Cooling tower is a specialized heat exchanger that removes waste heat from a process by allowing air and water to come into contact with each other. The primary purpose of a cooling tower is to dissipate heat generated during various industrial processes, such as electricity generation, chemical processing, and manufacturing. 

Cooling towers come in various designs, such as crossflow and counterflow, and they can be made of different materials, including wood, fiberglass, or concrete. The selection of a cooling tower depends on factors like the cooling load, water quality, and site conditions.

These towers are crucial for industries where processes generate a significant amount of heat, as efficient cooling helps maintain equipment performance and longevity. They are commonly seen in power plants, refineries, petrochemical plants, HVAC systems, and other industrial facilities.