Steam-Jet Ejector Systems

Steam-Jet (Ejector) Systems These systems substitute an ejector for a mechanical compressor in a vapor compression system. Since refigerant is water, maintaining temperatures lower than the environment requires that the pressure of water in the evaporator must be... 

Heuristic 46 For pressures down to 10 torr and gas flow rates up to 10,000ft /min at the inlet to the vacuum system, use a liquid-ring vacuum pump. For pressures down to 2 torr and gas flow rates up to 1,000,000 ft /min at the inlet to the vacuum system, use a steam-jet ejector system (one-stage for 100 to 760 torr, two-stage for 15 to 100 torr, and three-stage for 2 to 15 torr). Include a direct-contact condenser between stages. 

Heuristic 47 For a three-stage steam-jet ejector system used to achieve a vacuum of 2 torr, 100 pounds of 100 psig steam per pound of gas are required. 

Aftercondensers are generally installed after the last stage of a steam jet ejector system. Aftercondensers are not necessary to the function of the Jet as a compressor their purpose is to minimize the steam discharge to the atmosphere. They also further reduce the discharge of any condensables from the process into the atmosphere. Aftercondensers also reduce the noise level of the discharge from the last effect. 

Uses of Ejectors For the operating range of steam-jet ejectors in vacuum applications, see the subsection Vacuum Systems. ... 

Ejector (steam-jet) refrigeration systems are used for similar apph-cations, when chilled water-outlet temperature is relatively high, when relatively cool condensing water and cheap steam at 7 bar are available, and for similar high duties (0.3-5 MW). Even though these systems usually have low first and maintenance costs, there are not many steam-jet systems running. 

Cracking imposes an additional penalty in a vacuum unit in that it forms gas which cannot be condensed at the low pressures employed. This gas must be vented by compressing it to atmospheric pressure. This is accomplished by means of steam jet ejectors. Ideally, it would be possible to operate a vacuum pipe still without ejectors, with the overhead vapors composed only of steam. In practice, however, leakage of air into the system and the minor cracking which occurs make it necessary to provide a means of removing non-condensibles from the system. In addition to the distillation of atmospheric residuum, the lube vacuum pipe still is also used for rerunning of off specification lube distillates. 

The VPS overhead consists of steam, inerts, condensable and non-condensable hydrocarbons. The condensables result from low boiling material present in the reduced crude feed and from entrainment of liquid from the VPS top tray. The noncondensables result from cracking at the high temperatures employed in the VPS. Inerts result from leakage of air into the evacuated system. Steam and condensable hydrocarbons are condensed using an overhead water-cooled condenser. The distillate drum serves to separate inerts and non-condensables from condensate, as well as liquid hydrocarbons from water. Vacuum is maintained in the VPS using steam jet ejectors. 

Figure 2-44. Friction factor for streamlined flow of air at absolute pressures from 50 microns Hg. to 1mm Hg. By permission, Standards for Steam Jet Ejectors, 3rd. Ed., Heat Exchange Institute, 1956 [54] and Standards for Steam Jet Vacuum Systems, 4th Ed., 1988. Note f on same basis as Figure 2-3 [58].

Standards for Steam Jet Ejectors, 3rd ed.. Heat Exchange Institute, 1956, and Standards Jor Steam Jet Vacuum Systems, 4th ed., 1988, Cleveland, Ohio. 

Combinations of steam jet ejectors operating in conjunction th mechanical pumps can significandy improve the overall s) stem efficiency, especially in the lower suction pressure torr range of 1 torr to 100 torn They can exist beyond the range cited, but tend to fall off above 200 torr. Each system should be examined indhadually to determine the net result, because the specific manufacturer and the equipment size enter into the overall assessment. Some effective combinations are ... 

Other pieces may have to be elevated to enable the system to operate. A steam jet ejector with an intercondenser that is used to produce a vacuum must be located above a 34 ft (10 m) barometric leg. Condensate receivers and holding tanks frequently must be located high enough to provide an adequate net positive suction head (NPSH) for the pump below. For many pumps an NPSH of at least 14 ft (4.2 m) H2O is desirable. Others can operate when the NPSH is only 6 ft (2 m) H2O. See Chapter 8 for a method of calculating NPSH. 

Steam hydrolysis, 70 503 Steam instability, 23 336 Steam jet ejector refrigeration systems, 27 554-555... 

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