Filler sheet and associated filler pack assembly

Abstract

A packing sheet for cooling a heat transfer fluid in a cooling tower includes an air inlet end, an air outlet end, a top edge, and a bottom edge. The air outlet end is positioned opposite the air inlet end along a transverse axis. The top edge connects the air inlet end and the air outlet end, and the bottom edge also connects the air inlet end and the air outlet end. The bottom edge is positioned opposite the top edge along a vertical axis. A plurality of flutes extends between the air inlet end and the air outlet end generally parallel to the transverse axis. A deflection portion extends generally parallel to the vertical axis. A first flute of the plurality of flutes transitions from a first peak at a first side of the deflection portion to a first valley at a second side of the deflection portion.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese patent application No. 202080088478.8 (international application No. PCT / US2020 / 063334), filed on December 4, 2020, entitled "Packaging Sheets and Related Packing Package Components".

[0002] Cross-references to related applications

[0003] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Nos. 17 / 082,589 and 17 / 082,797, filed October 28, 2020, entitled “Fill Sheets and Related Fill Pack Assemblies,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 951,365, filed December 20, 2019, entitled “Fill Sheets and Related Fill Pack Assemblies,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0004] Various film packings and packing sheets are available for crossflow cooling towers and can be assembled into packing bags. To stand out and gain an advantage in the market, it is crucial for packing manufacturers to offer products that are superior to competing packing solutions. Some examples of these advantages include improved tower performance through more efficient packing, ease of installation, longer product life, lower product cost, and reduced floating debris leaving the packing.

[0005] Cooling tower performance can be characterized by the amount of water or other cooling fluid that can be cooled to a specific operating temperature under specific environmental conditions. To achieve this cooling, water is sprayed onto the cooling tower packing and exposed to the airflow, causing a small portion of the water to evaporate into the air, cooling the remaining water. The overall performance of the cooling tower can also be improved by increasing the amount of evaporation occurring within the packing. Since most of this evaporation occurs within the packing, changes to the packing design can significantly affect the amount of cooling the tower can achieve during operation. Specifically, changing the cooling tower packing to reduce the pressure drop across the packing for a given airflow, or improving the thermal properties of the packing, will improve the cooling tower's performance. Reducing the pressure drop across the packing lowers the resistance to airflow through the tower, allowing more air to pass through the water film at the same fan power, thereby increasing evaporation. To improve the thermal properties of the packing, increasing the mixing of air and water can increase the amount of water evaporating into the air by improving the conditions at the air-water interface. However, the mixing of air often requires changes to the packing, which increases the pressure drop across the packing, indicating the need for packing design that can reduce the pressure drop of existing designs with minimal impact on mixing, or improve mixing strategies to require equal or smaller pressure drops.

[0006] For crossflow cooling towers, film packing is installed in the tower as either suspended packing or bottom-supported packing. For suspended packing, holes are drilled near the top of the packing sheets to accommodate rails or for mounting on rails, with the packing sheets spaced along the length of the rails. This results in individual packing sheets bearing tensile loads below the holes but compressive loads at the rail-sheet interface. For bottom-supported packing, the sheets are secured together to form a rigid packing block, which is then placed on top of the supporting structure within the tower. Generally, bottom-supported packing is easier to install into the tower than suspended packing; however, bottom-supported packing sheets require additional structural features to resist compressive loads during operation, particularly under the loads of water or other cooling fluids used in the tower, or accumulated external deposits such as ice, biofouling, scale, or other associated accumulated deposits, all of which exert additional weight and force on the packing. These structural features of the packing sheets, such as structural ribs or glue bosses, typically provide little or no thermal benefit to the packing and increase pressure drop, leading to degraded tower performance. In addition to structural ribs and glue bosses, thicker standard sheets can be used to fill structures, but increasing the standard thickness increases the total cost of the filler by adding more material to each filler sheet.

[0007] For thin-film packing used in crossflow towers, all packings include a dedicated heat transfer zone, while some packings also include an integral floating debris remover near the air outlet and / or a louvered plate section near the air inlet. The heat transfer zone of the packing is responsible for the thermal performance of the packing by providing a large surface area for water diffusion across the packing surface to increase contact with air, mixing air as it flows through the packing, and mixing the water film as it flows over the plates, while maintaining a low pressure drop across the packing. Typically, the heat transfer surface for crossflow packing consists of grooved packing plates with small surface features (microstructures) patterned on the surface, or packing plates with more pronounced patterned features and less pronounced grooved features. For grooved packing, the grooves are typically continuous over the heat transfer zone, or have a generally constant cross-section along their length, and are usually cross-corrugated, although they can be oriented horizontally or vertically.

[0008] Although most free water adheres to the surface of the film packing, some water forms small droplets and escapes from the packing through the air outlet, also known as floating debris. Floating debris is undesirable because it represents a loss of water or other cooling fluid from the system, and replenishing this loss incurs costs, including the water or other cooling fluid itself and any chemical treatment agents contained within it. Floating debris can also have harmful effects on surrounding equipment and the environment because it may contain chemicals, salts, and bacteria present in the circulating water or fluid. For crossflow tower film packing, floating debris removal features are sometimes included on the air outlet side of the plates to capture these floating debris droplets and prevent them from escaping from the cooling tower. These features are called floating debris removers and can consist of an integral floating debris remover (“ID”). For crossflow film packing, there are typically two different types of floating debris removers that can be integrated: tubular floating debris removers and bladed floating debris removers. Typically, tubular floating debris removers are inclined tubes formed in the ID portion of the packing by aligning the floating debris corrugations of adjacent plates. When water droplets are entrained in the airflow as they enter the pipe, their momentum causes them to impact the pipe wall as the airflow changes direction, following the inclined pipe of the ID. A vertical channel is typically included at the inlet of the integral flotation remover pipe to allow water collected on the surface of the integral flotation remover to drain from the packing into a lower collection pool and to provide vertical structural support for the bottom support packing. A limitation introduced by current implementations of this type of flotation remover is when water reaches the pipe inlet. As water reaches the transition section between the pipe section and the drain pipe, some water may be propelled by air along a portion of the top wall of the pipe before falling into the airflow. By introducing water droplets further into the remover, these droplets become more likely to escape from the remover without impacting the wall, thus reducing the remover's performance. Integral blade flotation remover designs achieve flotation removal by changing the airflow direction by forming a large vertical ridge near the air outlet of the packing. The momentum of the water droplets at the inlet of the integral flotation remover impacts the ridge wall, thereby removing flotation in the airflow. Other structural features, such as ribs or spacers, may be included before or after the eliminate ridge to ensure that the sheets remain separated during operation and to reinforce the packing and / or sheets, as well as the assembled packing package.

[0009] At the air inlet of the packing, integral louvered panels are sometimes included in the packing design to prevent water from splashing out from the front of the packing. These integral louvered panels are typically made of corrugations that slope downwards as they extend into the packing, providing a sloping surface for water to flow downwards and thus preventing water or other cooling fluids from reaching the front of the packing. The corrugations on each panel can be assembled together to form a tube, or the corrugations can remain parallel to adjacent panels, adding additional panel spacer features to the design. Summary of the Invention

[0010] In short, the preferred invention relates to a packing sheet that, when assembled into a packing bag consisting of multiple packing sheets for use in a crossflow cooling tower, cools a heat transfer fluid in the cooling tower. The packing sheet includes: an inlet end, an outlet end positioned opposite the inlet end along a transverse axis, a top edge connecting the inlet end and the outlet end, and a bottom edge connecting the inlet end and the outlet end. The bottom edge is positioned opposite the top edge along a vertical axis. The heat transfer fluid is configured to flow between the top edge and the bottom edge. Typically, multiple grooves extend along the transverse axis between the inlet end and the outlet end. Offset portions or transition features provide a flat portion of the macrostructure and generally extend parallel to the vertical axis. A first groove among the multiple grooves transitions from a first peak on a first side of the offset portion to a first valley on a second side of the offset portion. The offset portion or transition feature includes ribs extending generally parallel to the vertical axis and spacers providing structural support for the offset portion. The microstructure is preferably integrally formed in the offset portion and has a generally herringbone shape. The spacers are preferably composed of a first plurality of spacers, wherein each of the plurality of grooves includes one of the first plurality of spacers located on the groove at the offset or transition feature. The ribs are preferably composed of intermediate ribs, including a first intermediate rib and a second intermediate rib, and the spacers are composed of intermediate row spacers.

