Angled Rotating Magnet Eddy Current Separator for Conductive Particle Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing eddy current separators face challenges in achieving high purity and efficiency in separating non-ferromagnetic particles based on their electrical conductivity due to high design complexity and interference between particle flows, leading to incorrect discharges and reduced recycling effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
The device and method utilize a rotating magnet system with an axis of rotation angled between 40° and 50° relative to the transport direction, causing conductive particles to move backward and be re-checked multiple times, while non-conductive particles continue straight, allowing for enhanced separation and purity through a zigzag movement within the magnetic field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If particles are moved quickly through the magnetic field to increase productivity, then throughput is improved, but separation precision deteriorates due to reduced interaction time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing multiple sequential magnet systems that periodically check particles at different positions. Particles pass through alternating magnetic field zones that repeatedly accelerate and decelerate conductive particles, allowing multiple separation opportunities during a single pass through the separator. This periodic checking mechanism enables thorough separation without requiring particles to move slowly, thus maintaining high throughput while achieving precise separation.
2Manufacturing precision
If a complex magnet system is used to improve separation quality, then separation precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the magnet system into multiple independent magnet units arranged sequentially along the particle transport path. Each magnet unit functions as an independent separation stage with its own magnetic field generation capability. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high separation quality through multiple sequential checks while maintaining modular simplicity, as each unit can be designed and maintained independently rather than requiring a single complex integrated system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach results in improved separation efficiency and purity of non-ferrous metals by ensuring each particle is checked multiple times, reducing foreign matter contamination and enabling the sorting of particles across a wider range of grain sizes, from fine to coarse, with reduced interference between flows.
Implementation Method 1
If highly conductive particles are moved into a magnetic field together with non-conductive particles, eddy currents are generated in the field. These eddy currents in turn create magnetic fields that are opposite to those of the alternating magnetic field. The overall result is a repulsive force effect.
Implementation Method 2
Eddy current sorting is based on two physical phenomena: on the one hand, time-varying magnetic fields are accompanied by an electric field (induction law)
Implementation Method 3
The magnet wheel rotates at a higher speed than the discharge drum. Particles that conduct electricity well are deflected from the material flow in the form of a parabola
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for separating particles of a product to be sorted that have different electric conductivity, comprising an eddy current separator, a rotating magnet system, a rotational axis, and a transport unit on which the product to be sorted comprising particles having different electric conductivity runs through a magnetic field generated by the magnet system in a transport direction. The rotational axis of the magnet system forms an angle of more than 0º and less than 90º relative to the transport direction of the transport unit. The rotational direction of the magnet system about the rotational axis thereof is oriented such that the particles of the product to be sorted that are captured and affected by the magnetic field are subjected to a movement pulse counter to the transport direction of the transport unit.