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Magneto-Cyclone-Centrifuge (MC$^2$)ΒΆ

The Magneto-Cyclone-Centrifuge (MC$^2$) experiment was designed as a proof of concept for a in-vessel linear centrifuge for processing tritium enriched liquid lithium metal from the divertor. The MC$^2$ is modelled after industrial hydro cyclones, which bifurcate an incoming stream of liquid metal into streams depleted of particles (overflow) and enriched with particles (undeflow).

Animation of cyclonal motion within a hydrocyclone. Labels indicate how jxB force is applied.
Figure 1: Animation of cyclonal motion within a hydrocyclone. Labels indicate how jxB force is applied.

Centrifugal motion on the particles typically comes from a tangential, high velocity inlet stream. Fast flows near the coils are prohibited by the intense magnetic field. Instead, we leverage existing fields via radially applied in the body of the MC$^2$, which reproduce the desired cyclonal motion.

Cross-sectional view of the Galinstan MC$^2$ with labels and material legend
Figure 2: Cross-sectional view of the Galinstan MC$^2$ with labels and material legend

Currently, the prototype has been experimented with Galinstan liquid metal and solid copper particles, proving physical separation of LM+particles is possible by entirely electrostatic processes.

Separation efficiency of the Galinstan MC$^2$ as a function of the current-field product ("Lorentz-Torque").
Figure 3: Separation efficiency of the Galinstan MC$^2$ as a function of the current-field product ("Lorentz-Torque").

Overview of Galisntan MC$^2$ experimental facility.
Figure 4: Overview of Galisntan MC$^2$ experimental facility.

Close-up of MC$^2$ device in the LMX-U channel.
Figure 5: Close-up of MC$^2$ device in the LMX-U channel.

The lithium version of the MC$^2$ is currently under construction,with completion expected by late 2026, and the experimental results by late 2027.

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