Number: 02 Date: 04/11/2009 Category: Production technology Contact: Pablo Quero Telephone: (+34) 950 265 816 Email: pablo@novateq.es

AN ALMERIA TECHNOLOGY COMPANY HAS DESIGNED A LINEAR TRANSPORT PROTOTYPE THAT USES MAGNETIC ENERGY

Novateq Guerrero SNL, a technology based company (TBC) that has its origins in Almeria University, has recently designed a linear goods transport system based on the combination of energy generated by the permanent magnetic field of certain magnetic materials and the spatial configuration of these. This system has applications in numerous fields -agriculture, health and transport- with many advantages: it is cheap, it constitutes a totally clean transport system and its operation requires fewer personnel. This TBC is directing all its efforts towards R&D&I, with several lines of research in progress, including the still somewhat unknown and unexploited area of magnetic energy generated by certain magnets, both natural and artificial. In this respect, Novateq has been studying for some time the properties of permanent magnetic fields, from which it intends to obtain great advantages for areas as diverse as health and transport and even the optimisation of alternative source energy production. In the area of transport, this company is developing various models of linear transport tracks that could be used in multiple activities that require moving certain masses in a straight line along pre-established routes. The driving force of the system is based on a specific combination of attraction and repulsion of powerful permanent magnetic fields generated by magnets comprised of neodymium, duly modified with steel alloys, which make it possible to direct the force at will to achieve vehicle propulsion. Neodymium magnets, also called strong or rare-earth magnets, are 9 times more powerful than conventional magnets and are comprised of neodymium, iron, and boron, covered in nickel to protect them from oxidisation. The project, which is now at the prototype stage, will be capable of carrying out services as routine as moving pedestrian transporter walkways, distribution of envelopes in post offices or propulsion of assembly and product handling lines, as well as in private industrial tunnels and a multitude of other uses. Clean, durable energy As propulsion is carried out through permanent magnets, the system only requires mechanical maintenance and lubrication of its components from time to time. Likewise, it has a useful life very much above the life expectancy of human beings and the useful life of its competitor magnets. The progress being made within the different theories on the table in the study of this type of energy is very encouraging. In the coming months the final stage of the project will begin in which Novateq hopes to achieve a clean and efficient linear transport system.