1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to liquid spray devices for use in a gas and liquid contact apparatus, and especially to such devices which are adapted for use in water cooling towers wherein water is distributed over the top of fill elements to be cooled by a cross- or countercurrent flow of gas, such as air.
2. Discussion of Related Art
In a gas and liquid contact apparatus, such as a cooling tower used for reducing the temperature of cooling water from processing plants, for example, fill elements are disposed within a housing in which there is developed a crosscurrent or countercurrent flow of air. The water to be cooled is sprayed onto the fill elements from above. In order to provide maximum contact time between the water and air and thus maximum efficiency and cooling effect, it is essential that the water be dispersed evenly over the fill elements and flow smoothly down the fill elements.
Many nozzle constructions have been suggested for distributing water evenly over fill elements. One example of a highly effective construction is shown in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 262,990, filed May 12, 1981, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,390,478, of which is incorporated herein by reference. As clearly shown in this application, the spray assemblies are mounted in a pan disposed over the fill elements. A conventional mounting construction comprises a hole formed in the pan in which the spray assemblies are mounted. However, with time, these holes become wallowed out allowing water to be cooled to flow past the spray assemblies thereby decreasing the cooling effect of the assemblies. Eventually, the opening becomes so large that the spray assemblies are lifted out of the holes leaving the holes open whereby the water to be cooled flows directly through the open holes thus even further reducing the cooling effect of the system.
In the past, repairs have been made by installing oversized nozzles in the wallowed out holes. However, such repairs are difficult since the holes must be reamed to oversized dimensions to accommodate the larger nozzles.
Accordingly, a need has arisen for a device which enables spray nozzles to be repaired and replaced in cooling towers without requiring an undue amount of effort.