[0011] In another aspect, a preferred invention relates to a packing sheet that, when arranged in a packing bundle consisting of multiple packing sheets, cools a heat transfer fluid in a cooling tower. The packing sheet includes: an inlet end, an outlet end positioned opposite the inlet end along a transverse axis, a top edge connecting the inlet end and the outlet end, and a bottom edge connecting the inlet end and the outlet end. The bottom edge is positioned opposite the top edge along a vertical axis. Multiple spacers extend from the heat transfer region of the packing sheet between the inlet end, the outlet end, the top edge, and the bottom edge. The multiple spacers include a first spacer having a first head end and a first tail end. The first head end is positioned closer to the top edge than the first tail end. The first spacer defines a first spacer axis. The first spacer axis defines an acute spacer angle with the transverse axis. The multiple spacers include a second spacer having a second head end and a second tail end. The second head end is positioned closer to the top edge than the first tail end. The second spacer defines a second spacer axis. The second spacer axis defines an acute spacer angle with the transverse axis. The axis of the first spacer extends on the opposite side of the vertical axis relative to the axis of the second spacer.

[0012] In another aspect, a preferred invention relates to a packing packing for cooling a heat transfer fluid in a cooling tower. The packing packing includes a first packing sheet and a second packing sheet. The first packing sheet has a first top edge, a first bottom edge, and a first heat transfer region between the first top edge and the first bottom edge. The second packing sheet has a second top edge, a second bottom edge, and a second heat transfer region between the second top edge and the second bottom edge. A first plurality of spacers extends from the first packing sheet generally perpendicular to the plane of the first sheet. The first plurality of spacers includes a first spacer having a first head end and a first tail end. The first head end is positioned closer to the first top edge than the first tail end. A second plurality of spacers extends from the second packing sheet generally perpendicular to the plane of the second sheet. The second plurality of spacers includes a second spacer having a second head end and a second tail end. The second head end is positioned closer to the second top edge than the second tail end. In an installation configuration, the first head end is positioned close to the second head end. A vertical axis is generally defined perpendicularly to the first and second top edges and the first and second bottom edges. The first tail end extends toward the opposite side of the vertical axis relative to the second tail end.

[0013] In another aspect, a preferred invention relates to a packing packing for cooling a heat transfer fluid in a cooling tower. The packing packing includes a first packing plate and a second packing plate. The first packing plate has a first inlet side, a first top edge, a first outlet side, and a first heat transfer region between the first inlet side and the first outlet side. The second packing plate has a second inlet side, a second top edge, a second outlet side, and a second heat transfer region between the second inlet side and the second outlet side. In an installation configuration, an integral floater is associated with the first outlet side and the second outlet side. The floater defines a plurality of tubes, wherein the floater inlet is located close to the first and second heat transfer regions, and the floater outlet is spaced apart from the first and second heat transfer regions. The plurality of tubes extend from the floater inlet toward the floater outlet generally toward the first and second top edges. Each of the plurality of tubes includes a blocking structure at the floater inlet configured to block the heat transfer fluid at the floater inlet to promote droplet formation and capture of the heat transfer fluid within the floater.

[0014] In another aspect, a preferred invention relates to a packing sheet that, when assembled into a packing bag consisting of multiple packing sheets, cools a heat transfer fluid in a cooling tower. The packing sheet includes: an inlet end, an outlet end positioned relative to the inlet end along a transverse axis, a top edge connecting the inlet end and the outlet end, and a bottom edge connecting the inlet end and the outlet end. The bottom edge is positioned relative to the top edge along a vertical axis. Microstructures are formed on the packing sheet. Support ribs extend between the top edge and the bottom edge. The support ribs include a first support rib and a second support rib. The first and second support ribs are transversely spaced from each other along a transverse axis and extend substantially parallel to the vertical axis. Each support rib has a first support rib portion having a first support rib length. The first support rib includes a first rib height, and the second support rib includes a second rib height. The microstructures have microstructure heights. The first rib height is less than the microstructure height in the first support rib portion, and the second rib height is greater than the microstructure height in the first support rib portion. Preferably, the support ribs include outlet side ribs positioned near the outlet end. The first support rib portion preferably has a first support rib portion length. In a preferred embodiment, the first rib height may be composed of the minimum rib height, and the second rib height may be composed of the maximum rib height, wherein the rib height transitions between the maximum rib height and the minimum rib height.

[0015] In another aspect, the present invention preferably relates to a packing sheet that, when assembled into a packing bag consisting of multiple packing sheets, cools a heat transfer fluid in a cooling tower. The packing sheet includes: an inlet end, an outlet end positioned relative to the inlet end along a transverse axis, a top edge connecting the inlet end and the outlet end, and a bottom edge connecting the inlet end and the outlet end. The bottom edge is positioned relative to the top edge along a vertical axis. Multiple ribs are typically located between the inlet end and the outlet end. Intermediate ribs are typically located between the inlet end and the outlet end. The intermediate ribs include a first intermediate rib and a second intermediate rib. The first intermediate rib extends from a top end near the top edge to a first end. The second intermediate rib extends from a bottom end near the bottom edge to a second end. The second rib includes a second end and a third end. The first end is positioned near the second end. An offset portion typically extends parallel to the vertical axis. A first groove among multiple grooves transitions from a first peak at a first side of the offset portion to a first valley at a second side of the offset portion. Intermediate ribs are located at the offset portions. The first end of the first rib is positioned near the second end of the second rib. At least one of the first and second ribs intersects the transverse axis between the top and third ends. Preferably, the first and second ribs are spaced between one-quarter and two inches apart. 1 The lateral spacing between the two ribs ( / 4-2”) is separated. In the preferred embodiment, the first rib and the second rib may include any one of an inlet side rib, an outlet side rib, or an intermediate rib. The first rib may be composed of a first intermediate rib segment, and the second rib may be composed of a second intermediate rib segment, wherein in the preferred embodiment, the first end and the second end are positioned close to the middle of the packing sheet. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The foregoing overview and the following detailed description of the invention will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings show currently preferred embodiments. However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and means shown. In the drawings:

[0017] Figure 1 This is a front view of the packing sheet according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 1A From Figure 1 Shape 1A cut Figure 1 An enlarged front perspective view of a portion of the packing sheet;

[0019] Figure 1B It is along Figure 1 The line 1B-1B cut Figure 1 A side perspective view of the packing sheet;

[0020] Figure 1C yes Figure 1 A wireframe front perspective view of a portion of the packing sheet, showing the corrugated grooves and offsets of the packing sheet;

[0021] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A bottom perspective view of the air outlet portion of the packing sheet, roughly taken from... Figure 1 Behind the center line 2-2;

[0022] Figure 2A yes Figure 2 A front view of a portion of the air outlet section of the packing sheet;

[0023] Figure 2B It is along Figure 2 The line 2B-2B is cut off Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the packing sheet;

[0024] Figure 2C It is along Figure 2A The line 2C-2C cut Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the packing sheet;

[0025] Figure 2D It is along Figure 2 2D-2D intercepted line Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the packing sheet;

[0026] Figure 3 It is installed or assembled together to define the filler pack. Figure 1 A bottom view of the paired packing sheets;

[0027] Figure 3AIt is along Figure 3 The line 3A-3A cut Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the packing bag;

[0028] Figure 3B It is along Figure 3 The line 3B-3B is cut off Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the packing bag;

[0029] Figure 3C It is along Figure 3 The line cut from 3C to 3C Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the packing bag;

[0030] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An enlarged bottom view of a portion of a packing package, showing the spacers of the packing sheets in an installed or assembled configuration;

[0031] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A front view of the shape of the spacer;

[0032] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A front view of the alternative shape of the spacer;

[0033] Figure 7 This is a front view of a packing sheet according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, which includes an integrated floating debris remover located on the air outlet side of the packing sheet;

[0034] Figure 8 From Figure 7 The shape is cut within 8-8. Figure 7 A front perspective view of the packing sheet;

[0035] Figure 9 It is along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view taken along centerline 9-9 of a portion of a pair of packing plates installed or assembled together to form a packing bag, and generally showing the grooves of the float remover and the connection between the float remover grooves and the cooling portion of the packing plates; and

[0036] Figure 10 This is a front view of the packing sheet according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0037] In the following description, certain terms are used for convenience only and not for limitation. Unless explicitly stated herein, the terms “a” (“an”) and “the” are not limited to a single element, but should be interpreted as meaning “at least one”. The words “right,” “left,” “lower,” and “upper” indicate directions in the referenced figures. The terms “inward” or “farward,” “front” or “rear,” and “outward” or “proximal” refer to directions toward and away from the geometric center or orientation of the packing sheet, packing pack, and its associated portion, respectively. The terminology includes the words listed above, their derivatives, and words with similar meanings.

