GEA uses jet pumps and surface condensers made of graphite for its vacuum pumps in all cases wherethe usual corrosion and acid proof materials are not resistant enough.
Because of its excellent thermal conductivity and its high resistance to temperature change, graphite is the ideal material for heat exchangers and jet pumps. Gas-tightness is achieved by means of impregnation. Jet pumps made of graphite and operated in vacuum below 3 mbar can be heated to eliminate ice formation.
In cooperation with SGL, a major manufacturer of carbon-based products, GEA has developed a new ejector body made of graphite with many advantages to bring the vacuum system on another performance and safety level.
The new developed graphite ejector can be adapted to customer required process conditions and optimize steam consumption.
As surface condensers, block heat exchangers, shell-and-tube heat exchangers or also plate heat exchangers from graphite of all commercial makes are used which are suitable to condense vapors under vacuum.
Multi-stage vacuum systems with block heat exchanger benefitfrom small dimensions, little space requirement and simple assembly on site.

4-stage steam jet vacuum pump with block condenser in compact design
- A motive steam
- B suction connection
- C cooling water
- 1-4 jet pumps
- I-III condenser chambers
Jet vacuum pumps are utilized for suction pressures down to approx. 0.1 mbar. GEA designs these vacuum pumps for a barometric installation and using a gear pump in Hastelloy also for a non-barometric installation.
Advantages
- Compact design
- Easy to clean
- Of variable use
- No moving parts
- Low maintenance
- Can be installed in virtually all situations
- Quickly and easily put into operation
- Low acquisition costs
Upgrading existing ceramic steam jet vacuum systems
Previously ceramic jet pump systems have proven to be very successful. However, with the increased standards, ceramic jet pump systems no longer meet the requirements of the industry.
Existing porcelain jet pumps can be replaced by graphite jet pumps without any on-site modifications. The installation dimensions remain unchanged. By means of graphite jet pumps, existing steam jet vacuum plants can be optimized in terms of energy consumption and performance
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