On the Characteristics of Gas-Lift Pump using
Electrolytically-Generated Gas Bubble
Masamichi HAMADA
Sachio SUZUKI
Department of Mechanical Engineering Science University of Tokyo, 2641,
Yamazaki, Noda City(278), Japan Teruo KUMAGAI
A gas-lift pump using electrolytically-generated gas bubbles in
electrolytical water is proposed and studied experimentally in order to lift
valuable mineral deposits on deeep sea floor. The insoluble gas volume rate
QG(ml) applicable for pumping sea water is represented as QG=0.144K, where K(c)
means the charged electric current. Flows observed in gas-lift pump are bubble
flow, slug flow,froth flow and annular flow. The flow regimes agree well with
the one proposed previously byGriffith & Wallis. PEO(polyethylene oxide)
addition to sea water reduces the frictional energy lossand improves the
characteristics of gas-lift pump at the range of bubble flow. The application
ofslug flow is concluded to be most advantageous for gas-lift pump.Key Words:
Fluid Machinery, Fluid Transportation System.
Gas-Lift Pump. Air-Lift Pump,Polymer Additives
ABSTRACT