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An air cooler is a heat exchange device widely used in petrochemical production facilities. In traditional industrial cooling systems, water has been widely used for a long time as an ideal cooling medium. However, with the scarcity of water resources and energy, as well as growing environmental awareness, traditional water coolers are facing serious challenges. So, compared to water coolers, which is better – air coolers or water coolers? Advantages of air coolers over water coolers: 1. Air coolers cause no thermal or chemical pollution to the environment; they are particularly suitable for areas with water shortages, whereas water cooling leads to significant environmental pollution. 2. The maintenance costs of air cooling systems are low, usually only 20–30% of those of water cooling systems. 3. There are no restrictions regarding the choice of air coolers, while water cooling requires an adequate water supply, especially in larger factories. 4. Air has lower corrosiveness, so there is no need for descaling or cleaning; thus, air coolers have a longer service life. In contrast, water is more corrosive, and it requires regular treatment to prevent scaling and dirt accumulation. 5. The pressure drop in air cooling systems is only 10–20 millimeters, resulting in lower operating costs; whereas water cooling systems require higher water pressure, leading to higher energy consumption. 6. Even if the power supply to the fans in air cooling systems is interrupted, there is still 30–40% capacity for natural cooling, but once the power supply to water cooling systems is cut off, operations must be stopped completely. Compared to air coolers, water coolers also have their relative advantages: 1. Water coolers can generally cool the process fluid by 2–6°C below the air temperature, with the circulating water being able to reach a temperature close to the ambient wet-bulb temperature (usually around +4°C above the wet-bulb temperature, or 2–6°C below the ambient temperature), whereas air coolers, relying solely on convective heat transfer and considering the temperature difference at the inlet and outlet, can only cool the process fluid by about +2°C above the ambient temperature; 2. Water coolers are less sensitive to changes in ambient temperature, while air cooling is affected by atmospheric temperature, as well as by wind, rain, sunlight, and seasonal changes; 3. Water coolers can be installed between other equipment, whereas air coolers cannot be placed too close to large obstacles; 4. Water coolers have a compact design, with a smaller cooling surface area compared to air coolers; 5. Water coolers produce less noise, while air coolers generate more noise ； 6. Water cooling has low energy consumption, while air cooling has relatively high energy consumption. The Ecomic detachable closed tower effectively resolves the conflict between air cooling and water cooling. By using special heat exchange devices that facilitate switching between water and air cooling, water cooling can be employed when the ambient temperature is high in summer, while air cooling can be used when the temperature is lower in spring, autumn, and winter. This approach saves water and energy, thereby addressing the shortcomings of traditional equipment.