[0038] It should also be understood that the terms “about,” “approximately,” “generally,” and “substantially,” used herein when referring to the dimensions or characteristics of parts of the invention, indicate that the described dimensions / characteristics are not strict boundaries or parameters and do not exclude minor variations that are functionally identical or similar, as will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. At a minimum, such references including numerical parameters will include variations that will not change the least significant bit using mathematical and industrial principles accepted in the art (e.g., rounding, measurement results or other systematic errors, manufacturing tolerances, etc.).

[0039] refer to Figures 1 to 3C According to a first preferred embodiment of the invention, the packing sheet, generally designated 10, has a heat transfer portion 11, together with an air inlet portion 12 that may include an integral louvered panel (not shown), and may include an integral float (see...). Figures 7 to 9 The air outlet portion 14 and / or other standard end features at the inlet portion 12 and / or outlet portion 14, as well as additional features such as intermediate honeycomb structures. The packing sheet 10 is not limited to including integral louvered panels or integral floats, neither of which are shown in the first preferred embodiment of the packing sheet 10, and can function without louvered panels and floats, or may include alternative features attached to, integrally formed with, located adjacent to, or adjacent to the air inlet portion 12 and air outlet portion 14 (such as non-integral louvered panels and floats adjacent to but not integrally formed with the packing sheet 10). The air inlet portion 12 of the first preferred packing sheet 10, which may include integral louvered panels, is located at the air inlet side 10a of the sheet 10, and the air outlet portion 14, which may include integral floats, is located at the air outlet side 10b of the preferred crossflow packing sheet 10.

[0040] The heat transfer portion 11 of the first preferred packing sheet 10 includes a herringbone microstructure 11a, or the microstructure 11a has a generally herringbone shape, to increase the surface area of ​​the packing sheet 10 in the heat transfer portion 11 and to provide mixing of air and water during operation. The microstructure 11a is not limited to being composed of herringbone microstructures, but may be composed of microstructures of selectable size and shape that increase the surface area of ​​the packing sheet 10 in the heat transfer portion 11 to expose additional water film areas to the airflow. The microstructure 11a preferably has a smaller microstructure height H compared to the height of the macrostructure of the preferred packing sheet 10. s The macrostructure includes features such as multiple grooves 18, as described in more detail below. In a preferred embodiment, the microstructure height H s The height is 0.03 inches to 0.5 inches (0.03-0.5”), but not limited to this, and may exceed this range depending on the designer's preferences, microstructure type, cooling tower type, expected load, and related design considerations and preferences. However, the preferred microstructure 11a has a microstructure height H. s At the microstructure height H s Within the preferred range, and applicable to the preferred packing sheet 10.

[0041] The heat transfer portion 11 of the packing sheet 10 also includes spacers 16, which may consist of a plurality of spacers 16. The spacers 16 may consist of adhesive bosses, plug spacers, or other similar structures or features that space the packing sheets 10, 9a, 9b apart from each other in an assembled or mounting configuration. The spacers 16 preferably extend from opposite front and rear surfaces of the packing sheet 10 and mate with opposing spacers 16 on adjacent packing sheets 10, but are not limited thereto, and may be configured to extend only from a single surface of the packing sheet 10, or may be otherwise sized and configured to space the packing sheets 10 apart in an assembled configuration. The spacers 16 on adjacent packing sheets 10 in the assembled configuration also preferably include mating adhesive bosses or plug spacers that facilitate the spacing of the assembled packing sheets 10 relative to each other. The spacer 16 is not limited to mating glue bosses or plug spacers, and may include virtually any feature of the packing sheets 10 that facilitates spacing adjacent packing sheets 10 relative to each other in an assembly configuration, including suspending or hanging the packing sheets 10 adjacent to each other at a predetermined interval or distance during operation. The spacer 16 may facilitate engaging or joining adjacent packing sheets 10 together in an assembly configuration, or may provide a general spacing between adjacent packing sheets 10 in an assembly configuration. The construction and operation of the spacer 16 will be described in more detail below. In a preferred embodiment, the packing sheets 10 may also include the spacer 16 from which alignment or connection features 19 extend. Preferably, the spacer 16 provides a surface for mating with the spacer 16 of adjacent packing sheets 10 to properly space the first packing sheet 9a from the second packing sheet 9b in an assembly or mounting configuration. Preferably, the alignment or connection features 19 facilitate proper alignment of the first sheet 9a relative to the second sheet 9b and / or provide engagement or connection of adjacent packing sheets 10 in an assembly or mounting configuration.

[0042] The heat transfer portion 11 of the packing sheet 10 also includes grooves 18 disposed thereon, which generally extend parallel or substantially parallel to the transverse axis 20 of the packing sheet 10. The transverse axis 20 extends generally horizontally in the mounting configuration of the packing sheet 10 and is oriented generally perpendicular to the vertical axis 22. The grooves 18 preferably guide airflow through the heat transfer region 11, generally along the transverse axis 20 from the inlet side 10a to the outlet side 10b.

[0043] The first preferred packing sheet 10 also includes an improved rib structure for enhancing the vertical and lateral stiffness and strength of the packing material in the assembly configuration, including an inlet-side rib 24 and an outlet-side rib 26 that generally extend parallel to the inlet side 10a and the outlet side 10b, respectively. The inlet-side rib 24 and the outlet-side rib 26 are preferably integrally formed in the packing sheet 10 near the inlet side 10a and the outlet side 10b, respectively, and adjacent to or within the heat transfer region 11. The inlet-side rib 24 and the outlet-side rib 26 will be described in more detail below.

[0044] refer to Figures 7 to 9 In the second preferred embodiment, the packing sheet 10' has features similar to those of the first preferred packing sheet 10, and the same reference numerals are used to identify similar or identical features, wherein the upper table symbol (') is used to distinguish features of the second preferred embodiment from those of the first preferred embodiment. The second preferred packing sheet 10' includes an integral floater 50, which improves upon known tube-based integral floaters (not shown) by introducing a blocking structure 100 to enhance float performance, as described in more detail below.

[0045] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 7 In the first and second preferred embodiments, packing plates 10, 10' are oriented in the cooling tower and configured to be tilted forward or have a wrap angle △, △' of approximately five to ten (5-10) degrees to counteract the effects of cross-flowing air on water flowing vertically on the surface of the packing plates during operation. When water flows downwards across the packing plates 10, 10' approximately parallel to the vertical axes 22, 22', the air tends to push the water toward the outlet side 10b, 10b' of the packing plates 10, 10' due to friction at the air-water interface. Therefore, the packing plates 10, 10' are typically tilted toward the airflow direction along the transverse axes 20, 20' such that the front apex angle of the packing plates 10, 10' at the intersection of the inlet side 10a, 10a' and the top edge 28, 28' is positioned closest to the air inlet of the tower. The lower front corner of the packing plates 10 and 10' at the intersection of the inlet side 10a and 10a' and the bottom edge 30 and 30' is the part of the inlet side furthest from the tower inlet.

