CTI STD 201 Thermal Certification Testing is based on CTI ATC 105Test Methods and Measurements, with a few exceptions:
- Flow measurements are made with either a CTI-owned Pitot Tube or Mag Flow Meter.
- Each LTA is assigned two (2) Pitot Tubes
- The CTI program owns several Mag Meters in different sizes ranging from three inches to 8-inch diameter.
- Calculations are performed by the Thermal Certification Administration Services Team
- Field measurements also include dimensions of the unit tested.
The process to have a product line certified begins with the Thermal Certification Administration Services (TCAS) Team; however, an LTA like McHale can help you work with the TCAS team and prepare for testing.
1. Application Submission
- The manufacturer submits an application to the Thermal Certification Administration Services Team for certification of a specific product line(not just an individual model).
- Includes detailed engineering data, design drawings, and thermal performance ratings for each model to be certified.
2. Data Review by CTI Thermal Certification Administrator (TCA)
- CTI’s Certification Administration Team reviews all technical documentation for completeness, consistency, and plausibility.
- Ensures the submitted product line follows a defined, consistent rating basis.
3. Witness Thermal Performance Test
- A CTI Licensed Test Agency (LTA), like McHale, performs a field teston a selected model from the product line.
- The test must follow CTI ATC-105 procedures and verify that the unit meets or exceeds its published capacity.
- The unit tested must represent the worst-case performance or be chosen from the middle of the rating curve to validate the entire line.
4. Independent Evaluation
- The test data is submitted to the Certification Administrator, who evaluates it against CTI criteria.
- If the test proves that the unit performs at or above its rated thermal capacity, the product line is eligible for certification.
5. CTI Certification Awarded
- CTI grants certification for the entire product line or model family.
- The manufacturer is then listed in the CTI Certified Product Directory and may label their towers with the CTI Certified mark.
6. Ongoing Compliance & Random Verification
- CTI conducts annual audits and may select units for unannounced field tests to ensure continued compliance.
- Failure in a random test can lead to decertification of the product line.
Would you like to learn more? Contact us to see how we can help you get your cooling tower line certified.