How the ejector energy balance works:

The motive gas accelerates to sonic velocity in the ​nozzle throat (choked flow) with pressure
decreasing by approximately 45% (depending of gas properties). The gas continues to accelerate to
Mach >1 in the outlet section of the nozzle, with the pressure reducing to that required to draw in the
entrained gas. The ejector nozzle is also known as a De Laval nozzle.
Pressure reduction of the motive gas has thus been converted isentropically into usable kinetic
energy. Some energy is lost because of isentropic efficiency <100%.
The entrained gas is drawn into the ​mixing section and also accelerates to sonic velocity (there are
cases where it does not reach sonic velocity but these are not described here). Once again there is
some energy loss due to isentropic efficiency <100%.
The motive gas and entrained gas have different velocities. Momentum is preserved as they mix, but
kinetic energy is lost. In general, the greater the ratio of motive gas pressure to entrained gas
pressure, the greater the loss of kinetic energy.
The mixed gas is still supersonic as it leaves the mixing section. A shock wave then occurs as it
enters the ​diffuser​. Flow becomes subsonic and a step change increase in pressure occurs.
The gas decelerates in the diffuser with kinetic energy being recovered as increased pressure. As
above, some energy is lost due to isentropic efficiency <100%.
Friction against the internal metal surfaces of the ejector causes additional energy losses.
Link to equations​ relevant to the energy balance.
The final stop in procuring an ejector is at the vendors, but modelling and calibrating the energy
balance takes us a long way forward on this path. The final design is complex but initial process
design does not have to be so mysterious.
An understanding of the energy balance and geometry enables an intuitive feel for control methods
and constraints.
Results and Analysis of ejectors using our
software : ​Discussion and guidelines, what to look for, design curve
versus operating curve

Data is entered into the highlighed fields and the program is RUN. In the case (steam ejector) below
the motive gas pressure is varied, while entrained gas pressure and entrainment ratio are kept
constant.

The entrainment ratio can then be varied, to generate ejector curves like the one below. (PR is the
ratio of motive gas to entrained gas pressure). Note that these curves are for specific temperatures
and gas properties and will change significantly if any of these change.
Each point on the curves above represents performance for an ejector that has been sized for the
specific conditions. The particular ejector selected will have the correct geometry for optimal
performance at one particular design point. As the operating point moves away from the design point,
performance will deviate increasingly from the ideal curves above. The motive gas pressure and flow
rate are kept relatively constant - the control systems maintain the balance between entrained gas
pressure and flow and the discharge pressure. This is particularly relevant for vacuum ejectors.

A computer program has been developed that determines the performance curve for a specific
ejector geometry. If there is an interest in this program, it could be made available. Additional
aspects such a breakpoint analysis could be included.

The breakpoint occurs when the back pressures exceeds the maximum discharge pressure that the
ejector can maintain even for zero entrainment. At above this back pressure, reverse flow of
entrained gas will occur. This is partcularly relevant to vacuum systems - refer to the graph of a
typical case below.
Rating of Ejectors
INPUTS

The inputs required are shown in the table below.

RESULTS

The nozzle and mixing section diameter are calculated. Please note
the following relationships:

- Motive nozzle diameter is a function of motive gas flow rate,

pressure, temperature & molecular weight.

- Mixing section diameter is a function of the preceding and entrained

gas flow rate, pressure, temperature & molecular weight.

- The program calculates the best nozzle and mixing diameters

based for the input values. If for example the entrained gas flow rate is
changed, the mixing diameter will also change – which will have some
impact on the discharge pressure. Thus the results in the tables above
for different gas flow rates, pressures or temperatures do not represent
the performance of a specific ejector.

- Therefore ejector curves at fixed ejector geometry are calculated at the design discharge pressure and an increased
discharge pressure (see 3.2). These are more indicative of the response of a specific ejector to changes in inputs.
The motive gas Mach No is provided for information. Convergence percent (normally >99%) is supplied to confirm that
the program has run successfully. Where the compression ratio is high, it may be be more efficient to use more than one
ejector stage.The overall ejector efficiency is calculated. Note that efficiency is low for an ejector. Typical values will
depend on the motive gas pressure and the entrainment ratio.

​EJECTOR CURVES

The Ezejector results include a graph showing how the entrained

gas flow rate will (see below) change depending on the entrained
gas pressure, for at fixed discharge pressure.This allows you to
estimate the impact of entrained gas flow rate on the suction
pressure.The program includes a feature to evaluate the impact
of increased back pressure.

