History 4 Exchanger Leaks, Burns Cooling Tower

Case History 4 Exchanger Leaks, Burns Cooling Tower 

In July of 1997, a cooling tower at an ammonia and urea plant, originally constructed in 1968, caught fire and was destroyed. The plant produced 1,450 tons/day (1,315 tonnes/day) of ammonia and 240 tons/day (218 tonnes/day) of urea. The coolingtowerwasa 5-cell, induced draft, cross flow unit. It was constructed of redwood with steel supports and fiberglass fill. The capacity of the cooling tower was 50,000 gallons (190,000 liters). 

The plant was running smoothly when a common trouble alarm on the cooling tower fans sounded. The outdoor operators investigated, discovered a fire, called the fire department, and initiated a plant shutdown. The fire was extinguished in about 2 hours. 

Cooling towers, even those in operation and full of water, can burn. Fire protection was not provided. 

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