SYSTEMS USING A LEVITATING, ROTATING PUMPING OR MIXING ELEMENT AND RELATED METHODS

摘要

A system for pumping or mixing a fluid F using a levitating, rotating pumping or mixing element 812 and various other components for use in a pumping or mixing system are disclosed. The pumping or mixing element 812 is placed in a fluid-containing vessel 810 in close proximity to a superconducting element 818. A cooling source thermally linked to the superconducting element 818 provides the necessary cooling to induce levitation in the pumping or mixing element 812. The superconducting element 818 may be thermally isolated, such that the pumping or mixing element 812, the vessel 810, and any fluid F contained therein are not exposed to the cold temperatures required to produce the desired superconductive effects and the resulting levitation. By using means external to the vessel to rotate and/or stabilize the pumping or mixing element 812 levitating in the fluid F, including possibly rotating the superconducting elements 818 itself or moving it relative to the vessel 810, the desired effective pumping or mixing action may be provided.