The Sullivan Air Lift Pumping System

due to submergence, when a large bubble of air passes into the educ- tion pipe. This flow of air from the pipe temporarily reduces the air pressure, through wire drawing; so that the weight of water in the well outside of the eduction and air pipes, which is due to submergence shuts the air off and a plug of water follows the plug of air up into the eduction pipe, until the compressor has had time to build up the air pressure and another plug of air breaks through. This combat of the air and water pressure becomes rhythmic in its action, forming a succes- sion of air bubbles and water plugs in the eduction pipe, and is the cause of the “plugging” or unequal discharges found with this dass of air lift installa- tions. The theory of the air lift and the reason for submerg- ence, are, that by mixing the water with air in the dis- charge, the water is made lighter, so that the pressure of the column of air and water in the bottom of the eduction pipe is less per square inch than that of the solid water ■ - Maywood, Ill., City Water Works and one of the Sullivan Air Lift Boosters, There are two wells, pumped by Sullivan Foot Pieces, Boosters and Sullivan Angle Compound Air Compressors, see page 8. Flow, 1400 gallons per minute; lift, 250 300 feet. Elevated discharge from boosters, 20 feet. 7