Ezejector programs includes the following:

- Thermodynamic and fluid dynamic equations

- Calculation algorithms

- Engineering factors i.e. efficiencies, based on normal practice

and calibration versus installed ejectors. If anything, slightly
conservative values have been used.

EJECTOR DIMENSIONS

Preliminary dimensions can be viewed – see below. These are based on standard assumptions for angles and ratio and
may not be identical to your actual installed units
Breakpoint Analysis

Breakdown of ejectors is a frequent problem, particulary on vacuum systems. What

happens in the ejector to cause this is described below. Need help? Contact
Ezejector.

Refer to the graph above for a steam ejector with fixed steam and entrained gas
pressures, but changing discharge back pressure.

As can be seen, the entrainment ratio remains constant when the flow regime is
double-critical i.e. both the steam and the entrained gas are accelerated to sonic velocity.

When the back pressure becomes too high, the entrained gas cannot reach sonic velocity
and we enter single critical flow.

The flow pattern for double and single critical flow is similar, with mixing of motive and
entrained gas upstream of the shock wave.

Further increases in back pressure progressively reduce the entrained gas velocity and
thus the entrainment ratio. When the break point pressure is reached, entrained gas flow
reduces to zero. At this point the flow pattern collapses with the shock wave retreating
from the diffuser to the motive gas nozzle outlet. As a results, the ejector discharge
pressure falls and reverse flow occurs though the ejector to the entrained gas line. The
ejector is now "broken" and will not re-establish the required flow regime without
intervention.

The only way to "fix" the ejector is by increasing the discharge pressure it can achieve to
significantly greater than the break point. This can be achieved by increasing the motive
gas pressure or the entrained gas pressure - refer to graph below (the scale somewhat
exaggerated for illustration). An increase in entrained gas pressure will normally occur in
any case because the reverse flow will pressurise the entrained gas system. A cycle may
occur when the entrained gas pressure responds by decreasing, initiating another
breakdown.
Ejector Ranges

Design ranges for single stage ejectors and use of multi stage ejectors.

Definitions:

Compression Ratio (CR) - ratio of discharge to entrained gas pressure

Pressure Ratio (PR) - ratio between the motive gas and entrained gas pressure

The feasible design range for single stage ejectors is illustrated below.

​The graph is indicative only as it does not consider extreme entrainment ratios or variations in gas
properties or temperatures. As a rule of thumb, CR ~ PR^0.5 at PR <15 and moderate entrainment
​

ratios.The thermodynamic efficiency of an ejector generally decreases with increasing PR and also
with increasing CR Two stages in series are therefore considerably more efficient then a single
stage when both PR and CR are high i.e. refer to the graph below (PR ~20, CR >4):
Multi stage ejectors are normally installed on vacuum ejector systems because they require high
overall compression ratios. Note that the pressure ratio for the first stage ejector is very high because
the entrained gas is under vacuum, thus correspondingly high compression ratios (>10) may be
achieved.

​
Ejector Cones

Ejectors are designed for the full range of operating conditions. The flow cone of the motive gas will change considerably
depending on the entrained gas pressure and this brings geometry into play.

Ejectors are designed for the full range of operating conditions. The flow cone of the motive gas will change considerably
depending on the entrained gas pressure and this brings geometry into play.

For example, the area of the motive cone can change by more than a factor of two, depending on the Mach No required
(see equation below):

The geometry thus has to be arranged to ensure:

● Sufficient flow area for the motive cone and the amount of entrained gas required
● Diameter of mixing section to meet max/min requirement for supersonic momentum exchange
● Correct spacing between supersonic nozzle and mixing section
● Get the angles right
● Allow space for some recompression upstream of the mixing section, where required.

Ultimately, you need enough energy available (see e​ nergy balance​) to make it work but you also have to get the
geometry right.Once the design is done and dusted, the actual performance at any operating point can be determined
from the energy balance and the geometry
Multi stage steam ejectors (Multi stage gas ejectors
also available)

Ezejector now offers a program for design of multi stage steam ejectors.
Contact us if you are interested in this software.

See below an example of design development. The overall compression ratio

required is approximately 55:1. As a first estimate, a five stage ejector is assumed.

First, equal steam flow rate is assumed to each stage. As can be seen below, the
total steam required is 500 kg/hr.
The steam flow rate to each stage is varied to see if there is a benefit. As can be
seen below there is no significant change.