Conical Wire Magnetic Separation for Nanoscale Particles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for magnetophoretic separation of particles are inefficient for nanoscale magnetic particles due to low magnetic forces and require large magnetic particles, limiting their use to small volumes and high energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A continuous, scalable flow system using conically arranged stainless-steel wires in a uniform magnetic field generates high magnetic field gradients (B·∇B) to efficiently separate nanoscale magnetic particles, allowing continuous operation and large-volume processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional magnetic filtration techniques are used, then large magnetic particles (over 10 μm) can be separated, but the magnetic forces decrease abruptly with particle size making the technique very inefficient for smaller magnetic particles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the magnetic field gradient parameter from weak to extremely strong (up to 10^6 T/m) by using conically arranged wires in a uniform magnetic field. This parameter change enables the separation of nanoscale magnetic particles (1-99 nm) that cannot be separated by traditional magnetic filtration techniques, resolving the contradiction between particle size capability and separation efficiency.
2Volume of stationary object
If magnetic cell separation systems are used, then small-size separation volumes can be achieved, but the systems take a long time to perform the separation and use large magnetic particles on the order of micrometers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a continuous flow system where fluid is continuously circulated through the separation chamber at high flow rates (1-20 m³/hr). This continuous operation eliminates the long separation times associated with batch processing in traditional magnetic cell separation systems, while maintaining small separation volumes. The continuous action allows for rapid processing of large volumes of fluid containing nanoscale magnetic particles.
3Productivity
If traditional magnetic filtration techniques are used, then separation can be performed, but energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the magnetic field configuration from requiring large currents to using a uniform magnetic field with conically arranged wires that generate localized high gradients only where needed. This parameter change reduces energy consumption significantly while maintaining the ability to separate nanoscale particles, resolving the contradiction between separation capability and energy consumption.
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
The system effectively separates magnetic nanoscale particles with dimensions from 1 nm to 99 nm at industrial scales with minimal energy, achieving high throughput rates and scalability.
Implementation Method 1
each magnetic separation cell of the at least one magnetic separation cell can comprise a plurality of wires conically arranged therein and disposed in a uniform magnetic field. A value of (B·∇)B of the system can be at least 10^5 square Tesla per meter (T^2/m) during operation.
Implementation Method 2
The system can be applied equally to the separation of paramagnetic particles and diamagnetic particles.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for separating or filtering magnetic nanoscale particles (e.g., such as dysprosium (Dy), iron (Fe), yttrium (Y), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), and others) at the industrial scale with minimum energy consumption. A continuous, scalable flow system can be applied equally to the separation of paramagnetic particles and diamagnetic particles. The system can be continuous in the sense that the fluid can be continuously circulated through the separation chamber and, depending on the operating conditions, may not require multiple separation steps. At the same time, the system can be scaled up to industrial applications to separate magnetic particles from a large volume of fluids, for example at a rate of a few cubic meters per hour (m3/hr).