The Project
A group of engeneers with specializations in electronics and metallurgy want to start producing magnetohydrodynamic pumps.
The Product
A magnetohydrodynamic pump is a device which creates a flow in liquid metal, using electromagnetic induction, thus enabling pumping of the metal in a predetermined direction.
History
The principle of electromagnetic incduction was discovored by Michael Faraday on 1831. This principle is widely used in both domestic and industrial devices – many different kinds of motors and generators. First attempts at use of the principle in metallurgy started only a century later. In Latvia at the end of 1960s the Physics institute of Latvian Academy of Sciences started experimenting with creating magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) pumps.
A factory established in 19th century - “Krāsainie lējumi” was used for experimental manufacturing. In the process of modernizing smelting furnaces, a MHD inductor for precessing smelted aluminium was created, in cooperation with the Physics institute of Latvian Academy of Sciences proffesors V.Foliforov, PhD and J. Gelfgat. The inductor was so effective that it was sold to similar smelters in other countries, where they are still in use.
The company however was later provatised but due to several factors is now undergoing liquidation.
Property and Intellectual rights
The MHD pumps were patented in USSR, but the patents have since expired. The scientists who developed the technolgy are no longer among us. The pumps and testing equipment no longer exist - everything from “Krasainie Lejumi” was sold as scrap metal.
However, the team working with the technology in “Krāsainie Lējumi” - metallurgy and electrical engineers and specialists, who were working with and improving upon the devices until 2014 still exists. JSC “Krāsainie Lējumi” administrators have confirmed in writing that they have no claim to the know-how of producing MHD pumps and that MHD does not appear in the balance sheet of the company undergoing liquidation. We therefore don’t see any obsticles in using our experience and know-how to revive this product.
The Market
Although MHD pumps are highly sought after in metallurgy, only a few companies produce them. The biggest producer is the Swiss company ABB. There are companies in China producing them, but they are not exported outside the region. ABB pumps cost starting from half a million EUR.
Potential Customers
Currently we have recieved confirmation from a Polish company and one company from UK that would gladly obtain MHD pumps, if the costs would be at least 30% below those of ABB. Our calculations lead us to believe that our costs would be at least half of those while maintaining at least the same level of quality.
What we need
Our engeneering group is looking for financing up to 300 000 EUR to set up manufacturing, test stand and first four MHD pumps.
Other opportunities
MHD pumps are used also for circulating liquid lithium, which is used as a coolant in nuclear reactors both in civil and military (ships, submarines) applications. With some improvements and modifications our MHD pumps could be used both in energy and military sectors.