Patent ID: 6086334
Filing Date: 2000-07-11
Classification: F04D,F04F

Abstract:
A method of imparting energy to a primary fluid, by direct energy exchange with a working fluid within an annular mixing zone extending along a longitudinal axis of a rotating pumping device, comprising:emitting at least a part of the working fluid from a rotating jet located within the annular mixing zone at a stationary longitudinal location relative to a longitudinal axis of rotation of the rotating jet in a first direction substantially parallel to the axis,emitting at least a part of the working fluid from a rotating jet located within the annular mixing zone at a stationary longitudinal location relative to the longitudinal axis in a second substantially opposite direction substantially parallel to the axis; and whereinthe working fluid is fed in a first radial direction toward the rotating jets prior to emission by the radial jets and the primary fluid is fed in a second radial direction opposite to the first radial direction into the annular mixing zone; andthrust along the longitudinal axis induced by the first jet emitting the working fluid in the first direction cancels at least part of thrust along the longitudinal axis induced by the second jet emitting the working fluid in the second direction, and each rotating jet is further located at a fixed circumferential location offset radially from the longitudinal axis during rotation and at least one part of the working fluid is taken from the primary fluid, the primary fluid being pressurized to a sufficient pressure value to function as the working fluid.