What is the minimum horizontal distance that plume from cooling towers should be from any ventilation inlet?

The minimum horizontal distance that the plume from cooling towers should be from any ventilation inlet is specified as 20 feet in the International Mechanical Code (IMC). This requirement is crucial for ensuring that the moisture and potential contaminants from the cooling tower plume do not interfere with the quality of air that is being drawn into ventilation systems.

Cooling towers can produce water vapor, which, when mixed with airborne particles, may lead to condensation or other contaminants entering the ventilation system. By establishing a minimum distance of 20 feet, the code aims to minimize the impact of the cooling tower's exhaust on the air quality within a building and to protect indoor environmental conditions. This regulation helps preserve the effectiveness of the ventilation systems by ensuring that they take in clean air, free from pollutants or excess moisture that can disrupt system performance and comfort levels within occupied spaces.