scope:

The materials of construction for a cooling tower are of primary importance and should be given the most detailed attention. The average process cooling tower is operated to some degree on a year round basis and is, therefore, alternately exposed to hot, warm, or cold air and water. The air is sometimes dirty, polluted with fumes, and most probably contains microbiological organisms. Also, there is always an abundance of oxygen to support life and to accelerate corrosion. Moisture conditions may rage from saturation to dryness. Temperatures may range from extremely hot to extremely cold. This chapter describes various materials of construction and the limitations of such materials. The choice of the materials of construction should be made based on their suitability to a particular cooling tower process.