What role do drift eliminators play in cooling towers regarding Legionella risk?

Drift eliminators are designed to reduce the amount of water vapor that is released into the air from cooling towers. By minimizing water droplets that escape into the atmosphere, drift eliminators help to limit the potential for airborne transmission of Legionella bacteria, which can thrive in moist environments. Reducing drift is crucial in preventing the dispersion of contaminated water droplets, as this is a key pathway through which Legionella can be transmitted to humans, particularly in areas nearby the cooling tower. As such, their primary function aligns with the need to control and mitigate risks associated with Legionella in cooling tower operations.

While drift eliminators contribute to efficient operation of cooling towers and can indirectly support humidity control, their main purpose is clearly focused on minimizing the potential release of water droplets containing pathogens into the air. They do not completely eliminate Legionella, as that would require more comprehensive management practices, including maintaining optimal water chemistry and temperature. Additionally, while recycling water efficiently is a goal of many cooling systems, it is not the primary role of drift eliminators.