Modeling a magneto-cyclone centrifuge on a galinstan proxy for Lithium-LiH separation

We model magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) particle separation in a liquid metal centrifuge, designed to concentrate lithium hydride impurities from liquid lithium loops in fusion systems. COMSOL Multiphysics simulations resolve coupled fluid flow and electromagnetic fields to predict particle trajectories as functions of inlet velocity, particle size, and applied JxB loading. Experimental data from a galinstan–copper proxy system (0.1–5 mass % particles, 0–0.3 T fields, 0–600 A currents) are used to validate model predictions and refine mesh resolution to validate the geometry and conditions, with separation quantified via X-ray fluorescence. Results quantify separation efficiency trends across magnetic field strengths and electric currents, providing scaling relations for design optimization. The validated geometry and operating parameters are now being implemented in FreeMHD, an OpenFOAM-based solver for fully 3D transient MHD free-surface flows extending the parameter space to high-Reynolds number, fusion-relevant liquid metal flows. These simulations will support the integration of magnetic-field-assisted centrifugation with distillation technologies for efficient tritium recovery in liquid lithium systems.