Turbine flowmeter for liquid helium with the rotor magnetically levitated

A turbine flowmeter with no mechanical contact between rotor and body is described, to be used as a reference standard in our liquid helium flow rate calibration facility. The absence of contact, zeroing the bearings friction factor, ensures a good measurement repeatability, even at very low liquid helium flow rate values. The rotor is magnetically suspended by the Meissner effect: at liquid helium temperatures two magnetic fields generate sustaining forces against the surface of the two rotor ends, which are made of niobium. Due to the repulsive nature of the acting forces, the rotor equilibrium is intrinsically stable and no external electronics are required for its levitation. A particular configuration of the superconducting windings and of the rotor ends allow the rotor to levitate and hold good axial and radial stability. A detailed description of the solutions adopted for the realization of the prototype and the operation conditions are reported. The first results, made with the absolute liquid helium calibration facility, are shown.