[0046] refer to Figures 1 to 3C The heat transfer region 11 of the packing sheet 10 consists of herringbone microstructures 11a formed on grooves 18, covering most of the interior portion of the packing sheet 10. The geometry of the grooves 18 generally consists of individual grooves 18 oriented substantially along the air travel direction or generally parallel to the transverse axis 20. The packing sheet 10 also preferably includes a transition feature 32, which may consist of offset portions 32 in the grooves 18. The transition feature 32 preferably provides a generally flat macrostructure that extends substantially parallel to the vertical axis 22, or is inclined at an angle Δ, Δ' to the vertical axis 22. The first groove 18 of the plurality of grooves 18 transitions from the flat portion of the transition feature 32 to an arcuate macrostructure spaced apart from the transition feature 32 (see [link to original text]). Figure 1CThe flat portion preferably includes ribs or supports 38 extending generally parallel to the vertical axis 22, and spacers 16 providing lateral support for the ribs or supports 38. The spacers 16 are preferably positioned near the ribs or supports 38 to provide lateral support, and are not limited to being positioned within the flat portion or transition feature 32, but are preferably positioned near the ribs or supports 38 to provide lateral support. The spacers 16 preferably include a first plurality of spacers 16 along or at the offset portion 32, wherein each of the plurality of grooves 18 is associated with or includes one of the first plurality of spacers 16 located on the groove at the offset portion, flat portion, or transition feature 32. The plurality of spacers 16 of the first preferred packing sheet 10 are respectively located at each offset portion 32 near the intake side 10a, near the outlet side 10b, and near the intermediate vertical rib 38.

[0047] Preferred packing pieces 10 include several intermediate offset portions 32 in grooves 18, wherein the peaks 36 of the grooves 18 typically transition to valleys 34 along the airflow direction or transverse axis 20, and vice versa. The offset portions or transition features 32 are typically positioned close to the row of spacers 16, such that two adjacent packing pieces 10, such as the first packing piece 9a and the second packing piece 9b (… Figures 3 to 3C ), which can be connected together or positioned adjacent to each other to define the filler pack 8. Figure 1C and Figures 3 to 3C The first preferred packing sheet 10 and packing pack 8 show transitions from peaks 36 to valleys 34 and from valleys 34 to peaks 36 on opposite sides of the offset or transition feature 32 in the direction of the transverse axis 20, thereby creating a generally parallel orientation of adjacent first packing sheets 9a and second packing sheets 9b in the heat transfer region 11. For any given vertical position on the packing pack 8, the offsets 32 are staggered between adjacent first packing sheets 9a and second packing sheets 9b in the air travel direction or generally parallel to the transverse axis 20. By staggering the offsets 32, most of the profile of the grooves 18 for the packing pack 8 is parallel to the adjacent first sheets 9a and second sheets 9b. Figure 3B and Figure 3C ), while the shorter portions of the filler packs 8 between each set of offset portions 32 have opposite profiles or adjacent pieces 9a, 9b ( Figure 3AThe peaks 36 and valleys 34 in the offset portion 32 of the packing pack 8 are adjacent, thus providing a location for the spacer 16 to be integrated into the design without significantly protruding into the airflow of the slot 18 and causing pressure drop. This first preferred configuration of the slot 18 reduces the area of ​​confined airflow between the peaks 36 and valleys 34 of the adjacent plates 9a, 9b of the packing pack 8 by allowing most of the profile of the slot 18 of the packing pack 8 to remain substantially parallel to the adjacent plates 9a, 9b and providing advantages over existing tube-based slot arrangements between the adjacent plates 9a, 9b. The staggered offset portions 32 also create short tube regions within the packing pack 8, which provides structural advantages over slot designs consisting only of parallel slot profiles. By providing shorter portions near the offset portions 32, where the slot 18 is aligned into a tubular structure with the peaks 36 and valleys 34 of its adjacent plates 9a, 9b substantially aligned in the offset portions 32, the lateral stiffness of the packing pack 8 is increased without requiring large spacer features to intrude into the airflow region. Furthermore, a generally flat section is provided in the transition area on either side of the tube structure of the offset portion 32 to add vertical ribs or supports, such as intermediate vertical ribs or supports 38, without cutting through the contour of the groove 18. The intermediate vertical ribs or supports 38 reinforce the packing pack 8 without significantly increasing the pressure drop of the packing pack 8 between the inlet side 10a and the outlet side 10b.

[0048] refer to Figure 3 and Figures 4 to 6In addition to the improved geometry of the grooves 18 in the packing bundle 8 of the first preferred embodiment used in the crossflow packing design, the spacers 16 used to space adjacent packing pieces 9a, 9b to define the packing bundle 8 have been improved. The first preferred embodiment of the spacers 16 has generally angled teardrop or raindrop-shaped spacers 16 in at least the heat transfer region 11 in which microstructures 11a are formed on the packing piece 10. In an installation configuration, the first spacer 16a of the first packing piece 9a mates with the second spacer 16b on the adjacent second packing piece 9b, and engages, positions itself face-to-face or close to the second spacer to space the first packing piece 9a and the second packing piece 9b apart from each other by a predetermined distance, and may facilitate engagement or connection of adjacent packing pieces 9a, 9b. Preferred packing pieces 9a, 9b have a plurality of spacers 16 extending from two opposite faces of the packing pieces 9a, 9b to mate with adjacent packing pieces 9a, 9b, 10 in an installation configuration. As a non-limiting example, the first preferred packing sheets 9a, 9b, 10 have three rows of fourteen (14) spacers 16, which are located near the middle of the packing sheets 9a, 9b, 10 along the offset portion 32 and the inlet side 10a and outlet side 10b, respectively. The packing sheets 9a, 9b also include a plurality of spacers 16 positioned adjacent to the inlet side 10a and outlet side 10b, wherein the spacers have alignment or connection features 19. The three rows of spacers 16 include a middle row spacer 15b, an inlet side row spacer 15a, and an outlet side row spacer 15c. In the first preferred embodiment, the inlet side row spacer 15a is located at the inlet side offset portion 32, the middle row spacer 15b is located at the middle offset portion 32, and the outlet side row spacer 15c is located at the outlet side offset portion 32. The middle row spacer 15b is positioned at the middle offset portion 32 between the first middle rib 38a and the second middle rib 38b. The first intermediate rib 38a is located between the intermediate row spacer 15b and the intake side 10a, and the second intermediate rib 38b is located between the intermediate row spacer 15b and the exhaust side 10b. The packing sheets 9a, 9b, 10 are not limited to including fourteen (14) spacers 16 in each row of the spacers 15a, 15b, 15c, or are not limited to the specific locations shown in the preferred embodiment, but may include more or fewer spacers 16 depending on the size of the packing sheets 9a, 9b, 10, the expected load on the packing sheets 9a, 9b, 10, the expected environment, designer preferences, and related factors. The packing sheets 9a, 9b, 10 may include virtually any number of spacers 16 that facilitate spacing or connecting adjacent sheets 9a, 9b, 10 in an installation configuration, are capable of withstanding the normal operating conditions of the spacers 16, and perform the functions of the spacers 16 as described herein.

[0049] In a first preferred embodiment, each of the spacers 16 includes a generally wider and relatively semi-circular head end 40 and a narrower tail end 42. A first spacer 16a includes a first head end 40a and a first tail end 42a, and a second spacer 16b includes a second head end 40b and a second tail end 42b. The head end 40 and tail end 42 define a teardrop or raindrop shape for the spacers 16, wherein the tail ends 42, 42a, 42b are generally rounded, particularly compared to conventional teardrop or raindrop shapes. In an installation configuration, the head ends 40 of adjacent spacers 16 generally mate and provide surfaces for engaging the spacers 16, while the tail ends 42 extend away from each other in the installation configuration, generally extending to opposite sides of the vertical axis 22. In the first preferred embodiment, the tail ends 42 extend away from the head ends 40 along the spacer axis 17. In the first preferred embodiment, the first spacer 16a includes a first spacer axis 17a, and the second spacer 16b includes a second spacer axis 17b. The first spacer axis 17a and the second spacer axis 17b preferably define a first acute spacer angle Ωa and a second acute spacer angle Ωb with respect to the transverse axis 20, respectively. These angles are approximately 10 to 80 degrees (10-80°), but are not limited thereto, and can be almost any acute angle that helps to perform the function of the spacer 16 and withstand the normal operating conditions of the spacer 16, such as in the range of approximately 20 to 50 degrees (20-50°) or approximately 35 degrees (35°). The first spacer axis 17a preferably extends on a first side of the vertical axis 22, and the second spacer axis 17b preferably extends on a second opposite side of the vertical axis 22, such that the first spacer axis 17a and the second spacer axis 17b extend on opposite sides of the vertical axis 22. The extension of the first spacer axis 17a and the second spacer axis 17b on opposite sides of the vertical axis 22 results in the first tail end 42a and the second tail end 42b being spaced apart from each other in the mounting configuration, so that cooling fluid generally does not accumulate at the first tail end 42a and the second tail end 42b and bridge between them, especially if the first tail end 42a and the second tail end 42b substantially mate. The first spacer axis 17a preferably extends from the center portion of the first head end 40a through the center portion of the first tail end 42a, and the second spacer axis 17b preferably extends from the center portion of the second head end 40b through the center portion of the second tail end 42b, even if the first spacer 16a and the second spacer 16b have some curvature relative to the tail ends 42a, 42b and are not necessarily straight or uniform in shape. The first spacer axis 17a and the second spacer axis 17b also preferably define a separation angle μ measured through the vertical axis 22 between an acute first spacer angle Ωa and an acute second spacer angle Ωb. The separation angle μ is preferably between about 20 degrees and 160 degrees (20-160°), and more preferably about 120 degrees (120°).Preferably, the sum of the separation angle μ, the first spacer angle Ωa, and the second spacer angle Ωb is 180 degrees.

