Precision Measurement for Extreme Environments
Measuring the flow of liquid metals presents unique challenges due to their high temperatures, corrosive properties, and the need for contamination-free monitoring. Creative Engineers, Inc. (CEI) has developed Electromagnetic Flow Meters (EMFs) designed to handle these demanding conditions with unmatched accuracy and reliability.
Why Choose Electromagnetic Flow Meters?
CEI’s EMFs are built to operate in extreme environments, withstanding fluid temperatures up to 1,500°F (816°C) and even higher in specialized applications. Unlike mechanical flow meters, our EMFs have no moving parts, no seals, and no packing glands, eliminating the risk of leaks and reducing maintenance requirements.
Key Features & Advantages:
✅ Continuous operation at extreme temperatures (up to 1,500°F / 816°C)
✅ No moving parts → No leaks, no wear and tear
✅ Accurate to within ±2% of measured flow rate
✅ Straight-through flow design → Negligible pressure drop
✅ Minimal maintenance → Proven reliability for 20+ years
✅ Can be installed in any orientation
✅ Operates in radiation fields, making it ideal for nuclear applications
How Do Electromagnetic Flow Meters Work?
CEI’s EMFs operate based on Faraday’s Law of Magnetic Induction, the same principle used in electrical generators. When a conductive fluid, such as liquid metal, moves through a magnetic field, it generates an electromotive force (emf) proportional to the velocity of the flow. This voltage is detected by sensors and converted into a measurable signal.
Flow Meter Construction & Operation:
A non-magnetic tube (such as stainless steel) is placed between two permanent magnets.
The liquid metal acts as a conductor, generating a voltage as it moves through the magnetic field.
Electrodes, welded at right angles to the tube, capture the voltage signal.
This signal is then converted into 0-10 VDC or 4-20 mA outputs, which can be integrated with monitoring systems.
By eliminating mechanical components, CEI’s electromagnetic flow meters provide unmatched durability and long-term reliability, making them the preferred choice for high-temperature, high-purity liquid metal flow applications.
Thermal Management & Insulation
Since electromagnetic flow meters are exposed to extreme heat, proper thermal insulation is critical. CEI integrates advanced heat shielding to protect internal components, particularly the permanent magnets, from degradation.
Maximum fluid temperature: CEI EMFs have been tested successfully at 2,000°F (1,093°C).
Magnet protection: Thermocouples can be integrated to monitor magnet temperature and prevent exceeding Curie temperature (120°C), which can cause flux loss and inaccurate readings.
Custom Flow Meter Solutions
Every industrial process has unique requirements, and CEI understands the need for customized flow measurement solutions. We manufacture three standard EMF models:
EFM-1 → Designed for ultra-low flow rates (1/8” OD tube).
EFM-2 → Most commonly supplied model for medium-range flow rates.
EFM-3 → Engineered for high-flow applications.
If none of these standard models fit your requirements, CEI can custom design an electromagnetic flow meter to meet your exact specifications.
Applications of Electromagnetic Flow Meters
CEI’s electromagnetic flow meters are widely used in industries that require precise flow control and monitoring of liquid metals, including:
✔ Nuclear industry → Monitoring sodium (Na) and sodium-potassium (NaK) coolant flow
✔ Metallurgy & foundries → Measuring molten metal flow in high-temperature applications
✔ Chemical processing → Handling reactive liquid metals under inert atmospheres
✔ Aerospace & defense → Specialized research applications requiring high-purity metal flow control.
Enhancing Process Efficiency with CEI EMFs
By integrating electromagnetic flow meters into your process, you gain:
✔ Greater accuracy and repeatability → Consistent and reliable flow measurements
✔ Reduced maintenance and downtime → No mechanical parts to wear out
✔ Enhanced process safety → Leak-free operation in hazardous environments
Looking for a reliable, high-performance flow meter for liquid metal applications? Contact Creative Engineers, Inc. today to discuss your project requirements and explore the best EMF solution for your needs.
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