Conceptual design of a 3D-Printable DC electromagnetic pump for additive manufacturing

Abstract

Electromagnetic pumps offer advantages in handling high-temperature or corrosive fluids by generating flow through Lorentz forces rather than mechanical impellers. However, direct current electromagnetic pumps typically require large currents, resulting in increased manufacturing costs due to thicker copper wires. This study proposes a novel direct current electromagnetic pump for metal additive manufacturing, potentially suitable for advanced Small Modular Reactors cooled by liquid sodium and liquid-metal charge stripper systems used in accelerators. Permanent magnets arranged in opposing directions generate concentrated magnetic flux around constrained flow paths, thereby producing multiple Lorentz forces and reducing the required input current. Numerical simulations demonstrate that the proposed design achieves a developed pressure of 10.5 bar at a significantly reduced current of 330 A, corresponding to a 52 % reduction in current compared to conventional helical-type pumps operating under similar conditions. Additionally, the new pump geometry simplifies fabrication by eliminating brazed joints and enabling a more compact design. These results indicate that 3D-printable electromagnetic pumps provide improvements in performance and ease of fabrication for high-pressure applications.