cooling Tower Tonnage?

Cooling tower tonnage (RT) measures the heat rejection capacity of a cooling tower. One refrigeration ton equals the ability to cool 12,000 BTU per hour, which represents the heat of fusion of one ton of ice melting over 24 hours.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the cooling tower tonnage formula:

\[ RT = (T_{in} - T_{out}) \times \frac{Circulation\ Rate}{12,000} \]

Where:

\( RT \) — Refrigeration tons
\( T_{in} \) — Inlet water temperature (°F)
\( T_{out} \) — Outlet water temperature (°F)
\( Circulation\ Rate \) — Water flow rate (gallons per minute)
\( 12,000 \) — Conversion factor (BTU per refrigeration ton)

Explanation: The formula calculates the heat rejection capacity based on the temperature difference across the cooling tower and the water circulation rate.

3. Importance of RT Calculation

Details: Accurate cooling tower tonnage calculation is essential for proper system sizing, energy efficiency optimization, and ensuring adequate cooling capacity for industrial and HVAC applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter inlet and outlet temperatures in °F, and circulation rate in gallons per minute (gpm). Ensure temperature values are realistic for cooling tower operation and circulation rate is positive.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical temperature range for cooling towers?
A: Most cooling towers operate with a 10-15°F temperature range between inlet and outlet water temperatures.

Q2: How does circulation rate affect cooling capacity?
A: Higher circulation rates increase cooling capacity, but also increase pumping energy requirements and may reduce efficiency if too high.

Q3: What is the 12,000 factor in the formula?
A: This represents the conversion from BTU per hour to refrigeration tons (1 RT = 12,000 BTU/hr).

Q4: Can this calculator be used for metric units?
A: This version uses imperial units. For metric calculations, temperatures would be in °C and flow in m³/h with appropriate conversion factors.

Q5: What are typical RT values for different applications?
A: Small commercial buildings: 50-200 RT, large office buildings: 500-2,000 RT, industrial plants: 2,000-10,000+ RT depending on process requirements.