Analysis of drift loss and concentration change of wet cooling tower

Abstract

This study provides convenient and accurate analysis of the laws of drift loss and drift concentration change of wet cooling tower. Accurate water loss tests (test accuracy of 1.38 m3 mm−1 liquid level, in a collecting basin with diameter 42 m) determine the equation of cooling tower water loss, air change, and the discriminant of saturated air. And the formation process of drift is account by the accurate data of water loss. In addition, drift concentration change of cooling tower as well as establish the laws of drift loss and of drift concentration with change of drift loss and air condition. Results show that the aerodynamics (wind speed) in the tower is the main factor affecting the cooling tower water loss, indicating that the increase of air volume in the tower leads to increase of water loss. Other main factors affecting the droplet diameter and concentration changes are changes in wind speed, environmental relative humidity, and air temperature of the inlet and outlet at the tower. The influence of drift losses, drift concentration with the change of ambient air parameters is revealed. This analysis provides a new model for the study of cooling tower water loss, drift loss, and drift concentration change for a wide range of applications in air and water systems and in air status in the tower. Further applications can be explored in reducing drift loss (reducing water use) and the environmental impact of the discharge plume.