A
steam injector is typically used to deliver cold
water to a boiler against its own pressure using its own live or exhaust steam, replacing any mechanical
pump. This was the purpose for which it was originally invented in 1858 by
Henri Giffard. Its operation was from the start intriguing since it seemed paradoxical, almost like perpetual motion, but its operation was later explained using
thermodynamics.
[1] Other types of injector may use other pressurised motive fluids such as air.
Operation
The injector consists of a body containing a series of three or more "cones" containing nozzles along one axis.
It uses the
Venturi effect of a
converging-diverging nozzle on a steam jet to convert the
pressure energy of the steam to
velocity energy, reducing its pressure to below atmospheric which enables it to entrain a fluid (eg. water). After passing through the convergent "combining cone", the mixed fluid is fully condensed releasing the
latent heat of evaporation of the steam which imparts extra velocity to the water. The condensate mixture then enters a divergent "delivery cone" which slows the jet, converting kinetic energy back into static pressure energy above the pressure of the boiler enabling its feed through a non-return valve.
[3] [4]
Most of the heat energy in the condensed steam is returned to the boiler, increasing the thermal efficiency of the process. Injectors are therefore typically over 98% energy-efficient overall; they are also simple compared to the many moving parts in a feed pump.