Liquid ejectors show great performance in gas evacuation and compression

A new product is emerging in the area of ejector systems, the patented Hijector­ liquid ejector. The Hijector system is different from traditional steam ejector systems because its motive fluid is a liquid rather than steam. Using a liquid as a motive fluid has several benefits: energy savings, emissions reduction, and simple operation and maintenance.

Principle of operation
The ejector operates off the Venturi principle. Figure 1 shows how the motive liquid is flowed through the nozzle and into the mixing chamber. As the cross-sectional area of the mixing chamber is reduced, the velocity of the liquid is increased. In other words, potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, or static pressure is transformed into dynamic pressure.

As the liquid accelerates, the static pressure falls. This generates a vacuum, which induces the gas into the mixing chamber. As the gas/liquid mixture enters the diffuser, the static pressure begins to recover. The gas is now being compressed as it approaches the discharge. Thus, the Hijector acts as an evacuator and a compressor.

Operating Characteristics
Figure 2 shows a typical Hijector system. As the liquid/gas mixture flows out of the ejector, the mixture is separated in a two-phase separator. The gas is discharged for further processing and the liquid is sent to a heat exchanger (heat is usually absorbed from the gas being evacuated). The liquid is then pumped back to the ejector and the process starts all over again.

The Hijector has several beneficial operating characteristics:

• vacuums to 0.01 mmHg
• compression to 25 atm
• high compression ratio, 1:10,000
• evacuation and compression in one step
• easy heat removal since the thermal conductivity of liquids is much higher than that of gases
• near isothermal compression
• energy savings - no steam to boil
• lower emissions - no boiler; thus, no NOx or Sox

Applications
The Hijector system has found numerous applications in the oil refining, chemical, and petrochemical industries. Applications include the following processes:

• vacuum distillation
• overhead off-gas compressor
• air compressor
• vacuum autoclave reactor
• sour gas - amine treatment
• styrene stripping

These are just a few examples. The system has also been applied successfully in such other areas as municipalities and universities. In all cases, the Hijector system brings with it simple operation and maintenance, low utility costs, and lower emissions.

For more information: Hijet, 4615 Post Oak Place, Houston, TX 77027. Phone: 713-963-8900. Fax: 713-963-8295.

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