Multiphase electromagnetic stirring of low conducting liquids

Abstract

Purpose

To produce a controlled stirring in a low conducting liquid thanks to a new kind of multiphase inductor.

Design/methodology/approach

An experimental pilot consisting of a cylindrical salt water pool surrounded by an innovative multiphase inductor configuration, based on the single phase asynchronous motor principle, is setup. The maximum bulk stirring velocities are measured and compared with the estimate by numerical modelling.

Findings

Shows the possibility of controlling the stirring of a low conducting liquid thanks to a multiphase inductive system. The corresponding measurement results give a significant bulk velocity of a few centimetres per second.

Practical implications

This new kind of multiphase inductor, working with a single phase induction generator, seems a promising way to produce a controlled stirring in low conducting media which cover a large range of induction applications.

Originality/value

Such an innovative inductor configuration has already been tested successfully for metal alloys stirring in the middle frequency area. In this paper, an extension of this kind of multiphase inductive system for electromagnetic stirring of low conducting liquids like electrolytes in the high frequency area is presented.

Citation

Ernst, R., Perrier, D., Brun, P. and Lacombe, J. (2005), "Multiphase electromagnetic stirring of low conducting liquids", COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, Vol. 24 No. 1, pp. 334-343. https://doi.org/10.1108/03321640510571534