A radio frequency coil array (50) includes at least first (50.sub.1) and second (50.sub.2) receive coils. A flux pipe (52) includes electrically connected first (252.sub.1) and second (252.sub.2) loop coils. The first (252.sub.1) and second (252.sub.2) loop coils are coupled to the respective first and second receive coils. The flux pipe (52) reduces mutual inductance between the first (50.sub.1) and second (50.sub.2) receive coils.