which pump...

We have ruled out the widely available centrifugal pump as the pumping mechanism, because it is always coupled to a high rotational-speed drive-motor for efficency reasons, hence it is prone to wear; further problem arises when the water inside the pump is frozen, the drive motor has to be detached from the vane by a slipping clutch arrangement so drive-motor windings cannot be damaged as a result of jamming, this led to unecessary expenses and complicated mechanical links. In addition, high drive motor tends to suffer from burn-out under prolonged contineous running.

The ERL electro-magnetic pump

In order to find a pump that will reliablely perform under the harsh enviroment of the engine bay, we have no alternatives but to design our own. The ERL electro-magnetic pump is the result of a two-year intense mechanical and electronic research and developement programme. A high pressure pump with NO mechanical links, thus eliminated damages caused by jamming. The special magnetic stainless armature is set in motion by strong magnetic field induced by a powerful solenoid. Water is then delivered without being in contact with the drive-motor, pressure and delivery rate is regulated by internal high-tech electronic circuitry.

How does it work?

As seen form the diagram above, the construction of the centre of the pump is very similar to a byclcle pump, two valves: priming- and output- valve works the same way as a bycycle pump. The similarity ends when the manual pump actions is replaced by electro-magnetic fields and speed is also cranked up to about 50 strokes a second! Water is being filled and retained between the two valves during the induction stroke (armature is pulled against the spring), water is then pushed out by the action of compressed spring and the armature when the electric-field is shut-off, high pressure is the product of spring force and the cross-section area of the armature tip. Peak pressure can go as high as 250psi!, perfectly suited the atomising jets requirement.

Electrical and Mechanical specifications

Condition

Input Voltage:.......................................... 13.8V DC (absolute maximum) ................................ 14.3V DC Input Current: .................................. 8A DC (average) (quesient current:) ........................................ 10mA Control input: ............................ 0-12v @5mA(digital) Delivery: ............................................ 160cc/minute Weight: ................................................ 1Kg (2.2lb)

Minimum >80°C Maximum Stand-by Pin2 @5 bars un-packed