Air Lift Pumps - Structure, Function and Principle of Operation
Air lift pumps are simple, efficient and reliable tools used to lift liquids and gases from one location to another. It is based on the Archimedean principle of buoyancy and is also known as a pneumatic pump.
An air lift pump is essentially a tube with a closed end. This closed end is connected to an air compressor or other air generating device which pumps air into the tube to lift the fluid inside. The fluid can be any number of liquids or gases, depending on the application.
The air is generated by the air compressor and is pumped into the tube at the base. The air rises inside the tube, and the increased pressure from the compressed air causes the fluid inside to move up the tube as well. The increased pressure at the base of the tube is referred to as the “downstream” pressure, while the pressure at the top (where the air escapes) is referred to as the “upstream” pressure.
The air lift pump is relatively simple and efficient. It requires no moving parts and the fluid can easily be moved with minimal energy. Air lift pumps can be used in various applications and have been around for centuries.
One application of air lifts pumps is the removal of water from a mine or any enclosed area that has become flooded. Air is pumped into the bottom of the mine to displace the water in the shaft and lift it to the surface. As the air-filled tube rises, the air escapes, causing the pressure to drop and the water to ascend up the shaft.
Another application is in oil production from oil wells. Air is injected into an oil well to bring oil and gas to the surface. The air causes the pressure of the oil down the well to decrease, and gas and oil to rise up, much like the water in a flooded mine.
Air lift pumps can also be used to transfer liquids between two containers with different liquid levels. By taking air from the lower liquid, the higher liquid will be drawn into the tube, like a siphon, and raised through the lift tube to the higher container.
Air lift pumps are used in many industrial processes and are becoming increasingly popular in wastewater treatment plants. Air lift pumps provide an efficient, low cost and effective means of pumping contaminated and polluted liquids or gases from one location to another.
Air lift pumps offer many advantages over other types of pumps. They are quieter and require less energy to operate than other pumps. The pumps are cheaper, easier to maintain and can be used in remote locations where power, electricity and regular maintenance is not available.
The principle of a air lift pump is pretty simple and it is a great tool that can lift liquids and gases from one location to another with minimal effort. Air lift pumps are versatile, simple, efficient and effective tools used in many different environments.
