Liquid Metal Flow Meter
ECFM-2020: Purpose-built for flow measurement of liquid lead, sodium and lead-bismuth eutectic metals.
The ECFM-2020 is a new type of liquid-metal flow meter based on electromagnetic eddy-current sensing — **distinctly different from conventional electromagnetic flow meters**. An excitation coil inside the probe produces an alternating magnetic field that induces eddy currents in the flowing metal; those currents generate a secondary magnetic field whose perturbation is captured by a high-sensitivity detection circuit, directly yielding flow velocity and rate. The probe has no moving parts and is compact and reliable, tolerating high-temperature, highly corrosive liquid-metal environments. The technology has an established track record in critical applications such as Gen-IV nuclear reactor cooling systems.
Overview
High-temperature liquid-metal measurement for nuclear and metallurgical use
Conventional electromagnetic flow meters rely on electrodes contacting the fluid and cannot survive high-temperature liquid metals (200-500 ℃) or highly corrosive media. The ECFM-2020 measures non-invasively via electromagnetic eddy-current sensing: a high-sensitivity field-detection element captures the perturbed magnetic field directly, with very fast response and tolerance to extreme operating temperatures. It is a key monitoring instrument for liquid-metal cooling systems in Gen-IV nuclear reactors. Developed at Tianjin University, it is one of the leading domestic solutions for liquid-metal flow measurement.
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Non-contact eddy-current measurement
The probe does not contact the fluid; flow velocity is inferred from the secondary magnetic field of induced eddy currents, avoiding high-temperature corrosion damage to electrodes.
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High-temperature tolerance
200-500 ℃ operating range; stable long-term operation in liquid lead, sodium, lead-bismuth eutectic and other reactor coolants.
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Simple, reliable construction
No moving parts in the probe; compact (8-12 mm outer diameter); maintenance-free for the long term.
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Fast response
Electromagnetic sensing principle — no mechanical inertia; well suited to capturing transients in cooling-system flow.
Specifications
Measurement principle
Electromagnetic eddy-current sensing (distinct from conventional EM flow meters) — secondary magnetic-field perturbation detection.
Velocity range
0.05 - 2 m/s (standard); higher ranges customisable.
Velocity accuracy
Relative error < 5% below 0.2 m/s; < 2% at and above 0.2 m/s.
Operating temperature
200 - 500 ℃ (higher temperatures customisable).
Probe outer diameter
8 - 12 mm (standard); other sizes on request.
Compatible media
Liquid lead, sodium, lead-bismuth, sodium-potassium, gallium-indium-tin alloys, etc. (conductivity > 10⁶ S/m).
Communication protocols
4-20 mA, 0-10 V, RS-485/232, industrial Ethernet, etc.
Power supply
AC 220 V / DC 24 V; power consumption < 20 W.
Gallery
Companion Software
Imaging / reconstruction software that pairs with this instrument
