Magnetization of a Helical coil in a Reservoir of parrafin

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the experimental investigation of magnetizing a reservoir of paraffin using a helical copper coil. Participants explore the feasibility of this approach, particularly in the context of melting paraffin and potential applications in enhancing thermal conductivity in car radiators.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the intended level of magnetic field and the original poster's research on solenoids.
  • The original poster expresses a desire to generate sufficient magnetic field to melt paraffin, indicating a lack of clarity on how to proceed with the experimental test.
  • Another participant suggests that the original poster should find the theoretical basis for melting paraffin with magnetic fields, mentioning considerations such as alternating vs constant fields, frequency, and field strength.
  • Concerns are raised about whether paraffin can actually be melted using magnetic fields, given that it is a non-magnetic material.
  • One participant points out the potential confusion arising from the different meanings of "paraffin" in British and American English, suggesting that the original poster may be using the British definition.
  • Another participant questions if the original poster's intent is more aligned with using a resistive heating element rather than a low-resistance copper coil.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of melting paraffin with magnetic fields, with some questioning the underlying principles and others suggesting theoretical frameworks. There is no consensus on the effectiveness of the proposed method or the definitions of paraffin.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the properties of paraffin and the effectiveness of magnetic fields in heating it. The discussion also highlights potential misunderstandings related to terminology in different English dialects.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those studying mechanical engineering, experimental physics, or materials science, particularly in the context of thermal conductivity and heating methods.

puya
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To test an Experimental Model , my advisor said to make this investigation;

I have a Reservoir of parrafin,
Capacity is 50 liters,
Around this Reservoir there is a Helical copper Pipe, I have to magnetize the Reservoir by using Helical coil .
Many thanks For your assistance
B1B967BE-9EBB-4FD6-B373-86120586004C.jpeg
 

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Hi and welcome to PF. What level of magnetic field were you planning on? What are your thoughts on this and what research have you done into solenoids?
 
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sophiecentaur said:
Hi and welcome to PF. What level of magnetic field were you planning on? What are your thoughts on this and what research have you done into solenoids?

Thanks to respond,
I want to use magnetic as much as it’s going to melt paraffin !
My field is mechanical engineering, in this case I don’t know how to complete this experimental test.

I want to model it for using in radiator of car to increase thermal conductivity
 
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You are working on a PhD in mechanical engineering, so you should be able to find the theoretical basis for melting paraffin with magnetic fields. That includes alternating vs constant field, frequency if alternating, and field strength. From that, the equations for a solenoid are easily found. It's a simple matter of ampere-turns for DC, and ampere-turns plus inductance for AC. If you design an AC solenoid, part of the calculation is the voltage required to drive the peak current. You will need this to select a power supply.

Make sure that paraffin can be melted with magnetic fields before spending much time building an experimental setup to do what (possibly) cannot be done.

Keep in mind that there is more to consider than just thermal conductivity. You might also do some calculations to compare paraffin vs water with 50% antifreeze. Compare:
1) Thermal conductivity (heat transfer coefficients).
2) Viscosity (for pumping).
3) Specific heat and density (thermal capacity) as it affects pumping.
4) Check what happens at the maximum temperature in the engine, which is higher than the temperature seen by the temperature gauge.
5) Consider what happens in cold weather, such as cold soaked at -40 deg C.
6) Calculate thermal expansion over the full temperature range.
 
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How is a magnetic field going to transfer energy to paraffin? It is a non magnetic material.
Even electric fields penetrate paraffin wax very well and I have used it to make a prism at 10GHz.
 
Everyone posting to this thread should be warned that the word "paraffin" has different meanings in British English and American English. The Americans use "paraffin" to name a type of candle wax, and use the word "kerosene" for the petroleum-derived flammable liquid that the British call "paraffin".

I suspect that the original poster is using British English while the people talking about melting the stuff are assuming american English.
 
The OP is talking about melting, so doesn't that mean we should conclude it's the wax-like substance?
 
Has there been a more fundamental misunderstanding by the OP ?
This appears an immersed heating element, a resistive 'kettle whatsit', rather than a copper coil of inherently very low resistance...
 
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