Electromagnetic pump with rotating permanent magnets operation at low inlet pressures

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the performance of an electromagnetic induction pump with rotating permanent magnets under different inlet pressure conditions. The tested cylindrical-type pump was placed in the test loop to test its parameters while pumping liquid sodium. The measurements of the pump characteristics were carried out at the different inlet pressure values. The inlet pressure was varied, changing initial overpressure in the loop's expansion tank from 0,1 to 1,75 bars. Inlet pressure influenced the cavitation occurrence in the pump channel, and thus, the maximal flow rate varied from 15,2 to 73 l/s. In addition to the pressure-flow rate characteristics, various data were collected during the experiments, such as drive unit power, vibration data, and acoustic signals. Analysis of these parameters showed a clear correlation between the inlet pressure and the apparent cavitation process in the pump channel. This study aimed to establish the operational limits for the electromagnetic induction pump with rotating permanent magnets. The results indicate that the pump can safely operate within the range of inlet pressure values of 0,6 bar and cavitation number values of 3,2.