What would occur in a lithium bromide absorption system if the cooling tower temperature dropped from 85 degrees F to 78 degrees F?

In a lithium bromide absorption system, the operational efficiency is highly sensitive to temperature changes, particularly concerning the cooling tower's temperature. When the cooling tower temperature decreases from 85 degrees F to 78 degrees F, the temperature difference between the cooling medium (in this case, the cooling tower) and the absorption process can significantly affect the performance.

A lower cooling tower temperature enhances the heat exchange efficiency, allowing for more effective heat removal from the system. As a result, the lithium bromide solution can absorb more heat from the refrigerant. However, if the cooling temperature drops too low, it can potentially cause the lithium bromide solution to become overly concentrated, leading to crystallization. This crystallization occurs when the temperature allows the lithium bromide to become supersaturated, causing solid crystals to form within the system.

Thus, the drop in cooling tower temperature would indeed increase the risk of crystallization in the lithium bromide absorption system. This factor is crucial because crystallization can disrupt the flow and operation of the system, leading to performance issues and potential damage.