What result may occur if the Eliminator plates in an induced draft cooling tower become clogged?

When the Eliminator plates in an induced draft cooling tower become clogged, one of the most significant results is an increase in return cooling tower water temperature. The function of the Eliminator plates is to remove droplets of water from the air before it exits the cooling tower, and this process is vital for enhancing the overall cooling efficiency.

When these plates are clogged, they can no longer effectively perform their job, leading to the discharge of water droplets along with the air exiting the cooling tower. This means that more water is lost from the system, which causes the remaining water in the basin to become warmer. As a result, the return water that flows back into the system is at a higher temperature, reducing the cooling efficiency of the tower and potentially leading to overheating issues in the system.

This situation illustrates the critical role that proper maintenance of the Eliminator plates plays in regulating water temperatures and ensuring efficient operational performance of the cooling system.