ELECTRODES FREE VELOCIMETRY IN ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTING LIQUIDS

DESCRIPTION
A flow of electrically conducting liquid, in presence of a highly localised magnetic field, induces a magnetic field proportional to the local liquid velocity.
Measurement of the induced magnetic field in one direction gives the image of the liquid velocity in that direction. Induced magnetic field measurement can be
done by Hall effect sensors, giant magnetoresistance, Mirnov coil, fluxgate, Zeeman effect. Time resolution of the measurement is not limited by any
factor and allows to analyse turbulent flows in pipes or local velocities in larger flows.

STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT
Proof of concept done in liquid gallium pipe flows and highly turbulent flows.
Next steps :
• Local velocity measurements in turbulent liquid sodium flows
• Global flowrate measurements in very high temperature metals

ADVANTAGES / NOVELTY
• No electrodes: ease of probe sealing, no chemical compatibility constraints, no disrupting impurities
• High time resolution: reliable measurement in highly turbulent flows
• Local velocity measurement in pipe flows or in large big volumes (no rate flow measurement)
• No complex device
• No physiological hazard (such as X-ray exposure)

APPLICATIONS
• Metallurgy: velocity measurement for process control
• Fast breeders nuclear reactors: liquid sodium flow measurement for safety and facilities management

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Patent pending in EP, US
Priority date: June 1st, 2010 (FR1054250)

COLLABORATION TYPE
PULSALYS looks for industrial partners and offers to grant patent license.

CONTACT
Laëtitia ROUX
Tech Transfer Officer
Tel. : +33 (0) 4 26 23 56 65
Email: laetitia.roux@pulsalys.fr