Experiments on an Electromagnetic Capsule Pump

A simple electromagnetic pump, based on the principle of linear induction motor (LIM), has been developed by researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia for use in hydraulic capsule pipelines (HCP). The paper presents experimental data intended to substantiate a preliminary theory on the pump. The experiments were conducted using a LIM around a 114-mm-dia pipe. The pump and motor efficiencies, pump head, etc., were tested and compared with predictions based on the preliminary theory. The maximum discrepancy between theory and experiments was within 30 percent. The study shows that the behavior of the LIM pump for HCP can be predicted approximately from the preliminary theory. More study is needed to improve the accuracy of the theory.