Comparison to Alternative: PVC (Synthetic) Pads
| Feature | Cellulose Pad | PVC Pad |
| Material | Natural plant-based fibers | Plastic (Polyvinyl Chloride) |
| Cooling Efficiency | Higher (better wicking and evaporation) | Slightly Lower |
| Lifespan | Shorter (2-5 years) | Longer (5-10+ years) |
| Maintenance | Higher (prone to clogging, organic growth) | Lower (easy to clean, inert) |
| Water Usage | Slightly more efficient, so may use less | Slightly less efficient |
| Biodegradability | Biodegradable | Not biodegradable |
| Cost | Generally lower initial cost | Generally higher initial cost |
| Fire Risk | Combustible (unless treated) | Self-extinguishing |
Application in Adiabatic Cooling Towers
In an adiabatic cooling tower, cellulose pads are mounted on the air inlet sides. They only operate when the ambient temperature is high enough to require pre-cooling. When the system runs in “dry mode” (in cooler weather), the pads remain dry and the air simply passes through them without any evaporative effect.
Proper water treatment and regular maintenance (like periodic cleaning and eventual replacement) are absolutely critical when using cellulose pads to prevent scaling, biological growth, and system damage.