Components of mechanical draft cooling tower
- Fan(s): Large axial or centrifugal fans that provide the airflow. They are the defining mechanical component.
- Fill/Medium: A structured material (plastic, wood, PVC) that increases the surface area and contact time between the hot water and the air.
- Water Distribution System: Spray nozzles or gravity-fed basins that evenly distribute the hot water over the fill.
- Drift Eliminators: Louvre-like devices that capture entrained water droplets from the exhaust air, minimizing water loss.
- Cold Water Basin: Collects the cooled water at the bottom of the tower for return to the process.
- Structure & Casing: The shell, typically made of fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP), concrete, or steel, that houses all components.
- Make-up Water Line: Replenishes water lost due to evaporation, drift, and blowdown.
- Blowdown Line: Drains a portion of the concentrated water to control scaling and corrosion.