A jet pump also called an ejector pump, is a device capable of handling and transporting a variety of power fluids (including gases, steam, or liquids. They can be thought of as a mixer or a circulating pump because the inlet contains a significant source of liquid. These pumps transfer by pulling toward the surface instead of pushing it like submersible pumps. Multiple inlets use to provide a continuous flow of fluids, and the pressure is used to increase the suction. Due to factors such as friction loss, jet pumps are less efficient than conventional centrifugal pumps. But these pumps can be more efficient when dealing with composite gas environments and in various good conditions where surface properties indicate turbulence.
Types of Jet Pumps
There are four main types of jet pumps, which vary according to application and size.
1) Deep-well jet pumps
These pumps are typically used at depths up to approximately 200 feet. Compared to shallow pump wells, deep well pumps can deliver more water faster and farther. Note that height affects the specific depth to which the water pump can pump.
A deep well pump is also known as an interchangeable jet pump. There is an ejector kit (or jet kit) in the shallow well settings, or it connects to the pump. For deep wells, the kit is placed in the well.
2) Shallow pump wells
These pumps use where the environment is close to the surface, such as residential wells. The outlet of these pumps screws to the front of the pump.
3) Convertible jet pumps
These pumps are “replaceable,” which means they can configure for shallow or deep well applications.
4) Micro jet pumps
These jet pumps use in small (mainly commercial) applications, such as aquariums.
Working of Jet Pump
The jet pump is a centrifugal pump with an ejector (Venturi nozzle) at the outlet. It works based on the Bernoulli-Venturi effect principle: the use of compression to reduce pressure and suction. When the pump is started, the working medium is pumped by a commercially available centrifugal pump and enters the ejector. At the neck of the calibration ejector, the pressurized fluid is discharged at high speed. This creates negative pressure (vacuum) in the throat, and the required liquid (from a well or other source) is sucked into the nozzle.
After discharging through the nozzle, the water hits the impeller blades. These blades transform the water’s kinetic energy into speed. A diffuser or volute casing uses to transform the water speed into pressure energy.
Check out: Different Types of Positive Displacement Pumps?
Advantages of Jet Pump
- No moving parts or worn parts.
- A jet pump has a long service life.
- High production efficiency.
- The feed fluid injection speed can adjust for different production speeds.
- These have low maintenance costs, and if maintenance requires, they can be prepared and replaced quickly and easily.
- Ability to run for a long time and without intervention.
- The moving liquid can pump through the tubing and back to the ring (standard circulation).
- To check the reverse specific gravity of the paraffin low specific gravity, pour a lot of raw spots or hot water as feed liquid. If necessary, chemicals can also be added to the moving liquid.
- Has high resistance to corrosive liquids due to the use of inhibitors incorporated in CRA materials and feed fluids.
- High resistance to abrasives in the liquid produced.
- It can use in wells that have a large deflection angle without damaging the pipe.
- Able to control a high GLR.
- You can also use a hose connector and a hose plug to install on the airlift sensor.
- Suitable for remote work.
- Multi-jet pumping wells can be fed from a central level pumping unit.
Check out: What is Submersible Pump? Types and Applications
Disadvantages of Jet Pumps
- Compared to other forms of artificial lifting, the efficiency.
- It requires more energy to pump the power fluid.
- The rate of injection of the moving fluid is usually twice the rate of labour.
- Space constraints, especially offshore installation.
- The speed of the injection of more moving fluid sometimes leads to more significant investments in surface plants to control the volume of fluid returning from the well.
- Backpressure has a significant effect on the need for surface injection pressure. Depending on the ratio of the area used, it can range from 1-1 / 2 to 1 to about 4-1 / 2 to 1.
- High voltage noodles
Application of Jet Pumps
The jet pump is usually placed vertically in the process vessel, but it can also be installed horizontally. They are commonly used in applications where the pumped material helps produce the energy needed to move around the pump. For example, jet pumps are used to transport seawater in marine applications. These pumps also utilize pump aggregates. The jet pumps also use low flow irrigation applications.
Check out: What is a Centrifugal Pump? Working and Components