Closed Circuit Coolers vs. Open Circuit Coolers: Which is Right for Your Facility?

Closed Circuit Coolers vs. Open Circuit Coolers: Which is Right for Your Facility?

September 28, 2025

Closed Cooling Tower: Definition and Working Principle

A closed cooling tower is a type of cooling equipment that uses a coil heat exchanger. The process water circulates inside the closed coil and does not come into direct contact with outside air. Spray water runs over the coil surface while air passes through, carrying away the heat through indirect heat exchange.

Key features:

  • Clean process water, no contamination.

  • Less scaling and fouling.

  • Ideal for industries that require stable water quality, such as data centers, food processing, and pharmaceuticals.


Open Cooling Tower: Definition and Working Principle

An open cooling tower cools water through direct contact with air. Hot water is sprayed onto the fill media, and as it flows downward, it meets upward airflow. Part of the water evaporates, and the evaporation heat lowers the water temperature.

Key features:

  • Simple structure and lower initial investment.

  • Suitable for applications with large water flow.

  • Requires frequent water treatment and cleaning due to algae and dirt accumulation.


Closed vs Open Cooling Towers: Pros and Cons

Operating Cost

  • Open tower: Lower upfront cost, but higher long-term expenses due to water consumption, chemical treatment, and frequent cleaning.

  • Closed tower: Higher initial cost, but saves water and reduces chemical usage, resulting in lower overall lifetime cost.

Space and Installation

  • Open tower: Typically larger and needs more ground space.

  • Closed tower: Compact design, can be installed in limited spaces or on rooftops.

Maintenance and Cleaning

  • Open tower: Fill and basin require regular cleaning; prone to scaling, algae, and sediment.

  • Closed tower: Sealed water circuit stays clean; lower maintenance frequency.

Service Life

  • Open tower: Constant exposure to air and water accelerates corrosion; shorter lifespan.We use magnesium aluminum zinc plating or 304 stainless steel shell to delay this process.

  • Closed tower: Has a long service life and adopts magnesium-aluminum-zinc or 304 stainless steel shell structure.

Typical Applications

  • Steel Plants: Large cooling demand, cost-sensitive projects often choose open towers.

  • Food Processing Plants: Strict hygiene standards and clean water requirement make closed towers the preferred choice.

  • Data Centers: High reliability, energy-saving, and stable performance are critical, so closed towers are widely used.


How to Choose the Right Cooling Tower for Your Factory

When selecting between a closed or open cooling tower, consider:

  1. Process requirements: Water quality, temperature range, cooling capacity.

  2. Budget strategy: Short-term vs long-term operating cost.

  3. Installation conditions: Space availability, noise level, maintenance convenience.


Contact Us for a Free Cooling Tower Selection Plan

Not sure which cooling tower fits your project best? Our engineering team can provide free selection calculation and customized solutions based on your industry needs.

Get in touch with us today to receive fast support and a tailored quotation.

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