Open recirculating system

Definition

A water system, exemplified by a cooling tower, that is open to the atmosphere and continuously recirculates water while losing some to evaporation, blowdown, drift, and leaks.

Because it is open and recirculating, dissolved solids concentrate over time and the system is exposed to airborne contamination and biology. This exposure is what makes water treatment unavoidable once chilled water and a tower enter the picture. The cooling tower mass balance and cycles of concentration are the governing tools for managing it.

Related concepts

Condenser water loop · Cooling Tower · Cycles of Concentration

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Part of The Blueprint of Water · 🛠️ operations