Clean a mist eliminator when fouling is reversible and the structure remains sound; repair localized damage when original geometry can be restored; replace the separator when corrosion, permanent deformation, repeated fouling, or process changes make reliable recovery unlikely.

Uneven demister support rings or grids can distort pad thickness, create liquid low points, open segment joints, and cause gas maldistribution. Support levelness, beam deflection, and wet operating load should be checked before installation.

Particulate-laden mist can cause wet mesh or vane surfaces to capture solids, turning the mist eliminator into an unintended filter. Progressive solids accumulation can restrict gas flow, block drainage, increase pressure drop, and shorten operating life.

Surfactants and anti-foam chemicals can change droplet size, surface tension, wetting, coalescence, liquid holdup, and drainage. A chemical formulation change can therefore alter mist eliminator performance even when gas flow, separator geometry, and total liquid flow remain unchanged.

Mist eliminator supports in FRP scrubbers require different mechanical design from steel towers because of stiffness, creep, thermal expansion, attachment methods, and local stress. Wet operating load, support spacing, hold-down design, material compatibility, and segmentation should be reviewed together.