Magnetic Two-Phase Fluid Pumping Without Cavitation or Moving Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pumps for two-phase fluids, particularly in low-gravity conditions, face challenges such as cavitation and wear due to the presence of gas phases, which are not effectively addressed by conventional mechanical pumps that require net positive suction pressure.
Innovation Solution
A pump design utilizing superconducting electromagnets that create an asymmetric magnetic field to convey two-phase magnetic fluids without moving parts, by sequentially energizing electromagnets to control the magnetic field's presence and direction, allowing for efficient fluid conveyance even in the presence of gas bubbles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mechanical pumps are used to pump two-phase fluids, then the pump can move the fluid, but the pump experiences wear and cavitation due to gas phases and requires net positive suction pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pump system with a magnetic field-based system. Electromagnets generate time-varying magnetic fields that interact with magnetic particles in the fluid to create pumping action, eliminating mechanical contact and thereby preventing wear and cavitation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic particles as an intermediary substance. These particles are added to the fluid in small concentrations and serve as mediators that transmit magnetic field forces to move the fluid, enabling pumping without direct mechanical contact with the fluid itself.
2Productivity
If conventional mechanical pumps are used, then the pump can convey fluid, but the pump requires net positive suction pressure to avoid cavitation
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic pumping system replaces mechanical pressure generation with magnetic field forces. The time-varying magnetic fields create body forces on magnetic particles that propel the fluid forward, eliminating the need for net positive suction pressure requirements inherent in mechanical pumps.
3Productivity
If a pump has moving parts to convey fluid, then the pump can move the fluid, but the moving parts wear out and age over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates all moving parts by using electromagnetic fields to convey the fluid. The electromagnets remain stationary while generating time-varying magnetic fields that move the fluid through magnetic forces, thereby eliminating wear and extending system lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic activation of electromagnets in a sequential pattern. Each electromagnet is energized and de-energized in cycles, creating a traveling magnetic field that propels the fluid through the channel without any mechanical moving parts.
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 pump effectively conveys two-phase magnetic fluids, including gas bubbles, without the need for net positive suction pressure, reducing wear and cavitation issues, and is suitable for low-gravity environments.
Implementation Method 1
a first electromagnet and a second electromagnet located outside and along a perimeter of the vessel. The pump may further comprise electronics to sequentially energize the first electromagnet and the second electromagnet such that i) the energized first electromagnet applies a body force on the two-phase magnetic fluid to convey the two-phase magnetic fluid from the input port of the vessel and toward the second electromagnet
Implementation Method 2
a first electromagnet and a second electromagnet located outside and along a perimeter of the vessel
Implementation Method 3
The pump is capable of such pumping and may operate with no moving parts. Instead, the pump operates by selectively activating and deactivating each of a series of electrical circuits to control the presence or absence of magnetic fields applied to the two-phase magnetic fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Architectures and methods of operation for a pump for pumping two-phase magnetic fluids are described. The pump is capable of such pumping and may operate with no moving parts. Instead, the pump operates by selectively activating and deactivating each of a series of electrical circuits to control the presence or absence of magnetic fields applied to the two-phase magnetic fluid. The two-phase magnetic fluid may include liquid phase and gas phase, which may be in the form of bubbles. Though a presence of bubbles in a liquid may lead to cavitation and failure in some pumps, pumps for pumping two-phase magnetic fluids can avoid such a failure mechanism, in addition to avoiding another failure mechanism of wear and tear on moving parts.