DESIGN AND OPERATION OF A 10.000 GPM D.C. ELECTROMAGNETIC SODIUM PUMP AND 250.000 AMPERE HOMOPOLAR GENERATOR
single unit with the abililty to pump highly radioactive sodium (10/sup 8/ Mev/(cm/sup 3/) (sec) at high temperature (800 deg C) is described. The unit components are aligned vertically to reduce the electrical conductor length between homopolar generator and pump. The entire structure, including the 1250- hp drive motor is 30 ft high and weighs 35 tons. The pump is designed to develop a head of 75 psi at a pumping rate of 10,000 gpm. At this rate the generator must deliver 250,000 amp at 2.5 v. The low-voltage requirement of the pump permits the use of flat sheet insulation of pure mica or ceramic. The pump is limited in temperature by the curie point of iron (763 deg C). The homopolar generator is of the liquid brush type: eutectic NaK serves as the current- conductor between the rotating and stationary members. There are no windings in the machine other per strap. The essence of the pump-power supply unit lies in its ability to convert 2300-volt, 3-phase electrical power to controllable sodium pumping. Tests on the unit have revealed many interesting results which will aid greatly in the design of advanced models. (auth) Performacne tests are being conducted on two prootype 5000-gpm sodium pumps for application in the primary and secondary heat transfer systems of the EBR-II. Both pumps, one electromagnetic and one mechanical, have operated more than 5500 hr in sodium at temperatures whcih chave exceeded 800 deg F. The pump designs and test facilities are descrbied. (auth)
- Research Organization:
- Argonne National Lab., Lemont, Ill.
- NSA Number:
- NSA-12-014758
- OSTI ID:
- 4308869
- Report Number(s):
- A/CONF.15/P/2157
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Prepared for the Second U.N. International Conference on the Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy, 1958. Orig. Receipt Date: 31-DEC-58
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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