Electromagnetic pumps use magnetic fields to create flow in magnetically charged materials such as liquid metal, and are useful for cooling nuclear reactors and handling difficult materials. They have advantages over mechanical pumps and can be configured for specific applications. Different types of electromagnetic pumps exist, including direct current conduction, alternating current conduction, and linear induction.
An electromagnetic pump is most often a device that uses electromagnetism to create flow in magnetically charged materials such as liquid metal. These types of pumps can be useful for many materials, including non-metallic elements such as potassium. An important function of these pumps is to cool nuclear reactors, although some other applications may be considered common. The magnetic fields used to create the flow have some significant advantages over mechanical pumps. Different types of pumps could be used in specific situations due to the benefits they offer.
In general, magnetic fields are created within an electromagnetic pump using permanent magnets or electromagnets. To obtain the required flow, electric currents or elevated temperatures must be established. The magnets can be configured to create a specific directional flow, depending on the application. Materials often considered difficult to handle, such as liquid metal, usually flow in a predictable and continuous direction inside an electromagnetic pump.
Common materials passed through an electromagnetic pump include metals such as aluminum and mercury. Other magnetically charged elements passed through an electromagnetic pump can include zinc, sodium and potassium. Different elements usually require different pump configurations and temperatures. They are also used for specific applications.
Electromagnetic pumps are often used to cool nuclear reactors. The extreme temperatures in nuclear environments often require high tolerance cooling mechanisms and an electromagnetic pump is considered best in such situations. Magnetic fields can also be used in foundries, where high-temperature metals must be cast or otherwise transported from one location to another. In this regard, an electromagnetic pump can also function as a flowmeter when the mechanical devices may be insufficient.
Despite the specific requirements that these materials can create flow, there are common advantages that electromagnetic pumps have over mechanical pumps. Often no moving parts are needed to create material flow, so there is little resistance and less stress on the machinery. This unlimited flow can be considered more reliable than many other methods and has been shown to last under high stress situations for extended periods.
Electromagnetic pump process variations can include direct current conduction, alternating current (AC) conduction, and linear induction. DC driven pumps are often used for high temperature situations and require large amounts of power. AC-conducting pumps depend on AC power and produce flow using transformer configurations. Linear induction pumps also use AC power passed through specific magnetic windings to create a moving magnetic field that creates flow.
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