Principle of Operation for Jet Pumps
While Penberthy jet pumps may differ in appearance, basic operation is the same. Jet pumps, also known as eductors, operate on
the principles of fluid dynamics. An operating fluid media, which is referred to as the MOTIVE, place under pressure enters the inlet
and is forced through the nozzle where it is converted into a high-velocity stream. This high-velocity stream decreases the pressure
in the suction chamber, creating a partial vacuum that draws the suction material into the chamber where it is entrained by the motive
media. Once the SUCTION stream is drawn in, shear between motive media and the transported material causes both media to be intermixed
and pumped out the DISCHARGE outlet, dispelled at a pressure greater than the of the SUCTION stream but lower than that of the MOTIVE.
This basic principle of fluid dynamics is what makes Penberthy jet pumps work. (Jet
Pump Cutaway )
MOTIVE:
This function is the power phase of the pumping operation. At this stage, the velocity of the motive media increases as it passes through
a nozzle. This phase of the pumping operation takes advantage of the kinetic properties of the motive media, whether it is liquid,
steam or gas. Because of this, design differences may exist within the motive connection of the jet pump. For instance, jet pumps
with liquid motives use a converging nozzle, since liquids usually cannot be compressed. On the other hand, jet pumps with gas or
steam motives use converging/diverging nozzles to achieve trans-sonic flow velocity. The critical flow paths of all Penberthy jet
pumps are smoothly machined with no abrupt turns or steps in order to produce the most efficient flow during the motive function.
Without this direct flow design and smooth interior surface, the jet pump would not operate at peak efficiency.
SUCTION:
This connection of the jet pump is where the pumping action takes place. The high velocity stream of the motive causes a drop in pressure
in the suction chamber. This allows pressure in the suction vessel to push a liquid, steam or gas into the suction chamber of the
jet pump. This, in turn, is entrained by the high-velocity motive stream emerging from the inlet nozzle
DISCHARGE:
As the motive flow combines with the suction medium, some kinetic energy of the MOTIVE is transferred to the SUCTION, mixing and discharging
at a reduced pressure. The amount of pressure that can be recovered depends on the ratio of the MOTIVE flow to SUCTION flow, plus
the amount of SUCTION pressure built up in the suction vessel. Kinetic energy is converted back to pressure as the mixed media passes
through the diverging taper and is discharged out the pump.
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Introduction