Overview
ARBOK-Pulling Ejector is a novel fluid transportation system using vacuum-based ejection principles to transport liquids (water, slurry, wastewater) without traditional mechanical pumps or compressors. Operates by creating controlled vacuum zones that "pull" fluids through channels; replaces complex pump mechanisms with simple, passive/semi-passive ejection. Zero moving parts (optional low-power assist). Deployable for dewatering, irrigation, industrial fluid transfer, and emergency water removal. Energy consumption 80–90 % lower than centrifugal pumps.
Applications
Primary use cases: emergency dewatering (floods, disasters); mining/quarry dewatering; agricultural irrigation; industrial wastewater transfer; construction site water management.
Industries and users: emergency services, mining operators, water utilities, construction, agriculture.
Scale: modular ejectors 10–100 t/day throughput per unit; stackable.
Operating Principle
Vacuum is created on the outlet side of a fluid pathway via controlled pressure differential; this "pulls" fluid through inlet without requiring mechanical compression or impellers. Fluid follows natural pressure gradient toward vacuum zone. Ejector can be passive (natural vacuum from system design) or semi-active (low-power vacuum pump maintains optimal suction). No cavitation risk; no seal degradation. Simple control: regulate vacuum strength to adjust flow.
Key Parameters
Flow rate: 10–100 t/day per ejector unit.
Lift height: up to 20 m (vacuum-limited).
Horizontal distance: up to 500 m with cascaded ejectors.
Power consumption: 0.1–0.3 kWh/t (vs. 0.8–1.5 kWh/t centrifugal pumps).
Head efficiency: 65–80 % (vacuum-based physics).
Deployable fluids: water, seawater, wastewater, slurry (up to 30 % solids).
Installation time: < 2 hours (modular design).
Architecture and Components
Vacuum chamber (inlet zone); ejector nozzle (controlled vacuum outlet); fluid pathways (piping); optional low-power vacuum pump; one-way check valves; manual controls. Compact, portable; containerized options available.
Advantages
Technical: no moving parts (high reliability); simple design; handles solids; no cavitation; passive operation possible.
Economic: 80–90 % lower energy vs. pumps; minimal maintenance (no seals, impellers, bearings); rapid deployment.
Environmental: zero emissions; low noise; no chemical additives.
Operational: deployable by untrained personnel; effective in emergency situations; works in power-scarce locations.
Integrations
Standalone emergency deployment (floods, mining accidents); integrates with ARBOK desalination (low-energy pretreatment transfer); pairs with solar/wind power (minimal electricity needed).
Deployment & Operation
Steps: inlet placement (intake source) → outlet path setup (destination) → ejector positioning → power connection (optional) → activation. Autonomous operation; adjust vacuum for flow control. Minimal training required.
TRL
TRL 5 — Validated in relevant environment. Pilot deployments completed in dewatering and emergency response scenarios; fluid transfer rates verified; energy savings measured. Ready for broader field testing and commercial scaling.
Market Potential
Emergency response: floods, disasters, industrial accidents; mining dewatering; agricultural irrigation (water-stressed regions). Estimated market: €500M–2B over 10 years for emergency + industrial fluid handling globally.
Typical Project Economics
CAPEX: €5k–50k per ejector unit (modular scale). OPEX: minimal (low power if any; no consumables). Annual savings vs. pump: €2k–10k per unit. Payback: < 1 year. Strong ROI for emergency services and mining operations.
Risk Factors
Vacuum maintenance (air leaks); fluid-dependent performance (viscosity, solids content); maximum lift height limited by vacuum physics (~10 m practical); operator understanding of vacuum principles required for optimal tuning.
Related Technologies
ARBOK-VC (Vacuum Cracking) · Vacuum Osmosis · Emergency Water Systems