Electromagnetic Liquid Metal Pump for Stable X-Ray Jet Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray sources using liquid metal jets face challenges such as non-uniform jet formation, pressure variations, and frequent maintenance due to inadequate pump performance, leading to operational inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetic pump with multiple sections is designed to achieve high pressures by aligning magnetic fields and electric currents perpendicularly to the liquid flow, ensuring a compact and low-maintenance setup capable of producing pressures up to several hundred bars.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a conventional pump is used to pressurize the liquid metal, then the liquid metal can be circulated, but pressure variations and insufficient pressurization capability occur leading to non-uniform jet formation
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is divided into multiple electromagnetic pump sections (first section, second section, etc.) connected in series. Each section contributes to the overall pressurization, enabling the system to achieve high pressures (several hundred bars) while maintaining stable operation and uniform jet formation through the cumulative effect of multiple sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical pumps with an electromagnetic pump system. The electromagnetic pump uses electromagnetic fields to generate Lorentz forces that directly drive the liquid metal flow, eliminating mechanical moving parts that cause pressure variations and maintenance issues, thereby achieving both high pressurization capability and stable jet uniformity.
2Productivity
If a conventional pump is used for pressurizing the liquid metal, then circulation is achieved, but regular maintenance and system downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic pump replaces mechanical pumping systems with an electromagnetic field-based solution. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear components, seals, and moving parts that require maintenance, resulting in reduced maintenance frequency and increased operational continuity without compromising circulation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic pump design allows the liquid metal itself to serve as the medium through which electromagnetic forces are applied, eliminating the need for separate mechanical drive mechanisms. The system operates without external mechanical intervention, reducing maintenance requirements and enabling continuous operation.
3Stress or pressure
If high pressure is achieved through multiple pumps in series, then pressurization capability increases, but device complexity and leakage risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple electromagnetic pump sections are merged into a single integrated device with a common liquid pathway. The sections work in series to build pressure progressively, but share common structural elements and liquid pathways, reducing the overall complexity compared to using separate pumps connected in series with multiple external connections and seals.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a stable and efficient liquid metal jet for X-ray generation, reducing maintenance needs and operational costs while ensuring consistent performance.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic pump for pumping an electrically conductive liquid... a current generator arranged to provide an electric current through the liquid in the first conduit section and the liquid in the second conduit section... a magnetic field generating arrangement arranged to provide a magnetic field passing through the liquid in the first conduit section and the second conduit section
Implementation Method 2
X-rays have traditionally been generated by letting an electron beam impact upon a solid anode target... generation of X-ray radiation by interaction between an electron beam and a liquid metal jet
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic pump for pumping an electrically conductive liquid, including a first conduit section and a second conduit section. The electromagnetic pump further includes a current generator arranged to provide an electric current through the liquid in the first conduit section and the liquid in the second conduit section such that a direction of the electric current is intersecting the flow of the liquid in the first conduit section and in the second conduit section, and a magnetic field generating arrangement arranged to provide a magnetic field passing through the liquid in the first conduit section and the second conduit section such that a direction of the magnetic field is intersecting the flow of the liquid and the direction of the electric current.