Adiabatic cooling is an eons-old method of cooling spaces using the absorption of heat by water as it changes phase from a liquid to a vapor. Ancient Egyptians took advantage of this method by hanging wet cloths in the openings of their living quarters and letting the dry desert air pass through to provide a cooling effect.

In this issue of Process Cooling, we look for ways to improve industrial refrigeration system efficiency as well as at filtration systems suited for raw water intakes, adiabatic cooling and a case history about how brazed heat exchangers helped optimize a chiller design for laser cooling.

In the September issue, we look at water cooling as a means of managing process temperatures. 

With our Process Cooling 2020 index, you can revisit articles from this past year at a glance as we head into 2021.

It is a common question during the early design phase of most large mechanical systems: “Is open-loop or closed-loop cooling equipment better suited for this project?”

This article takes a look at the top ten most popular articles from Process Cooling in 2020.

Globally, regardless of the industry, water and energy savings are becoming more important. This article explores the benefits of adiabatic cooling by looking at a new installation at a metal processing company that was scheduled to go online in late 2019. A case history helps illustrate how other industrial processors might take advantage of this technology.

Evaporative cooling has been around for centuries. Also called adiabatic cooling (particularly in Europe), evaporative cooling is the earliest form of air-side cooling known to man. In spite of that, it also is probably the least understood — and sometimes maligned — solution to cooling.

The Marley V Tech provides lower energy usage and a smaller footprint than an air-cooled fluid cooler and lower site-water usage compared to an evaporative fluid cooler, says the manufacturer.

The hybrid adiabatic cooling system is a freezeproof system that combines dry air cooling during the cooler months of the year with fluid cooling during the warmer months.