Booster-ejector system for capturing and recycling leakage fluids

A booster-ejector system configured for capturing and recycling a leakage fluid as it escapes from a process that includes a higher-pressure (HP) region normally containing a process fluid at a higher-pressure, and a lower pressure (LP) region normally containing the process fluid at a lower pressure, the system comprising:

• an ejector system (ES) having an ES motive fluid input, an ES leakage fluid input, and an ES fluid mixture output, the ejector system comprising a first ejector (FE) having an FE motive fluid input connected to the ES motive fluid input, an FE suction input connected to the ES leakage fluid input, an FE mixing chamber, and an FE diffuser, the first ejector being configured to draw the leakage fluid through the FE suction input into the FE mixing chamber, to accept motive fluid into the FE mixing chamber through the FE motive fluid input, to entrain the leakage fluid within the motive fluid, and to compress the resulting fluid mixture as it flows out of the first ejector through the FE diffuser;
• a first throat included within the FE mixing chamber, the motive fluid being directed through the first throat as it flows into the FE mixing chamber, the first throat comprising a constricted nozzle configured to accelerate a rate of flow of the motive fluid as it flows through the first throat;
• an electrically driven leakage fluid booster having a booster inlet and a booster outlet, the leakage fluid booster being configured to pump the leakage fluid to the LP region;
• and
• a controller configured to control the leakage fluid booster and a plumbing system according to a process fluid pressure difference between the HP and LP regions of the process, referred to herein as the “head” of the ejector, such that when head of the ejector exceeds a specified value, electrical power is not consumed by the leakage fluid pump, and the leakage fluid flows through the ejector system to the LP region, and when the head of the ejector is below the specified value, the leakage fluid booster operates to pump the leakage fluid to the LP region.