Non-ferrous Melt Pump with Vortex Chamber and Permanent Magnet Drive

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional non-ferrous metal melt pumps face issues such as rapid impeller damage, high operating costs, complex maintenance, and difficulties in integration with melting furnaces, leading to a lack of suitable pumps for combined use with melting furnaces.

Innovation Solution

A non-ferrous metal melt pump design featuring a vortex chamber and a magnetic field device using permanent magnets, which applies an electromagnetic force to the melt without generating eddy currents, allowing for efficient and cost-effective operation and integration with melting furnaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If an impeller is used to feed non-ferrous metal melt, then the melt can be pumped, but the impeller damage rapidly increases running costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemelt pumping capabilityVSAvoidrunning costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical impeller system with an electromagnetic pump system that uses a magnetic field to drive the molten metal through the furnace. The magnetic field is generated by coils positioned around the crucible, eliminating the need for mechanical contact and impeller components that are subject to wear and damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If a movable magnetic field is applied from outside the melt flow channel, then eddy current can be generated to pump the melt, but the apparatus size increases and maintenance becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemelt pumping capabilityVSAvoidapparatus structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the magnetic field generation coils directly into the crucible structure, merging the pumping function with the melting container. The coils are positioned to wrap around or be embedded in the crucible walls, creating a compact integrated unit that eliminates separate external pumping apparatus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The crucible serves multiple functions: it contains the molten metal, generates the magnetic field for pumping through integrated coils, and provides structural support. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate pumping equipment and reduces overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional pumps are used with melting furnaces, then material handling is possible, but the pumps are not suitable for combination with melting furnaces due to high operating costs and maintenance issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefurnace integration capabilityVSAvoidoperating costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical pumps with an electromagnetic pumping system that is specifically adapted for high-temperature molten metal applications. The electromagnetic system eliminates mechanical seals and moving parts that are incompatible with furnace environments and require costly maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters by using electromagnetic fields instead of mechanical forces, allowing the pumping system to operate efficiently at high temperatures without the mechanical components that limit conventional pump applications in furnace environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enables high-efficiency pumping without eddy current hindrance, reducing operating costs and simplifying maintenance, while ensuring efficient melting and material handling in the furnace system.

Implementation Method 1

applies the driving force to the non-ferrous metal melt by an electromagnetic force that is generated by current flowing in the non-ferrous metal melt and magnetic lines of force from the magnetic field device formed of permanent magnets

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentEP2381201B1Non-ferrous metal melt pump and non-ferrous metal melting furnace using the same

Publication Date: 2016.10.12 ZMAG

Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~4
Figure 5~7

AI summary

A non-ferrous metal melting furnace includes a non-ferrous metal melt pump (1), a vortex chamber body (2), and a magnetic field device formed of permanent magnets. The vortex chamber body (2) makes a non-ferrous metal melt flow into a vortex chamber (6) from an inlet (5) in a spiral shape by applying a driving force to the non-ferrous metal melt (M) melt in the vortex chamber (6), and discharges the non-ferrous metal (M) melt from the vortex chamber (6) to an outlet (7). The magnetic field device formed of permanent magnets is disposed outside the vortex chamber (6) and below a bottom plate of the vortex chamber, (6), and applies the driving force to the non-ferrous metal melt by an electromagnetic force that is generated by current flowing in the non-ferrous metal (M) melt and magnetic lines of force from the magnetic field device formed of permanent magnets (56, 56).