Three phase helical, electromagnetic induction pump for use as boiler feed pump in potassium Rankine-cycle power system is described. Techniques for fabricating components of pump are discussed. Specifications of pump are analyzed

Gahan, J. W.

Powell, A. H.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

September 1972	 B72-10537 
NASA TECH BRIEF 
Lewis Research Center
	
_4V 
NASA Tech Briefs announce new technology derived from the U.S. space program. They are issued to encourage 
commercial application. Tech Briefs are available on a subscription basis from the National Technical Information 
Service, Springfield, Virginia 22151. Requests for individual copies or questions relating to the Tech Brief program may 
be directed to the Technology Utilization Office, NASA, Code KT, Washington, D.C. 20546. 
Advanced High-Temperature Electromagnetic Pump 
A three-phase helical, electromagnetic induction pump, 
designed for use as the boiler-feed pump in a potassium 
Rankin-cycle power system, provides up to 1.5 kg/sec. 
(3.25 lb/see) of 540°C (1000°F) potassium, at a pressure 
of 1.66 x 106 N/rn2
 (240 psi). The maximum pumping 
efficiency, developed at rated output, is 15.3 percent. 
The pump has also been operated successfully, without 
cavitating, at a net positive suction head (NPSH) as low 
as 10.4 x 103
 N/rn 2 (1.5 psi). 
The pump, designed for flight applications, is com-
pact, lightweight, and highly efficient. Its overall length 
and diameter are 89 cm and 28 cm (35 in. and 11 in.), 
respectively. Though the 196 kg (431 ibs) weight of 
the pump, including instrumentation, is one fifth that 
of previous electromagnetic pumps of the same rating, 
pumping efficiency is greater by a factor of three. 
The design of the pump requires the use of newly 
developed techniques for winding, insulating, sealing, 
and brazing the stator coils. The helical duct is fab-
ricated from T-111 refractory alloy. The windings are 
made of nickel-clad silver wire, with high-purity alumina 
slot insulation. Sodium-potassium eutectic (NaK) at 
425°C (800°F) is used as the coolant. The pump has 
successfully completed a 10,000 hour endurance at its 
design conditions. 
Notes: 
1. The following documentation may be obtained from: 
National Technical Information Service 
Springfield, Virginia 22151 
Single document price $3.00 
(or microfiche $0.95)
Reference: NASA CR- 1949 (N72-21479), Fabri-
cation and Test of a Space Power Boiler Feed 
Electromagnetic Pump, Part I -. Design and 
Manufacture of Pump 
Reference: NASA CR-1950 (N72-17457), Fabri-
cation and Test of a Space Power Boiler Feed 
Electromagnetic Pump, Part II -- Test Facility 
and Performance Test 
Reference: NASACR-1951 (N72-18493), Fabri-
cation and Test of a Space Power Boiler Feed 
Electromagnetic Pump, Part III -- Endurance 
and Final Performance Tests 
2. Technical questions may be directed to: 
Technology Utilization Officer 
Lewis Research Center 
21000 Brookpark Road 
Cleveland, Ohio 44135 
Reference: B72-10537 
Patent status: 
NASA has decided not to apply for a patent. 
Source: J. W. Gahan and A. H. Powell of

General Electric Co.

under contract to

Lewis Research Center

(LEW. 1128 3) 
Category 07 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National
	 Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States
	 information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States
	 will be free from privately owned rights.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19720000536 2020-03-17T03:35:05+00:00Z


Advanced high-temperature electromagnetic pump

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