In a cooling tower, what is the typical evaporation factor related to temperature change?

The typical evaporation factor in a cooling tower is often expressed as a percentage increase in water loss for a specific temperature change. In this context, the evaporation factor is understood to reflect how much water evaporates per unit of temperature increase.

The correct answer indicates that for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit increase in temperature, there is about a 1% increase in water evaporation. This aligns with standard engineering practices and empirical data observed in cooling tower operations. The evaporation process is critical to cooling tower efficiency as it provides the necessary cooling effect; therefore, understanding this factor is crucial for water management and efficiency optimization in cooling systems.

In choosing a lower evaporation factor such as 1% per 10 degrees Fahrenheit, it highlights a more conservative estimate of water loss, which can be important for ensuring that a cooling system operates efficiently without excessive water consumption. This factor helps engineers and facility managers to assess the balance between cooling needs and water conservation.

Higher percentages like 1.5%, 2%, or even 3% per 10 degrees Fahrenheit would suggest a more aggressive evaporation rate, which does not align with typical industry standards for most cooling applications. Therefore, the chosen answer accurately represents the standard expectation for evaporation rates in cooling tower systems.