Study: How to Evenly Distribute Molten Metal Velocity in Electromagnetic Pumps in Nuclear Power Applications

CMI Novacast

September 16, 2024

Since the 1960s, electromagnetic (EM) pumps have been used to move liquid sodium in nuclear cooling systems, and in other, experimental nuclear applications. Because EM pumps use electromagnetism to move molten metal – with no moving parts – they are a safer and more reliable alternative to mechanical pumps. And when it comes to transferring liquid sodium, which explodes on contact with air and water, safety and reliability are of paramount importance.

While the nuclear power industry and laboratories have relied on the dependability and safety of EM pumps for decades, one problem has persisted: the velocity of metal moved by EM pumps is sometimes unevenly distributed. This lack of uniformity and controllability can impose limitations on the volume of molten metal that can be moved at a given time.

A recent study, An Electromagnetic Arrayed Pump to Create Arbitrary Velocity Profiles in Fluid, sought to assess whether it’s possible to control the velocity profile of EM pumps by creating an arrayed core. To do so, researchers manufactured an arrayed EM pump and applied various magnetic fields to different areas of the pump. Extensive testing proved it is possible to control the velocity of molten metal with an arrayed EM pump – and increase it if desired.

Study Method

Researchers began by designing a novel EM pump whose core was arrayed with coils. Two models were built:

A physical model composed of a low-carbon iron core, copper electrodes, and a Plexiglass pump channel that was placed in reservoir containing a 20% NaOH solution
A real-size 3D model built using COMSOL Multiphysics software

Using the physical model, researchers manipulated the direction of the current in each coil using electromagnets to alter the core’s magnetic field. The 3D model was used to validate the results of the physical tests and to study the impact of activating and deactivating certain coils.

The Results

By manipulating the magnetic field in the pump’s core, the researchers were successfully able to alter the Lorentz force in both arrayed EM pump models. In doing so, they were able to create and control a number of velocity profiles.

To learn more, read the full study.

Move Liquid Sodium with CMI Novacast

CMI Novacast manufactures EM pumps used in nuclear power plant cooling systems, national and university laboratories, and experimental applications, including cold fusion reactors, fast breeder reactors (FBRs), and versatile test reactors (VTRs).

Our LA and CA Series EM pumps move liquid sodium and other molten metals – including sodium-potassium alloys (NaK), bismuth, and lead-lithium – safely and unerringly. After installation, CMI Novacast EM pumps run automatically for years inside their sealed systems – with no need for maintenance.

For more information about how CMI Novacast EM pumps can be used in your nuclear cooling system or experimental application – or to learn more about the LA or CA Series pumps – contact our experts.