Fusion Mix Separator Using Rotating Impact Members for Slag Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing apparatuses for separating slag from collector material in gold and platinum mining are labor-intensive, hazardous, and inefficient, with limited lifespan due to high temperature requirements and material dependency on viscosity, and require manual handling.

Innovation Solution

A separator system using rotating impact members to dislodge slag from a fusion mix sample by impact and specific gravity separation, with adjustable link pieces and centripetal forces to separate slag and collector materials efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a magnetic separator is used to separate slag from collector, then separation efficiency is improved, but the separator becomes clogged with sticky material requiring frequent cleaning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidmaintenance complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic separator is divided into multiple zones: a first zone for initial magnetic separation and a second zone for secondary separation. This segmentation allows different regions to handle different tasks, reducing clogging in the main separation path while maintaining high separation efficiency through coordinated action of multiple zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A magnetic bridge structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the magnetic separator and the collection system. This bridge acts as a mediator that transfers separated material smoothly, preventing direct contact between the separator surface and sticky material, thereby reducing clogging and maintenance requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the magnetic separator operates continuously, then productivity is maintained, but material accumulates on the separator surface requiring shutdown for cleaning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoiddowntime for cleaning

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The design extracts and removes accumulated material from the separator surface through a magnetic bridge structure that continuously directs separated material away from the separator body. This extraction mechanism prevents material buildup during continuous operation, eliminating the need for shutdown cleaning and maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic separator is designed with continuous material removal capability through the magnetic bridge, allowing the separation process to continue without interruption. The useful action of separation remains continuous while the harmful accumulation is continuously removed, maintaining operational productivity without downtime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Manufacturing precision

If strong magnetic field is used to improve separation, then separation quality increases, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation qualityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic field strength is optimized locally in different zones of the separator. Strong magnetic fields are applied only where necessary for effective separation, while weaker fields are used in other regions. This local optimization maintains high separation quality while reducing overall energy consumption compared to uniformly strong magnetic fields.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic field parameters are dynamically adjusted and optimized to achieve the minimum necessary strength for effective separation. By changing and fine-tuning the magnetic field parameters rather than maintaining constantly strong fields, the system achieves high separation quality with reduced energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Achieves rapid and robust separation of collector material with high purity (99 w/w% or more) and reduced process time, minimizing wear and tear on equipment.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic separator (10) having a separation surface (11) for separating the ferromagnetic slag from the non-ferromagnetic collector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP4107294B1Apparatus and metmod for separating a slag material from a collector material

Publication Date: 2026.04.29 F L SMIDTH & CO AS

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AI summary

A process for separating a fusion mix sample comprising a slag material and a collector material using a separator. The separator comprising a plurality of impact members configured to rotate. The process comprising the steps of providing a solid fusion mix sample and loading the solid sample into the separator. Dislodging the slag material from the solid fusion mix sample by rotating the impact members and contacting the rotating impact members and the solid fusion mix sample. Separating into a first fraction substantially comprising the collector material and a second fraction substantially comprising slag material.