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The Air Lift Pump is a type of deep well pump, sometimes used to remove
water from mines. It can also be used to pump a slurry of sand and water
or other "gritty" solutions. |
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In its most basic form this pump has NO moving parts, other than an air
compressor. The efficiency of the air compressor is a prime factor in determining
the overall efficiency of the pump. |
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Increased efficiency in the pump itself can be achieved - but with added
complexity. Shown here is a simple Air Lift Pump. |
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Compressed air is piped down a shaft. The air then returns up a Discharge
Pipe carrying water with it. The pump works by "aerating" the water in
the discharge pipe. |
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The added air lowers the specific gravity of the fluid mixture. Since it
is lighter than the surrounding water, it is pushed upwards. |
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This type of pump can lift 20 to 2000 gallons per minute, up to about 750
feet. The discharge pipe must be placed deep into the water, from 70% of
the height of the pipe above the water level (for lifts to 20 feet) down
to 40 percent for higher lifts. |
