Drift Eliminators in Cooling Tower​

Here’s a clear and practical explanation of Drift Eliminators in Cooling Towers — what they are, why they are used, how they work, and the types commonly used.

 ⭐ What Are Drift Eliminators in a Cooling Tower?

Drift Eliminators are components installed at the air outlet of a cooling tower to capture water droplets (drift) carried away by the moving air.

They prevent water loss and stop chemical-laden droplets from leaving the tower

⭐ Why Drift Eliminators Are Important

1. Reduce Water Loss

Without eliminators, towers can lose 1% or more of circulating water as drift.

High-quality eliminators reduce drift to 0.0005–0.005%.

2. Protect Environment & People

Drift droplets may contain:

* Minerals

* Treatment chemicals (biocides, corrosion inhibitors)

* Warm water mist

Eliminators prevent these droplets from entering surrounding areas.

3. Improve Cooling Tower Efficiency

Less water loss = more stable water balance & better thermal performance.

4. Meet Regulations

OSHA, EPA, and local authorities require drift emissions below certain levels (like <0.0005% for many new towers).

⭐ How Drift Eliminators in Cooling Tower Work

As air moves upward/out of the cooling tower, it passes through the eliminator.

The eliminator forces the air through multiple sharp direction changes, causing:

1. Water droplets to impact the walls of the channel

2. Droplets to coalesce (combine)

3. The water to drain back into the fill or basin

Air passes through; water stays inside.

⭐ Types of Drift Eliminators in Cooling Tower

✔ 1. Cellular (Honeycomb) Drift Eliminators — Most Common

* Multi-pass zig-zag air channels

* High drift removal efficiency

* Materials: PVC, PP

* Used in BAC, Marley, EVAPCO towers

✔ 2. Triple-Pass Drift Eliminators

* More direction changes = higher droplet capture

* Common in counterflow towers

✔ 3. Blade Type Drift Eliminators

* Parallel curved blades

* Materials: PVC, FRP

* Used in large field-erected towers (petrochemical plants, power plants)

✔ 4. FRP Drift Eliminators

* High-strength composite

* High temperature resistance

* Used in industrial or high-corrosion environments

✔ 5. Modular Drift Eliminator Panels

* Click-together panels

* Easy replacement

* Used in crossflow or counterflow towers

⭐ Locations Where Drift Eliminators in Cooling Tower Are Installed

* Counterflow towers: at the very top, above fill

* Crossflow towers: above the fill and behind the louvers

* Field-erected towers: on the air outlet deck or just below the fan

⭐ Typical Drift Eliminators in Cooling Tower Performance by Brand

Manufacturer	Drift Rate (%)	Type
Marley (SPX)	0.0005 – 0.005	Triple-pass cellular
EVAPCO	0.0005	Cellular / WDX series
BAC	0.001	Cellular PVC