The Design and Performance of High-Pressure Injectors as Gas Jet Boosters

Abstract

Injectors have a large potential application as jet boosters in gas distribution networks by using the gas from high-pressure supplies to boost the pressure of gas from low-pressure holders to that required by the distribution system.A theoretical study of the design and performance of injectors for this purpose is described. A one-dimensional theory which takes friction into account is proposed for predicting the performance of injectors with driving pressure ratios up to 14:1. Optimization of the theoretical equations is carried out so that the most suitable dimensions can be chosen for any specified performance. Alternatively, the best operating conditions for a given geometry may be predicted.Experimental results compared well with predictions from the proposed theory particularly in the region close to the optimum working point. Where deviations did occur these are explained by the excessive recirculation of the driving gas at the inlet to the mixing throat, when operated away from the optimum working point at low injection ratios and high pressure lifts. By moving the driving nozzle closer to the inlet of the throat and dispensing with the inlet cone, marked improvements in performance could be obtained at these off-optimum operating conditions.