Croda Chemicals at Leek as part of their oil processing were using a large water cooling tower to control the oil temperature. The cooling tower was due to be replaced with a 150kW closed cooling system to reduce the risks and costs associated with an open system.
Although the kW rating was relatively low the cooling water had to be returned within 5C of ambient based at 35C. Several vendors suggested adiabatic systems in order to keep the cooler at a reasonable size and cost although Croda were not keen on this type of cooler design.
Forward and Clixcoolers Ltd offered a bespoke design modular dry cooler using efficient aluminium multiport tube in order to keep the size practical for the footprint available. Fitted with variable speed drive this offered the client much better control and energy savings. This along with price and several other advantages like the ease of cleaning, easy to maintain and long service life was decisive for Croda.
The unit was installed and commissioned on time and on budget with the client having the reassurance of a 3 year warranty and service plan in place.