Heat exchange method and apparatus

A method for exchanging heat comprising:

• providing a heat exchange assembly having a plurality of generally vertical arrays adjacently spaced laterally to each other, the arrays each arranged along a respective, generally vertical centerline and the arrays each comprising a plurality of generally horizontal conduits extending across the heat exchange assembly in spaced relation to each other at different vertical levels of the heat exchange assembly, each array having connector portions for connecting vertically adjacent conduits to each other;
• providing a plurality of generally vertical partitions each extending between at least some conduits of each array, and adjacent ones of the vertical arrays have a centerline-to-centerline distance therebetween that is greater than the diameter of each said conduit;
• flowing a substance to be cooled through the conduits;
• spraying a fluid onto the vertical partitions and outer surfaces of the conduits;
• and
• passing air over the individual conduits.

An evaporative apparatus for use in a counter flow heat exchange assembly comprising:

• means for exchanging heat from a substance to be cooled, said means including a plurality of arrays of conduits having a first diameter, the arrays spaced by a centerline to centerline distance between the conduits;
• means for spraying a cooling fluid onto said heat exchanging means;
• means for passing air over heat exchanging means;
• means for partitioning the cooling fluid and the air;
• and
• means for spacing adjacent arrays to have a centerline to centerline distance therebetween that is greater than the first diameter of the conduits.

A partition for a heat exchanging apparatus having conduits in generally vertical arrays, the partition comprising:

• a plurality of saddle portions for engaging said conduits;
• a plurality of dimple portions for engaging said conduits and providing spacing between laterally adjacent vertical arrays, wherein said saddle portions and said dimples are positioned in staggered vertical levels with respect to one another on opposed sides of said ribs;
• and
• a plurality horizontal channels where portions of said partition have been removed, said channels being vertically spaced apart from one another and extending horizontally between said saddles.