Droplet separator

A separation device for separating drops and particles from a gas stream having a directional component facing upward in a substantially vertical direction,

• wherein the separation device contains at least one separator stage that comprises at least one separator layer having a plurality of elongated separator elements arranged parallel to each other, and wherein the separator elements of the at least one separator stage are arranged inclined in their longitudinal orientation relative to the horizontal direction in a first region in at least one direction of inclination,
• wherein the separation device has a rinsing device by means of which a rinsing liquid can be applied to at least some of the inclined arranged separator elements,
• wherein the bottom end regions in the vertical direction of the separator elements of at least one separator stage open into a collection basin arranged in the gas stream,
• wherein the collection basin has a valve in a bottom region which controls an outlet opening and can be brought into an open position releasing the outlet opening and into a closed position at least partially closing the outlet opening, and
• wherein the collection basin has an opening in its bottom region by means of which a liquid collecting in the collection basin can be continuously drained downward out of the collection basin opposite the gas stream independent of the open position and the closed position of the valve.