What are liquid metals?
The general term used to describe molten metal, or metal in a liquid state, is 'Liquid Metal'. Liquid metals can consist of either a single element (eg. Na, Li) or a combination elements known as an alloy (eg. NaK, PbLi, LBE). Some metals and alloys are liquid at room-temperature (eg. Hg, NaK, GaInSn). However, most other metals and alloys used in industry have melting points > 100 °C.
What are some uses of liquid metals?
Many liquid metals have chemical and/or neutronic properties that make them useful for fission, fusion, and chemical processing applications. Liquid metals also have unique thermal properties that make them excellent heat transfer fluids (eg. high boiling point, high thermal conductivity, low viscosity, and low vapor pressure). Liquid metals are thermally stable at high-temperatures > 650 °C, unlike many heat transfer salts and oils that begin to decompose at < 550 °C.
What are moving magnet pumps (MMPs)?
A variety of electromagnetic pumps can be used in liquid-metal systems. 'Conduction Pumps' operate by using an external power supply to pass electrical currents through a liquid-metal. When these electrical currents interact with an externally applied magnetic field, a Lorentz-force generated within the fluid produces a pumping action. Similarly, 'Induction Pumps' also operate by generating Lorentz-forces within an electrically conductive liquid. However, induction pumps induce electrical currents (eddy currents) in a liquid-metal using a traveling magnetic field instead of an external power supply. Moving magnet pumps (MMPs) are a special type of induction pump that use spinning arrays of permanent magnets to produce a traveling magnetic field instead of custom stator coils/windings. As a result, MMPs are simple to produce and inexpensive to manufacture.
Why use non-contact diagnostics?
It can be challenging to find commercially available products that are compatible with the high-temperature, corrosive liquids that can be found in many liquid-metal or thermal hydraulic experiments. Non-contact diagnostics, such as custom flowmeters and level-sensors, can provide operators with real-time system information without risking equipment damage.
Is Alkali Consulting LLC interested in collaboration and investment opportunities? Or just consulting work?
It depends. Please provide a non-confidential description of your work using the Contact Us tab. Be sure to provide an outline of how Alkali Consulting LLC could be involved with your upcoming project.
Does Alkali Consulting LLC have fabrication facilities?
Alkali Consulting LLC has strong connections with several academic research groups and industrial partners that are capable of fabricating and testing hardware. Whether you're interested in developing prototypes or mass production, Alkali Consulting LLC can assist you with design work, auditing calculations, QA documentation, production, and project planning.