Electromagnetic pump

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 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 try to align with each other. The similar effect one can see between any two magnets.

The same principle is used in electromagnetic pump. The current is supplied through a conducting liquid. And two permanent magnets are arranged to produce magnetic field B_ap as shown in the figure. The supplied current has 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 try to align with each other. This causes the mechanical motion of the fluid.

See also

• Electromagnetic flow meter
• Molten salt

Bibliography

R. S. Baker Handbook of Electromagnetic pump technology

External links

• demo
• [1]
• [2]
• The Einstein-Szilard Electromagnetic Pump -American Physics Society