US firm's prototype induction pump tech to make nuclear reactors safer

NANO Nuclear Energy, a New York-based firm, has developed a prototype Annular Linear Induction Pump (ALIP) designed to improve thermal management in advanced nuclear reactors, particularly molten salt and liquid-metal reactors. Unlike traditional mechanical pumps, ALIP uses a time-varying magnetic field to move conductive fluids without mechanical components, which reduces wear, maintenance, and increases efficiency. The company has successfully integrated the ALIP technology into a controllable test loop at its Demonstration Facility in Westchester County, New York, marking a significant milestone in validating the pump’s design and performance. The development of ALIP is part of NANO Nuclear’s broader efforts to advance next-generation nuclear reactor technologies, with plans to begin commercial sales by late 2025 or early 2026. Current work focuses on refining the prototype, collecting manufacturing and performance data, and testing the pump with various fluids and failure scenarios. Collaboration with aRobotics Company has supported the fabrication and testing processes under the SBIR Phase III