# US 2014/0151910 A1 · Splash grids for rain or spray zones

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- Number: US 2014/0151910 A1
- Document ID: US20140151910A1
- Status: Published application
- Kind: A1
- Application number: 14/232,735
- Filed: 2012-07-10
- Published: 2014-06-05
- Earliest claimed: 2011-07-15
- Assignees: Stellenbosch University
- Inventors: Hanno Carl Rudolf Reuter; Detlev Gustav Kröger
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20140151910A1

## CPC

- F28F 25/085: {Substantially horizontal grids; Blocks}
- F28F 25/082: {Spaced elongated bars, laths; Supports therefor}
- F28F: DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION (water and air traps, air venting F16)

## Abstract

A splash grid is provided for installation in a rain zone of liquid gas contacting industrial equipment. The splash grid has a supporting frame assembly and multiple generally parallel elongate elements supported by the frame assembly. The elongate elements each has a transverse dimension, in plan view, not exceeding 3 mm, and a spacing in plan view not exceeding 10 mm. The elongate elements may be of a molded plastic material that is optionally integral with a surround that forms, or is attached to, the supporting frame assembly. Alternatively, the elongate elements may be separately manufactured flexible filament or cord supported by a surround that forms or is attached to the supporting frame assembly. The elongate elements may be staggered in the vertical direction and gaps may be provided for larger objects to pass through the splash grid. A liquid cooling installation having a rain zone fitted with a splash grid is also provided.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A splash grid comprising a supporting frame assembly and multiple generally parallel elongate elements supported by the frame assembly, the elongate elements each having a transverse dimension, in plan view, not exceeding 3 mm, and a spacing in plan view not exceeding 10 mm.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

A splash grid as claimed in claim 1 in which the elongate elements are of a molded plastic material that is optionally integral with a surround that forms, or is attached to, the supporting frame assembly.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

A splash grid as claimed in claim 1 in which the elongate elements are separately manufactured flexible filament or cord supported by a surround that forms or is attached to the supporting frame assembly.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

A splash grid as claimed in claim 1 in which the width of the elongate elements, in plan view, is from 1 to 3 mm

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

A splash grid as claimed in claim 1 in which the elongate elements are staggered in the vertical direction.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

A splash grid as claimed in claim 1 in which gaps are provided in a splash grid or splash grid assembly for larger objects to pass through the splash grid or splash grid assembly without getting caught and blocking the grid.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

A splash grid as claimed in claim 6 in which the grid has a plurality of generally flat panels that are inclined somewhat to the horizontal to provide vertical gaps between the lower end of one panel and the upper end of the next panel.

### Claim 8 (depends on 6)

A splash grid as claimed in claim 6 in which the elongate elements are arranged in groups that are alternately higher and lower so that gaps for larger objects are provided between a terminal elongate member of one group and a terminal member of a next sub-jacent or super-jacent group thereof.

### Claim 9 (depends on 6)

A splash grid as claimed in claim 6 in which the elongate elements are arranged in flat inclined groups providing inclined gaps between the groups for the passage of larger objects through the splash grid with the inclined groups covering substantially the entire area, in plan view.

### Claim 10 (depends on 1)

A liquid cooling installation including a generally upright flow path, a liquid distribution arrangement for liquid to be cooled in an upper region thereof, a conventional or similar fill below the liquid distribution arrangement and over which the liquid to be cooled is to flow, in use, and a rain zone beneath the conventional or similar fill, wherein at least one splash grid as claimed in claim 1 is installed within the rain zone above a liquid collection facility in a lower region of the liquid cooling installation.

### Claim 11 (depends on 10)

A liquid cooling installation as claimed in claim 10 in which the at least one splash grid is positioned between 200 mm and 600 mm below the fill.

### Claim 12 (depends on 11)

A liquid cooling installation as claimed in claim 11 wherein the liquid cooling installation is a cooling tower.