Development and Performance Analysis of an Electromagnetic Pump for a Thermal Hydraulic Experimental Loop of a Lead-Cooled Fast Reactor

Zi’ang Li, Lanfei Yuan, Chenglong Wang (), Suizheng Qiu and Ying Li
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Zi’ang Li: Department of Nuclear Science and Technology, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Advanced Nuclear Energy and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
Lanfei Yuan: Department of Nuclear Science and Technology, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Advanced Nuclear Energy and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
Chenglong Wang: Department of Nuclear Science and Technology, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Advanced Nuclear Energy and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
Suizheng Qiu: Department of Nuclear Science and Technology, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Advanced Nuclear Energy and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
Ying Li: State Key Laboratory of Advanced Nuclear Energy Technology, Nuclear Power Institute of China, Chengdu 610213, China

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 3, 1-23

Abstract: With the advancement of lead–bismuth fast reactors, there has been increasing attention directed towards the design of and manufacturing technology for electromagnetic pumps employed to drive liquid lead–bismuth eutectic (LBE). These electromagnetic pumps are characterized by a simple structure, effective sealing, and ease of flow control. They exploit the excellent electrical conductivity of liquid metals, allowing the liquid metal to be propelled by Lorentz forces generated by the traveling magnetic field within the pump. To better understand the performance characteristics of electromagnetic pumps and master the techniques for integrated manufacturing and performance optimization, this study conducted fundamental research, development of key components, and the assembly of the complete pump. Consequently, an annular linear induction pump (ALIP) suitable for liquid lead–bismuth eutectic was developed. Additionally, within the lead–bismuth thermal experimental loop, startup and preheating experiments, performance tests, and flow-head experiments were conducted on this electromagnetic pump. The experimental results demonstrated that the output flow of the electromagnetic pump increased linearly with the input current. When the input current reached 99 A, the loop achieved a maximum flow rate of 8 m 3 /h. The efficiency of the electromagnetic pump also increased with the input current, with a maximum efficiency of 5.96% during the experiments. Finally, by analyzing the relationship between the flow rate and the pressure difference of the electromagnetic pump, a flow-head model specifically applicable to lead–bismuth electromagnetic pumps was established.

Keywords: electromagnetic pump; lead–bismuth fast reactor; liquid lead–bismuth eutectic alloy; ALIP; flow-head model; property test (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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