Cooling towers are a very important part of many chemical plants.
The primary task of a cooling tower is to reject heat into the atmosphere.
They represent a relatively inexpensive and dependable means of removing low-grade heat from cooling water. The make-up water source is used to replenish water lost to evaporation. Hot water from heat exchangers is sent to the cooling tower.
The water exits the cooling tower and is sent back to the exchangers or to other units for further cooling.