It is imperative that you determine the heat load generated by the laser. A simple way to estimate the heat load is to use the assumption that all of the electrical energy entering the process is converted to heat.

To determine the heat load use the equation Q = m x Cp x ΔT.

Q = heat load (BTU/hr)
m = mass flow rate (lb/hr)
Cp = specific heat (BTU/lb °F)
ΔT = change in temperature (°F)

With Open Loop systems, city water flows through the laser and then down the drain.  This option can be costly in terms of natural resources and expenses.  With the Closed Loop system, the coolant is recycled which results in savings both from an economical standpoint and a natural resource standpoint.  However, most times the initial expense output is higher at the onset.

A chiller is required if the set-point is below the normal ambient conditions.  However, a heat exchanger may be used if the set-point is above the ambient air or facility water temperature and if precise temperature control is not required.

The benefits of utilizing a standard system are cost, and time.  Standard systems may be delivered to you quickly.  However, if you require specialized or custom features you may not have an option, but the lead time to receive your system will increase.

Using tap water is both easy and economical.  However, tap water contains minerals and chemicals that often leads to scaling and cooling may be compromised.  However, Deionized Water is corrosive and is often contaminated, so corrosion-resistant materials for the heat exchanger tubes, evaporators and special fittings are required.

The most common pumps are positive-displacement, centrifugal or turbine.  Positive-Displacement pumps provide a consistent flow regardless in the drop in pressure but the pump is not known for a long service life.  Centrifugal pumps, which tend to be more expensive are well suited for low-pressure applications and are generally known to last.  Turbine pumps are built for high pressure applications and are also known to last also tend to be more expensive initially.

The simple answer is use a valve.  The Flow control valves manage the fluid flow and the pressure control valves manage pressure.  The valve functions by transferring fluid before it enters the cooling system which may prevent leaks resulting from high pressure.  If a system delivers inadequate flow or pressure the pump may be undersized for the application.

With ambient systems,  as air passes over the heat exchanger’s fins,  heat is removed from the coolant.  The heat then may be transferred to a secondary coolant (normally facility water) via a fluid to fluid heat exchanger. A decision is necessary as to where the residual heat (hot air or hot water) eventually lands.