Mist eliminator, moisture removal system, and method of removing water particles from inlet air

1. A mist eliminator comprising:

a substrate; and

a plurality of frusto-conical shaped protrusions disposed on the substrate;

wherein the plurality of frusto-conical shaped protrusions have a geometry and are positioned at intervals that provide coalescence and retention of water particles from moisture containing air contacting the substrate and the plurality of frusto-conical shaped protrusions.

2. The mist eliminator of claim 1 , wherein the substrate is substantially planar or substantially curved.

3. The mist eliminator of claim 1 , wherein the geometry of the plurality of frusto-conical shaped protrusions includes a height, a first diameter, a second diameter, and a depression depth.

4. The mist eliminator of claim 1 , wherein the height of the plurality of frusto-conical shaped protrusions is approximately 10 microns to approximately 5 millimeters.

5. The mist eliminator of claim 1 , wherein the first diameter of the plurality of frusto-conical shaped protrusions is approximately 5 microns to approximately 1000 microns.

6. The mist eliminator of claim 1 , wherein the second diameter of the plurality of frusto-conical shaped protrusions is approximately 100 microns to approximately 2 millimeters.

7. The mist eliminator of claim 1 , wherein the depression depth of the plurality of frusto-conical shaped protrusions is approximately 2.5 microns to approximately 500 microns.

8. The mist eliminator of claim 1 , wherein in the depression depth of the plurality of frusto-conical shaped protrusions is approximately one-half that of the first diameter of the plurality of frusto-conical shaped protrusion.

9. The mist eliminator of claim 1 , wherein the interval between each of the plurality of frusto-conical shaped protrusions on the substrate is approximately 100 microns to approximately 10 millimeters.

10. The mist eliminator of claim 1 , wherein the interval between each of the plurality of frusto-conical shaped protrusions on the substrate is approximately two times the second diameter.

11. The mist eliminator of claim 1 , wherein the substrate and the plurality of frusto-conical shaped protrusions are constructed from a non-corrosive material.

12. The mist eliminator of claim 1 , wherein the non-corrosive material comprises plastic, silicon, aluminum, stainless steel, and combinations thereof.

13. The mist eliminator of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of frusto-conical shaped protrusions are integrally formed with the substrate.

14. The mist eliminator of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of frusto-conical shaped protrusions are formed on both sides of the substrate.

15. A moisture removal system for a gas turbine, the moisture removal system comprising:

a housing for supporting a primary filter, the housing operably connected with a gas turbine;

a hood attached to the housing, the hood having a surface disposed at an acute angle relative to the horizontal; and

a plurality of mist eliminators disposed within the hood, wherein each of the mist eliminators include:

a substrate; and

a plurality of frusto-conical shaped protrusions disposed on the substrate;

wherein the plurality of frusto-conical shaped protrusions have a geometry and are positioned at intervals that provide coalescence and retention of water particles from moisture containing air contacting the substrate and frusto-conical shaped protrusions.

16. The moisture removal system of claim 15 , wherein the substrate is substantially planar or substantially curved.

17. The moisture removal system of claim 15 , wherein the plurality of mist eliminators are disposed within a frame.

18. The moisture removal system of claim 15 , wherein the plurality of mist eliminators are positioned at an angle relative to the horizontal at approximately ten degrees to approximately ninety degrees.

19. A method for removing water particles from inlet air flowing to a gas turbine, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a housing for supporting a primary air filter, the housing being operably connected with a gas turbine;

providing a hood connected with the housing, the hood having a surface disposed at an acute angle relative to the horizontal;

providing a mist eliminator disposed within the hood, the mist eliminator having a substrate covered with a plurality of frusto-conical shaped protrusions having a geometry and positioned at intervals that provide coalescence and retention of water particles;

directing inlet air flow onto the mist eliminator, wherein geometry of the plurality of frusto-conical shaped protrusions coalesce and retain the plurality of water particles from the inlet air into a droplet.

20. The method of claim 19 , wherein the geometry of plurality of frusto-conical shaped protrusions includes a height, a first diameter, a second diameter, and a depression depth.