What is the formula used to determine the number of cycles of concentration for a cooling tower?

The formula to determine the number of cycles of concentration for a cooling tower involves understanding the relationship between the chloride concentrations in the tower water and the makeup water. Cycles of concentration refer to the number of times that the water is recirculated within the cooling tower process before it is replaced by makeup water.

The correct formula indicates that to find the cycles of concentration, you divide the chloride concentration in the tower water by the chloride concentration in the makeup water. This calculation helps in assessing how much the water has been concentrated due to evaporation and system losses.

For example, if the chlorides concentration in the tower water is significantly higher than in the makeup water, it indicates that the water is being reused multiple times, thus having a higher cycle count. This information is crucial for the operation and maintenance of cooling towers to manage water quality effectively, ensure efficient operation, and minimize scaling and corrosion issues.

Other options may suggest different methods of calculating concentration but do not accurately reflect the proper relationship necessary to determine the cycles of concentration in a cooling tower system.