Direct current magnetohydrodynamic pump

Abstract

The invention is for an apparatus and method for pumping of electrically conductive liquids such as liquid metals and electrolytes. The apparatus of the present invention is a self-contained direct current (DC) magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) pump assembly formed by an upper core assembly, lower core assembly, and a flow channel. The flow channel is formed when the upper core assembly and the lower core assembly are put together. Permanent magnets are used to produce magnetic field inside the flow channel. When the flow channel is filled with electrically conductive liquid, the liquid comes into contact with electrodes within the lower core assembly. The electrodes may be used to draw electric current through the liquid, thereby generating MHD force onto it. As a result, a pressure may be generated within the liquid and/or the liquid may be caused to flow.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) pump assembly comprising an upper core assembly, a lower core assembly, and a flow channel;
 a) said flow channel being formed entirely by said upper core assembly and said lower core assembly;   b) said upper core assembly comprising an upper core structure, permanent magnet, and electrically insulating material;   c) said lower core assembly comprising a lower core structure, permanent magnet, two electrodes, and electrically insulating material; and   d) said lower core assembly further comprising a groove forming in-part said flow channel.   
     
     
         2 . The MHD pump assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said per permanent magnets are arranged to produce substantially uniform magnetic flux density within said flow channel between said electrodes. 
     
     
         3 . The MHD pump assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said permanent magnets are arranged to have their magnetization vectors pointing in generally the same direction. 
     
     
         4 . The MHD pump assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said upper core structure and said lower core structure are made of material selected from the group consisting of iron, pure iron, Consumet core iron, mild steel, and Hyperco. 
     
     
         5 . The MHD pump assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said electrodes have curved surfaces facing the flow channel. 
     
     
         6 . The MHD pump assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said electrodes are made of material selected from the group consisting of tungsten, pure tungsten, tantalum, and molybdenum. 
     
     
         7 . A magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) pump assembly consisting an upper core assembly, a lower core assembly, and a flow channel;
 a) said flow channel being formed entirely by said upper core assembly and said lower core assembly;   b) said upper core assembly comprising an upper core structure, permanent magnet, and electrically insulating material;   c) said lower core assembly comprising a lower core structure, permanent magnet, two electrodes, and electrically insulating material; and   d) said lower core assembly further comprising a groove forming in-part said flow channel.   
     
     
         8 . The MHD pump assembly of  claim 7 , wherein said per permanent magnets are arranged to produce substantially uniform magnetic flux density within said flow channel between said electrodes. 
     
     
         9 . The MHD pump assembly of  claim 7 , wherein said permanent magnets are arranged to have their magnetization vectors pointing in generally the same direction. 
     
     
         10 . The MHD pump assembly of  claim 7 , wherein said upper core structure and said lower core structure are made of material selected from the group consisting of iron, pure iron, Consumet core iron, mild steel, and Hyperco. 
     
     
         11 . The MHD pump assembly of  claim 7 , wherein said electrodes have curved surfaces facing the flow channel. 
     
     
         12 . The MHD pump assembly of  claim 7 , wherein said electrodes are made of material selected from the group consisting of tungsten, pure tungsten, tantalum, and molybdenum. 
     
     
         13 . A magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) pump assembly comprising an upper core assembly and a lower core assembly;
 a) said upper core assembly and said lower core assembly forming a flow channel suitable for flowing electrically conductive liquid;   b) said upper core assembly comprising an upper core structure, permanent magnet, and electrically insulating material;   c) said lower core assembly comprising a lower core structure, permanent magnet, two electrodes, and electrically insulating material; and   d) said lower core assembly further comprising a groove forming in-part said flow channel.   
     
     
         14 . The MHD pump assembly of  claim 13 , wherein said per permanent magnets are arranged to produce substantially uniform magnetic flux density within said flow channel between said electrodes. 
     
     
         15 . The MHD pump assembly of  claim 13 , wherein said permanent magnets are arranged to have their magnetization vectors pointing in generally the same direction. 
     
     
         16 . The MHD pump assembly of  claim 13 , wherein said upper core structure and said lower core structure are made of material selected from the group consisting of iron, pure iron, Consumet core iron, mild steel, and Hyperco. 
     
     
         17 . The MHD pump assembly of  claim 13 , wherein said electrodes have curved surfaces facing the flow channel. 
     
     
         18 . The MHD pump assembly of  claim 13 , wherein said electrodes are made of material selected from the group consisting of tungsten, pure tungsten, tantalum, and molybdenum.