SPX Cooling Technologies, Inc., a full-line, full-service industry leader in the design and manufacture of evaporative cooling towers and air-cooled heat exchangers, has implemented formal training programs at its Research and Development Center for manufacturer's representatives, consulting engineers, mechanical and service contractors, maintenance engineers and supervisors, and other interested groups. Visiting industry members view firsthand tests of performance, efficiency and reliability of cooling towers and their components, which are designed and modeled in house. 

The facility is a comprehensive center for evaporative cooling technology, and has been the global technology hub for SPX product brands since it was founded at a Kansas City Power & Light power plant in 1934 and relocated in 1957 to a climate-controlled, energy-efficient space in Kansas City, Missouri. Originally a limestone cave, the center occupies three acres underground, taking advantage of its controlled environment year-round. Above ground, seven acres provide ample space to build and test prototypes and new design concepts. 

Specific research areas of cooling tower technology include fan development, thermal performance testing, sound and vibration testing, water distribution, heat exchange fill media modeling and destructive testing. Focuses on technology and data science have enabled the research center to evolve into a state-of-the-art testing lab unique to the industry. 

In addition to providing an educational platform for SPX stakeholders, including manufacturer's representatives and service contractors, the technological advances identified at the Research and Development Center have helped establish global standards for process cooling and for individual components. SPX Cooling Technologies has been granted over 181 U.S. patents on cooling tower designs and components. To schedule a visit to the SPX Research & Development Center, contact [email protected]. For more information, visit http://spxcooling.com/library/detail/spx-cooling-research-and-development-center. 

SPX Corporation | www.spx.com