[0050] In a first preferred embodiment, adjacent spacers 16, such as the first spacer 16a and the second spacer 16b, are oriented such that their tail ends 42a, 42b extend in opposite directions or on opposite sides of the vertical axis 22, thereby forming an inverted V-shape when viewed from the front or back. Figure 5 and Figure 6 This misalignment of the tail ends 42, 42a, 42b allows water impacting the head ends 40, 40a, 40b of the paired spacers 16, 16a, 16b to flow down the sloping side surfaces of each of the spacers 16, 16a, 16b and separate near the tail ends 42, 42a, 42b of the spacers 16, 16a, 16b. In contrast, perfectly aligned prior art glue bosses of substantially the same size and shape cause water or other cooling fluid to flow over the prior art glue bosses and form a water film below the joint that spans between the two associated packing sheets and obstructs airflow. The inverted V-shape formed by the tail ends 42, 42a, 42b of adjacent spacers 16, 16a, 16b is a preferred shape to provide contact surfaces that space adjacent packing pieces 10, 9a, 9b apart and prevent water from forming flakes, while minimizing the height of the spacer profile between adjacent packing pieces 10, 9a, 9b of the packing pack 8 in the direction of water flow or generally parallel to the vertical axis 22. Preferred spacers 16 have a teardrop or raindrop shape, but this shape is not limiting. For example, in an alternative preferred embodiment, spacers 16 may have a generally rectangular shape (…). Figure 6The spacers 16, 16a, 16b may be any shape that forms a contact feature with the adjacent spacer features near the top of the connector, and this shape is inclined downward relative to the vertical axis 22 and away from the adjacent spacer 16. Preferably, the adjacent spacers 16, 16a, 16b are glued or otherwise secured together at mating surfaces in the mounting configuration, such as by ultrasonic welding or mechanical joining, to join the packing sheets 10, 9a, 9b together to form the packing pack 8. The spacers 16, 16a, 16b are not limited to being glued or otherwise joined together in the mounting configuration, and may be specifically used as spacers to separate adjacent packing sheets 10, 9a, 9b relative to each other in the mounting configuration, such as when the packing sheets 10, 9a, 9b are suspended from adjacent tracks in the tower, but are not otherwise joined or connected at the spacers 16, 16a, 16b. In addition, spacers 16, 16a, 16b may include connecting features that secure spacers 16, 16a, 16b together in the mounting configuration, or may otherwise connect or engage them together in the mounting configuration, such as by ultrasonic welding, mechanical deformation, fastening, or other means of securing mating spacers 16, 16a, 16b together in the mounting configuration.

[0051] refer to Figures 1 to 3CThe inlet side rib 24, outlet side rib 26, and intermediate vertical rib or support 38, along with the remaining body of the packing sheets 10, 9a, 9b, provide structural support for the first preferred packing sheets 10, 9a, 9b and the packing pack 8. Each of the inlet side rib 24, outlet side rib 26, and intermediate rib 38 preferably includes two generally vertical support ribs 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 38a, 38b, which generally extend parallel to the inlet side 10a and outlet side 10b along the height of the packing sheets 10, 9a, 9b. In a first preferred embodiment, the support ribs 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 38a, and 38b are not completely vertical, but are oriented substantially parallel to the inlet side 10a and outlet side 10b of the packing sheets 9a, 9b, and 10, such that the support ribs 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 38a, and 38b are oriented with a wrap angle Δ, Δ' of approximately five to ten (5-10) degrees relative to the vertical axis 22, but are not limited thereto, and may be oriented and configured in other ways. The microstructure 11a of the heat transfer region 11 of each of the packing sheets 10, 9a, and 9b is preferably composed of inclined bands of herringbone-shaped microstructure 11a, which extend at least between the first structural inlet side rib 24b and outlet side rib 26a in the heat transfer region 11. Preferred support ribs 24, 26, 38, including inlet-side ribs 24, 24a, 24b, outlet-side ribs 26, 26a, 26b, and intermediate ribs 38, 38a, 38b, extend generally vertically along packing sheets 10, 9a, 9b in the installation configuration. As ribs 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b extend along packing sheets 10, 9a, 9b from the top edge 28 and the bottom edge 30 and between the top edge 28 and the bottom edge 30, the height of these ribs varies in an alternating pattern. In a preferred embodiment, the inlet-side ribs 24a, 24b and the outlet-side ribs 26a, 26b reach a maximum height H. x and minimum height H n Alternating between the two. The paired first inlet side ribs 24a and second inlet side ribs 24b of the inlet side ribs 24, the first inlet side ribs 26a and second outlet side ribs 26b of the outlet side ribs 26, and the first intermediate support members 38a and second intermediate support members 38b of the intermediate support members 38 are designed such that preferably at least one rib or support member 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 38a, 38b has a certain height, such as extending beyond or greater than the microstructure height H of the microstructure 11a at any given location along the length of a single rib or support 24, 26, 38 on the packing sheets 10, 9a, 9b. s Maximum height H of the rib x .

[0052] In a first preferred embodiment, the first air intake rib 24a and the second air intake rib 24b are configured such that when the maximum height H of the first air intake rib 24a is reached... xThe microstructure height H extends beyond or is greater than microstructure 11a. s At that time, the minimum height H of the second air intake rib 24b n The extension is below or less than the microstructure height H of microstructure 11a s Similarly, the first outlet side rib 26a and the second outlet side rib 26b are configured such that when the maximum rib height H of the first outlet side rib 26a is reached... x The microstructure height H extends beyond or is greater than microstructure 11a. s At that time, the minimum rib height H of the second outlet side rib 26b n Microstructure height H is lower than or less than microstructure 11a s In a first preferred embodiment, the first and second intermediate ribs or supports 38a, 38b are similarly configured such that the first and second intermediate ribs 38a, 38b are laterally spaced apart, but are configured differently such that the first intermediate rib 38a terminates substantially at the height where the second intermediate rib 38b begins. There may be portions where the first and second inlet side ribs 24a, 24b, the first and second outlet side ribs 26a, 26b, and the first and second intermediate ribs or supports 38a, 38b are all higher than the surrounding microstructure 11a to provide additional support at the base of the packing sheets 10, 9a, 9b and the packing bundle 8, such as where the packing bundle 8 meets the support structure below it in the assembly configuration within the tower. However, the intake rib 24 and exhaust rib 26 are preferably configured such that when one of the paired first and second ribs 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b is at its maximum height relative to the microstructure 11a, the adjacent one of the paired first and second ribs 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b is at its minimum height or generally below the height of the microstructure 11a, and is substantially embedded in the microstructure 11a. Therefore, the first and second ribs 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b have alternating tapers between the top edge 28 and the bottom edge 30.

[0053] The inlet side rib 24 and outlet side rib 26 are not limited to extending from the top edge 28 to the bottom edge 30. The inlet side rib 24 and outlet side rib 26 may extend near the top edge 28 and bottom edge 30 and may include some interruptions along their length, but the inlet side rib 24 and outlet side rib 26 preferably extend to the top edge 28 and bottom edge 30 and consist of alternating pairs of first and second ribs 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, which taper alternately relative to each other. In a preferred embodiment, the inlet side rib 24 and outlet side rib 26 extend to the top edge 28 and bottom edge 30 and extend between the top edge 28 and bottom edge 30. The inlet side and outlet side support ribs 24, 26 include pairs of first and second support ribs 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b. The first and second support ribs 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b are laterally spaced from each other along the transverse axis 20 and extend substantially parallel to the vertical axis 22 or the inlet side and outlet side ribs 10a, 10b. The inlet side rib 24 and the outlet side rib 26 have a first support rib portion 33, which has a first support rib length or a first support rib portion length L. r1 The first support ribs 24a and 26a include a first rib height, and the second support ribs 24b and 26b include a second rib height. The first rib height is less than the microstructure height in the first support rib portion 33, and the second rib height is greater than the microstructure height in the first support rib portion 33. The inlet-side rib 24 and outlet-side rib 26 of the first preferred embodiment also have a second support rib portion 35, which has a second support rib length or a second support rib portion length L. r2 The height of the first rib is greater than the height of the microstructure in the second support rib portion 35, and the height of the second rib is less than the height of the microstructure in the second support rib portion 35.

