Recirculation Rate Rule of Thumb

Estimates condenser water flow through the tower from nominal cooling tower tonnage, based on 3 GPM per ton at a 10 degree F delta T.

$$R=N_{CT}\times 3\text{GPM/ton}$$

Variables

Symbol	Meaning	Unit
R	Recirculation rate	gpm
$N_{C}T$	Nominal cooling tower tonnage	ton

Worked example

500 CT tons x 3 GPM/ton = 1,500 gpm.

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Part of The Blueprint of Water