Evaporation

Definition

The loss of pure water vapor from a cooling tower that leaves dissolved solids behind to concentrate.

In a cooling tower, evaporation removes pure water while dissolved solids do not leave with it, driving cycles of concentration upward. The balance between evaporation, blowdown, and makeup sets the steady-state concentration of the tower water. It is the form-change and output that makes cooling-tower mass balance distinct from a simple mixing tank.

Related concepts

Cycles of Concentration · Mass Balance · Makeup Water

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