[0054] The intermediate ribs 38 may optionally be configured such that the first intermediate rib 38a extends from the top edge 28 to the middle of the vertical height of the packing sheet 10, where the first intermediate rib 38a substantially ends and the second intermediate rib 38b begins to extend to the bottom edge 30. Ribs 24, 26, and 38 are not limited to having these configurations and may be otherwise designed and configured to provide strength and stiffness to the packing sheet 10, such as by changing the overall configuration of the intake and exhaust ribs 24, 26, and intermediate ribs 38, or by configuring each of the ribs 24, 26, and 38 substantially identical.

[0055] By alternating the height or position of the paired first and second ribs 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b of the inlet side rib 24 and the outlet side rib 26, and the intermediate rib 38, the local height of at least one of the paired first and second ribs 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 38a, 38b is preferably greater than the microstructure height H of the microstructure 11a at any position along the length of the ribs 24, 26, 38 on the packing sheets 10, 9a, 9b. s Especially at the maximum height H x This ensures that for all vertical positions along the inlet side 10a and outlet side 10b, and in the intermediate region or offset portion 32 between the inlet side 10a and outlet side 10b, each side of the packing sheets 10, 9a, 9b has at least one functional reinforcing member or rib 24, 26, 38, thereby limiting weak points or portions where the packing sheets 10, 9a, 9b may bend. Furthermore, the lower peak height portions of the paired first and second ribs 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b of the inlet-side ribs and outlet-side ribs 24, 26 (where the maximum height H exists) x The overlapping microstructure 11a allows the packing sheets 10, 9a, 9b to be reinforced in the air travel direction or approximately parallel to the transverse axis 20 by generating smaller corrugations that resist bending moments in a plane perpendicular to the forces applied at the inlet and outlet side ribs 24, 26. This configuration increases the rigidity of the packing sheets 10, 9a, 9b for ease of handling and transport. The construction of the inlet side rib 24 and outlet side rib 26, as well as the intermediate rib 38, reinforces and increases support at the inlet side 10a and outlet side 10b and the intermediate portion of the packing sheets 10, 9a, 9b, particularly at the lower height rib portions that transition to the first and second ribs 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 38a, 38b, respectively, and with a minimum rib height H. n Previously, the full-height rib section or the section with the maximum rib height H x The loads are partially overlapped, with the loads transferred between the pairs of first and second ribs 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 38a, 38b of the inlet and outlet side ribs 24, 26 and the intermediate rib 38.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the maximum rib height H x Specific microstructure height H s Approximately 0.04 to 0.75 inches (0.04-0.75”), or approximately 0.01 to 0.25 inches (0.01-0.25”). Maximum rib height H for reinforcing members or ribs 24, 26, and 38. xThe dimensions and configurations are not limited to these specific heights and can be determined in other ways based on the expected loads of the reinforcing ribs 24, 26, and 38, external load factors, designer preferences, the size of the packing fins 10, the type of cooling medium used, and other design considerations. However, the maximum height H of the supporting ribs 24, 26, and 38 is [not specified]. x Preferably, it falls within the preferred range, such that the maximum height H x In the desired portion or segment, the height is greater than the microstructure height H. s The minimum rib height H n Smaller than the microstructure height H s and maximum rib height H x In a preferred embodiment, the minimum rib height H n The microstructure height H is approximately 0 to 0.5 inches (0-0.5”) or less than a specific filler sheet 10. s Minimum rib height H for reinforcing members or ribs 24, 26, and 38. n The dimensions and configuration are not limited to these specific heights and can be determined in other ways based on the expected loads of the reinforcing ribs 24, 26, and 38, external load factors, designer preferences, the size of the packing fins 10, the type of cooling medium used, and other design considerations. Minimum rib height H n Preferably, it falls within the preferred range, such that the minimum rib height is less than the microstructure height H in the desired part or section. s For example, in a first preferred embodiment, the minimum rib height H n Approximately the height H of the microstructure s Half or less than half, and the microstructure height H s Slightly larger than the maximum rib height H x Half of (see) Figure 2D Minimum rib height H n It can also be approximated as zero, as shown in the lower portion of the first intermediate rib 38a and the upper portion of the second intermediate rib 38b of the first preferred packing sheet 10 (see...). Figure 1 ).

[0057] In a first preferred embodiment, the first intermediate rib 38a includes a top intermediate rib end 39a and a first intermediate rib end 39b, and the second intermediate rib 38b includes a second intermediate rib end 39c and a third intermediate rib end 39d. The first intermediate rib end 39b is located near the second intermediate rib end 39c on the packing sheets 10, 9a, 9b. The first intermediate rib 38a or the second intermediate rib 38b intersects the transverse axis 20 between the top intermediate rib end 39a and the third intermediate rib end 39d, meaning that the first intermediate rib 38a or the second intermediate rib 38b intersects the transverse axis 20 at approximately any location along the height of the packing sheets 10, 9a, 9b between the top intermediate rib end 28a and the third intermediate rib end 39d. In a first preferred embodiment, the transverse axis 20 preferably intersects the first intermediate rib 38a or the second intermediate rib 38b at any location between the top edge 28 and the bottom edge 30, because the first intermediate rib 38a typically extends from the top edge 28 to the central portion of the packing sheets 10, 9a, 9b, and the second intermediate rib 38b typically extends from the central portion of the packing sheets 10, 9a, 9b to the bottom edge 30, wherein the end 39b of the first intermediate rib is located near the end 29c of the second intermediate rib. The first intermediate rib 38a and the second intermediate rib 38b are not limited to this preferred configuration, and the first intermediate rib 38a and the second intermediate rib 38b may be divided into multiple segments, preferably such that at least one segment of the first intermediate rib 38a and the second intermediate rib 38b intersects the transverse axis 20 at approximately any location along the height of the packing sheets 10, 9a, 9b, as further described below with respect to the inlet side rib 24 and the outlet side rib 26.

