2 replies to this topic

[A mukherjee]

In all the projects,I find that consultant has specified Cooling water return temperature to be 45 degc,not more or less than that.
What is the reason behind it?

[Zauberberg]

45 degC is being considered - based on field experience - as the upper practical limit for cooling water return temperature. Reason: deposition of Carbonate salts at higher temperatures, resulting in accelerated fouling and plugging of heat exchanger.

Certainly you may choose lower return temperature, but this would lead to higher CW flow requirements = higher size/cost of the cooling water system, and in some cases bigger exchangers as well, capable to handle larger coolant flows.

[A mukherjee]

Thnxx Zauberberg for the reply.
Generally for most of the projects I 've found CWS temp to be 33 degc & CWR to be 45 degc,specified in the contract document.
But in reality(eg.in refrigeration unit,compressor intercoolers),Cooling water temp rise is not more than 4 degc.
Is there any particular reason to fix the Cooling water temperature rise arnd 4 degc?