Baelz NA Blog

Ejector pumps (also called jet pumps) are a special version of a 3-way valve that works based on a fluid dynamics concept known as Bernoulli’s principle: pressure and fluid velocity are inversely proportional causing the Venturi effect. Ejector pumps are controlled by an electric or pneumatic actuator. These static devices mount to a pipeline system and are connected to both a high-pressure water or steam supply and another vessel with a low-pressure fluid. The ejector has two inlets leading to a nozzle, which is incorporated into an asymmetrical, hourglass-shaped tube called a diffuser. The components are often made of brass, cast iron, carbon steel, or stainless steel for durability and low maintenance, effectively offering longer lifespan and energy-saving service.

High-pressure steam or water, called the motive fluid, enters through one inlet and passes through the nozzle, which converts its pressure to velocity. As speed increases, a vacuum forms and the lower-pressure fluid is drawn in through the suction inlet.

Industries are increasingly converting their mechanical pumps to water- or steam-driven alternatives. That's because steam and water ejectors are much easier to install and are powered fully by their own motive gas or fluid. This key benefit makes water and steam ejectors much more efficient than mechanical pumps, reducing costs and improving system reliability for diverse industrial applications.

Valve actuators are mechanical devices that open and close valves to allow or stop the flow of a fluid through a system. They are available in many variations, each of which offers different advantages and disadvantages that make it suitable for distinct applications. Two of the most commonly used types are pneumatic actuators and electric actuators. Pneumatic actuators utilize compressed air to operate valves, while electric actuators use an electric motor. Below, we go more in-depth on the differences between the two to help readers choose the best one for their application.

Linear valve actuators are connected to a control valve to create motion that will perform the open/close valve operation. This motion can either be pneumatically or electrically generated, depending on the type of actuator in use. Some industrial processes may require electric linear actuators for precision valve control, while other processes employ pneumatic linear actuators which can rapidly execute valve operation.