[0058] In the first preferred embodiment, the first and second inlet side ribs and the first and second outlet side ribs 24a, 26a, 24b, 26b are composed of a plurality of rib segments 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d, 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d. The first inlet side rib 24a is composed of a first inlet side rib segment 70a and a third inlet side rib segment 70b; the second inlet side rib 24b is composed of a second inlet side rib segment 70c and a fourth inlet side rib segment 70d; the first outlet side rib 26a is composed of a first outlet side rib segment 80a and a third outlet side rib segment 80b; and the second outlet side rib 26b is composed of a second outlet side rib segment 80c and a fourth outlet side rib segment 80d. The first inlet side rib segment 70a includes a top end 71a and a first end 71b, and the third inlet side rib segment 70c includes a fourth end 71e and a fifth end 71f. The second inlet side rib 70b includes a second end 71c and a third end 71d, and the fourth inlet side rib 70d includes a sixth end 71g and a seventh end 70h. The first outlet side rib 80a includes a top end 81a and a first end 81b, and the third outlet side rib 80c includes a fourth end 81e and a fifth end 81f. The second outlet side rib 80b includes a second end 81c and a third end 81d, and the fourth outlet side rib 80d includes a sixth end 81g and a seventh end 80h. The inlet side ribs 24 and the outlet side ribs 26 are configured such that at least one of the plurality of segments 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d, 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d intersects the transverse axis 20 at any position between the top end 71a, 81a and the seventh end 71h, 81h. Unlike the first intermediate ribs 38a and 38b, the rib segments 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d, 80a, 80b, 80c, and 80d overlap somewhat in the height or flow direction, such as, for example, between the third end 71d, 81d and the fourth end 71e, 81e and the first end 71b, 81b and the second end 71c, 81c. The rib segments 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d, 80a, 80b, 80c, and 80d are not limited thereto and can be configured to not overlap in the height direction, and can include more or fewer segments, although preferably at least one of the rib segments 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d, 80a, 80b, 80c, and 80d of each of the inlet side ribs 24 and the outlet side ribs 26 intersects the transverse axis 20 at any location between the top edge 28 and the bottom edge 30. In a first preferred embodiment, the inlet side rib 24, the outlet side rib 26, and the intermediate rib 38, including corresponding rib segments 38a, 38b, 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d, 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d, extend generally parallel to the vertical axis 22 or the inlet side 10a and the outlet side 10b, but are not limited thereto, and may be otherwise oriented and configured to provide strength and stiffness to the packing sheets 9a, 9b, 10.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the inlet side rib 24, the outlet side rib 26, and the intermediate rib 38 respectively include adjacent first inlet side ribs 24a and 24b, first outlet side ribs 26a and 26b, and first intermediate ribs 38a and 38b. The paired first inlet side ribs 24a and 24b, first outlet side ribs 26a and 26b, and first intermediate ribs 38a and 38b are spaced at a lateral spacing S. L The spacing is preferably between a quarter inch and 2 inches. 1 Between / 4-2”). Horizontal spacing S L Not limited to quarter and 2 inches ( 1 Between / 4-2”), and the size and configuration can be otherwise determined based on the load on the packing sheet 10, external load factors, designer preferences, the size of the packing sheet 10, and other design considerations. Figure 2 The diagram shows the lateral spacing S between the first outlet side rib 26a and the second outlet side rib 26b. L Furthermore, the first inlet side rib 24a and the second inlet side rib 24b, as well as the first intermediate rib 38a and the second intermediate rib 38b, are similarly designed and configured to have a lateral spacing S. L .

[0060] The inlet side rib 24 and outlet side rib 26 include a first inlet side rib 24a, a second inlet side rib 24b, a first outlet side rib 26a, and a second outlet side rib 26b, and have a variable height between the top edge 28 and the bottom edge 30. As a non-limiting example, the outlet side rib 26, specifically the second outlet side rib 26b, includes a second outlet side rib segment 80b and a fourth outlet side rib segment 80d, wherein the height of the second outlet side rib 26b is reduced or has a minimum rib height H. n The portion extends between the second outlet side rib segment 80b and the fourth outlet side rib segment 80d, between the top edge 28 and the bottom edge 30. Preferably, the second outlet side rib segment 80b has a maximum rib height H in the second outlet side rib segment 80b. x Furthermore, the fourth outlet side rib segment 80d has a minimum rib height H in the portion between the second outlet side rib segment 80b and the fourth outlet side rib segment 80d. n The second outlet side rib 26b in the preferred embodiment further includes a transition portion 110, in which the second outlet side rib 26b extends along its length at the maximum rib height H. x Minimum height H of rib n The transition between them. Preferably, each of the inlet side ribs 24, 24a, 24b and the outlet side ribs 26, 26a, 26b is configured similarly to the second outlet side rib 26b, wherein the maximum rib height H is [missing information]. x Rib segments or parts, with a minimum rib height Hn Parts or segments and transition sections 110 with ribs at maximum height H x Minimum height H of rib n Between the segments. Furthermore, the paired inlet side ribs 24a, 24b and outlet side ribs 26a, 26b preferably have transition portions 110 at approximately the same lateral position along the lateral axis 20, and for adjacent inlet side ribs 24a, 24b and outlet side ribs 26a, 26b, respectively, there are relative maximum rib heights H along the lateral axis 20. x and minimum height H n As a non-limiting example, the second outlet side rib segment 80b preferably has a maximum rib height H along the transverse axis 20. x The adjacent portion or segment of the first outlet side rib 26a has a minimum rib height H. n .

[0061] The microstructure 11a in the heat transfer section 11 of the preferred embodiment has a microstructure height H s Minimum height or first rib height H n The microstructure height H is less than that in the first rib support section. s Such as ribs 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b along the inlet and outlet sides, wherein ribs 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b have a minimum height H. n Conversely, the maximum height H x The microstructure height H is greater than that in the second rib support section. s Such as ribs 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b along the inlet and outlet sides, wherein ribs 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b have the maximum height H. x Ribs 24a, 24b, 26a, and 26b are not limited to these, and can always have a height H that is less than or greater than the microstructure height. s The height depends on the design and requirements of the specific packing sheet 10. Ribs 24a, 24b, 26a, and 26b are not limited to those described with alternating maximum heights H. x and minimum height H n And the construction of the transition portion 110 therein, and the microstructure height H s At maximum height H x and minimum height H n The ribs 24a, 24b, 26a, and 26b can be otherwise designed and constructed to support the packing sheet 10 based on designer preferences, the load borne by the packing sheet 10, external factors of the operating environment, or other factors that may drive the design and construction of the inlet-side and outlet-side ribs 24a, 24b, 26a, and 26b. The intermediate rib 38 can be similarly designed and configured as the inlet-side ribs 24a and 24b and the outlet-side ribs 26a and 26b, having a maximum height H.x and minimum height H n and the microstructure height H in between s However, they are not limited thereto, as described herein. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the inlet side ribs 24a, 24b and the outlet side ribs 26a, 26b, as well as the intermediate rib 38, have a generally arcuate cross-section. The inlet side ribs 24a, 24b and the outlet side ribs 26a, 26b, as well as the intermediate rib 38, are not limited to having an arcuate cross-section, and may have optional cross-sectional shapes, such as solid, square, triangular, or other shapes, as long as the inlet side ribs 24a, 24b and the outlet side ribs 26a, 26b, as well as the intermediate rib 38, can perform their preferred functions and withstand the normal operating conditions of the inlet side ribs 24a, 24b and the outlet side ribs 26a, 26b, as well as the intermediate rib 38, as described herein.

[0062] Preferred inlet-side and outlet-side ribs 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b include a transition portion 110 having a substantially uniform first taper, wherein the inlet-side ribs 24a, 24b and the outlet-side ribs 26a, 26b transition from the minimum or first rib height H. n Transition to maximum or second rib height H x The transition section 110 is not limited to having a substantially uniform first taper, and may have graded, stepped, abrupt, or other inconsistent tapers between different heights along its length, but preferably the inlet side ribs 24a, 24b and the outlet side ribs 26a, 26b have a relatively uniform first taper to facilitate the transition of loads, manufacturability, limiting stress concentration, and other design considerations.

[0063] refer to Figures 7 to 9 In a second preferred embodiment, the packing sheet 10' comprises an integral floater 50. The integral floater 50 of the second preferred embodiment comprises an angled tubular integral floater type, having a baffle structure or rib 100 at the floater inlet 102, wherein airflow enters the floater 50 from the heat transfer region 11' of the packing sheet 10' within the packing bundle 8'. In a preferred embodiment, the baffle structure 100 substantially comprises a rib or wall. The floater 50 is not limited to including a baffle rib 100, or is not limited to a generally vertically oriented baffle structure 100, or is not limited to a rib or wall. The baffle structure or rib 100 can comprise virtually any structure that provides an obstruction or barrier to the direct flow of cooling fluid into the floater 50 and facilitates the formation of droplets at the inlet 102, preferably on or near the baffle structure 100, such that cooling fluid droplets do not penetrate deep into the floater 50. Then, the cooling fluid can be discharged back into the heat transfer zone 11' before leaving the float remover 50 and being lost from the cooling tower.

