Fluid apparatus and methods, as for inflating inflatable structures

摘要

In a system for inflating airslides and the like, the pressure of the primary gas supplied to an ejector is controlled so as to maintain a constant mass flow rate into the airslide over its inflation cycle. A controller for controlling the primary gas pressure may be integrated into the ejector. A novel ejector employs flow shaping of an expanding primary gas stream within a draft tube to create a flow potential that produces entrainment of a secondary fluid. The draft tube may comprise telescoping sections to provide an ejector having a compact structure but which is capable of affording a substantial mixing length for the primary gas and secondary fluid when operated. The draft tube may be biased into engagement with flapper valves that close the secondary fluid openings in the ejector to afford positive closure of the openings. An argon and carbon dioxide primary gas mixture enables entrainment of a given quantity of secondary fluid within a smaller quantity of primary gas.