Electromagnetic pump

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An electromagnetic pump is a pump that moves liquid metal (or any electrically conductive liquid) using electromagnetism. A magnetic field is set at right angles to the direction the liquid moves in, and a current is passed through it. This causes an electromagnetic force that moves the liquid.

Applications include pumping liquid metal through a cooling system.

Working Principle

Schematic of Electromagnetic Pump

A magnetic field (b_rc) always exists around the current (I) carrying conductor. When this current carrying conductor is subjected to an external magnetic field (B_ap), the conductor experiences a force perpendicular to the direction of I and B_ap. This is because the magnetic field produced by the conductor and the applied magnetic field attempt to align with each other. A similar effect can seen between two ordinary magnets.

This principle is used in an electromagnetic pump. The current is fed through a conducting liquid. Two permanent magnets are arranged to produce a magnetic field B_ap as shown in the figure. The supplied current has a current density (J) and the magnetic field associated with this current can be called as 'Reaction magnetic Field (b_rc)'. The two magnetic fields B_ap and b_rc attempt to align with each other. This causes mechanical motion of the fluid.

See also

• Electromagnetic flow meter
• Molten salt

References

Bibliography

R. S. Baker Handbook of Electromagnetic pump technology

External links

• demo
• Analysis and Design of Electromagnetic Pump
• The Einstein-Szilard Electromagnetic Pump -American Physics Society