[0064] The barrier structure 100 preferably consists of, typically, cooled water droplets or coolant, or floats that form coolant droplets at the inlet 102, providing a barrier so that coolant does not penetrate deep into the floater 50. The formation of droplets at the inlet 102 generally prevents fluid from flowing deeper into the floater 50, potentially escaping into the floater 50 and flowing out of the heat transfer zone 11'. The cooling fluid captured at the inlet 102 of the floater 50 preferably remains in the heat transfer zone 11' for further heat dissipation and eventually enters a collection pool (not shown) below the individual packing plates 9a, 9b, 10 in the packing 8' or tower (not shown). To prevent the cooling water film or cooling fluid film flowing through the packing 8' from moving upwards and leaving the pipe 104 of the floater 50 and the outlet side 10b' of the packing 8', a barrier structure 100 is added at the floater inlet 102, which acts as a barrier between the water film and the droplet formation zone to limit the cooling fluid from flowing deeper into the floater 50. When a film of water or cooling fluid reaches the barrier structure 100, it forms droplets that enter the airflow near the floater inlet 102, instead of further into the floater tube 104 towards the outlet side 10b. This change in the droplet formation position at the floater inlet 102 on the barrier structure 100 causes droplets or water droplets to be introduced into the airflow earlier than the change in airflow direction, resulting in the droplets or water droplets impacting the bottom wall of the floater tube 104. Therefore, water droplets from the floater inlet 102 are removed from the airflow to improve the performance and effectiveness of the floater 50 and the packing 8', as potentially lost cooling water or other cooling fluid film is blocked by the barrier ribs 100 to facilitate droplet formation at the inlet 102, which is then captured by the floater tube 104. Thus, during operation, water or cooling fluid flows back to the heat transfer area 11' through the drainage structure 106 for further heat dissipation and eventually flows into the collection pool below the packing 8'. In a second preferred embodiment, the barrier structure 100 includes pairs of circular ribs or walls with a height of approximately 0.05 inches to 0.2 inches (0.05”-0.2”) and a width of 0.1 to 0.5 inches (0.1”-0.5”). The barrier structure or rib 100 formed at the float remover inlet 102 of each of the packing sheets 10', 9a', 9b' is generally aligned adjacent to the top wall of each of the float remover inlets 102 of the tube 104 to act as a barrier for the water film, thereby generally limiting the movement of water or other cooling fluid floats into the tube 104, or facilitating the formation of droplets to limit the cooling fluid from flowing deep into the floats 50.

[0065] The second preferred embodiment of the packing sheet 10' also includes a drainage structure 106. Figure 8The drain structure 106 is positioned inward toward the center of the packing plate 10' relative to the float remover 50. The drain structure 106 provides a flow path for water or cooling fluid blocked by the blocking structure 100 to flow back into the heat transfer zone 11' for further heat dissipation. The second preferred packing plate 10' is not limited to including the drain structure 106 and may include features of an optional construction that guides captured water or other cooling fluid back into the heat transfer zone 11', or may exclude any features without significantly affecting the structure and operation of the second preferred packing plate 10'.

[0066] refer to Figure 10 In the third preferred embodiment, packing sheet 10” has similar features to the first preferred packing sheet 10 and the second preferred packing sheet 10', and the same reference numerals are used to indicate similar or identical features, wherein the double superscript symbol (”) is used to distinguish the features of the third preferred embodiment from those of the first and second preferred embodiments. The third preferred packing sheet 10” includes intermediate ribs 38”, which include a first intermediate rib 38a”, a second intermediate rib 38b”, and a third intermediate rib 38c”. Each of the first intermediate ribs 38a”, the second intermediate rib 38b”, and the third intermediate rib 38c” is laterally spaced from each other and includes intermediate rib segments 90a, 90b, 90c, 90d, 90e, 90f, and 90g, which extend generally vertically or parallel to the vertical axis 22” to provide strength and stiffness to the third preferred packing sheet 10”.

[0067] In the third preferred embodiment, the first intermediate rib 38a” includes a first intermediate rib segment 90a and a third intermediate rib segment 90c, the second intermediate rib 38b” includes a second intermediate rib segment 90b, a fourth intermediate rib segment 90d and a fifth intermediate rib segment 90e, and the third intermediate rib 38c” includes a sixth intermediate rib segment 90f and a seventh intermediate rib segment 90g. The first intermediate rib segment 90a includes a top end 91a and a first end 91b, and the second intermediate rib segment 90b includes a second end 91c and a third end 91d. The first end 91a of the first intermediate rib segment 90a is located near the second end 91c of the second intermediate rib segment 90b, such that the first intermediate rib… At least one of segment 90a and the second intermediate rib segment 90b intersects the transverse axis 20” between the top end 91a and the third end 91d, meaning that the first intermediate rib segment 90a and the second intermediate rib segment 90b are generally uninterrupted, wherein the transverse axis 20” does not intersect the first intermediate rib segment 90a or the second intermediate rib segment 90b between the top end 91a and the third end 91d. All the plurality of intermediate rib segments 90a, 90b, 90c, 90d, 90e, 90f, 90g are similarly arranged and configured such that the transverse axis 20” intersects the end of the intermediate rib segment closest to the top edge 28” of the packing sheet 10” (which is in the third In a preferred embodiment, at least one of a plurality of intermediate ribs 90a, 90b, 90c, 90d, 90e, 90f, and 90g intersects between the tenth end 91k of the sixth intermediate rib 90f and the end of the intermediate rib closest to the bottom edge 30” (which in a third preferred embodiment is the fifth end 91f of the third intermediate rib 90c). In the third preferred embodiment, the third intermediate rib 90c includes a fourth end 91e and a fifth end 91f, the fourth intermediate rib 90d includes a sixth end 91g and a seventh end 91h, the fifth intermediate rib 90e includes an eighth end 91i and a ninth end 91j, and the sixth intermediate rib 90a, 90b, 90c, 90d, 90e, 90f, and 90g intersect. 0f includes the tenth end 91k and the eleventh end 91l, and the seventh intermediate rib 90g includes the twelfth end 91m and the thirteenth end 91n. In order to maintain the strength and rigidity of the third preferred intermediate rib 38”, the tenth end 91k is positioned near the top 28”, the eleventh end 91l is positioned near the eighth end 91i, the ninth end 91j is positioned near the top 91a, the first end 91b is positioned near the second end 91c, the third end 91d is positioned near the twelfth end 91m, the thirteenth end 91n is positioned near the sixth end 91g, the seventh end 91h is positioned near the fourth end 91e, and the fifth end 91f is positioned near the bottom edge 30”. Therefore, the third preferred intermediate rib 38” extends generally vertically or parallel to the vertical axis 22” or the inlet side 10a and outlet side 10b, such that the transverse axis 20” intersects at least one of the plurality of intermediate rib segments 90a, 90b, 90c, 90d, 90e, 90f, 90g between the tenth end 91k and the fifth end 91f.The sixth intermediate rib segment 90f and the third intermediate rib segment 90c are spaced apart from the top edge 28” and the bottom edge 30”, but are not limited thereto, and may extend to the top edge 28” and the bottom edge 30” or closer to the top edge 28” and the bottom edge 30”, respectively.

[0068] Those skilled in the art will understand that changes can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the broad inventive concept of the invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by this disclosure.

Claims

1. A packing sheet for cooling a heat transfer fluid in a cooling tower when assembled into a packing bag consisting of multiple packing sheets, said packing sheet comprising: Intake end; The air outlet is positioned relative to the air inlet along the transverse axis. Top edge, the top edge connecting the air inlet and the air outlet; The bottom edge connects the air inlet and the air outlet, and the bottom edge is positioned relative to the top edge along a vertical axis; Microstructures formed on the packing sheet; as well as A support rib extending between the top edge and the bottom edge, the support rib including a first support rib and a second support rib, the first support rib and the second support rib being laterally spaced from each other along the transverse axis and extending substantially parallel to the vertical axis, the support rib having a first support rib portion having a first support rib portion length, the first support rib including a first rib height, and the second support rib including a second rib height, the microstructure having a microstructure height, the first rib height being less than the microstructure height in the first support rib portion, and the second rib height being greater than the microstructure height in the first support rib portion.

2. The packing sheet according to claim 1, wherein the support rib extends from the top edge to the bottom edge.

3. The packing sheet according to claim 1, wherein the support rib is composed of an intake side rib positioned close to the intake end.

4. The packing sheet according to claim 1, wherein the support rib is composed of an outlet side rib positioned close to the outlet end.

5. The packing sheet according to claim 1, wherein the microstructure is formed in the heat transfer region between the inlet end, the outlet end, the top edge and the bottom edge.

6. The packing sheet according to claim 1, wherein the microstructure has a herringbone pattern.

7. The packing sheet according to claim 1, wherein the first support rib has a substantially uniform first taper at the transition portion, the first support rib transitioning from the first rib height to the second rib height in the transition portion, the first rib height consisting of a minimum rib height, and the second rib height consisting of a maximum rib height.

8. The packing sheet according to claim 1, wherein the support rib has a generally arcuate cross-section.

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