What is drift eliminator in cooling tower

Cooling towers are essential equipment in industrial facilities, air conditioning systems, and energy stations. It dissipates system heat through heat exchange between water and air. However, during the operation of the cooling tower, a phenomenon called "Drift" occurs: some small water droplets are carried out of the tower by the airflow. If not controlled, it will not only cause waste of water resources, but may also bring environmental, safety, and corrosion issues. Therefore, the "Drift Eliminator" has become a key component in cooling tower equipment.

Introduction to cooling tower drift eliminator

Drift Eliminator is a specialized component installed at the air outlet of a cooling tower to capture water droplets carried in the air and reduce their discharge. It is usually composed of multiple layers of folded plates, corrugated structures, or honeycomb structures. By changing the direction of the airflow, water droplets collide with the plate surface due to inertia and flow back into the tower, thereby achieving water droplet separation.

Main function of cooling tower drift eliminator

1. Reduce water loss and save costs

Drifting water is one of the important sources of water loss in cooling towers. A high-quality float eliminator can reduce the float rate to below 0.005%, significantly saving businesses on water replenishment and treatment costs.

2. Prevent the diffusion of chemical substances

Cooling tower water usually contains chemical treatment agents such as scale inhibitors, fungicides, etc. If the floating water disperses into the external environment, it may cause air pollution or harm the surrounding ecology. The float eliminator effectively prevents these substances from being discharged with water droplets.

3. Protect nearby equipment and buildings

The sprayed water droplets may fall onto the surface of the equipment, causing corrosion, scaling, or mold growth. For pedestrian areas near roads and electrical equipment, drifting water may also pose safety hazards. Therefore, installing a float eliminator can reduce related risks.

4. Improve the overall performance of the cooling tower

Reducing the balance between floating water and wind resistance can make the cooling tower operate more stably for a long time, avoiding efficiency decline caused by humid environment or water damage.

Working principle of cooling tower drift eliminator

The core principle of a float eliminator is to change the direction of the airflow, causing water droplets to deviate from their path due to inertia and be captured. The main mechanism is as follows:

1. Multiple fold design

When the airflow passes through a zigzag or corrugated channel, it is forced to constantly change direction.

2. Inertial collision of water droplets

Water droplets, due to their large inertia, are unable to change direction with the gas in a timely manner, resulting in their impact on the plate wall.

3. Aggregation and reflux

Water droplets gather into larger droplets along the surface of the board, eventually dripping and flowing back into the water tank inside the tower.

4. Efficient separation of small water droplets

High quality float eliminators can capture water droplets as small as 10-20 microns.

Types of cooling tower drift eliminator

1. Blade Type

Composed of multiple layers of folded panels, the structure is lightweight and has low resistance, making it suitable for most mechanical ventilation cooling towers.

2. Cellular Type

The corrugated structure is similar to a honeycomb, with high capture efficiency, and is suitable for industrial cooling towers with high requirements, such as chemical and power plants.

3. Combination type

Combining different structures to achieve high efficiency and low resistance, with strong application flexibility.

Selection and maintenance points

1.Select appropriate structure based on tower type and air volume

Different cooling towers (cross flow, counter flow, mechanical ventilation, natural ventilation) correspond to different types of float eliminators.

2.Ensure material corrosion resistance

Common materials include PVC, PP, FRP, etc., which need to be selected according to water quality and working environment.

3.Regular inspection and cleaning

Dust, algae, and scale will increase resistance, affecting air flow and cooling efficiency.

4.Ensure good sealing during installation

Avoid gaps that may cause untreated airflow to be directly discharged.