High-Gradient Permanent Magnet Separator for Sub-100 nm Particle Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing particle collectors, including those using electromagnets and permanent magnets, are inefficient in capturing particles smaller than 100 nm, which are particularly harmful due to their ability to be inhaled deeply into the respiratory system and pose significant health risks.
Innovation Solution
A high-gradient permanent magnet separator (HGPMS) device is developed, comprising at least two permanent magnets with like poles facing each other, a ferromagnetic spacer, and a magnetizable porous filling material, which captures paramagnetic particles of up to 300 nm in size by utilizing a high-gradient magnetic field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If permanent magnets are used for particle collection, then power consumption is eliminated, but collection efficiency for particles below 100 nm deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the magnetic field parameters by arranging permanent magnets with like poles facing each other to create a high-gradient magnetic field configuration. This specific arrangement generates extremely high magnetic field gradients that enable effective collection of sub-100 nm particles while maintaining the advantage of zero power consumption from permanent magnets
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a ferromagnetic spacer with a curved or spherical surface positioned between the like poles of permanent magnets. This curvature concentrates the magnetic field lines and creates extremely high magnetic field gradients at the surface, enabling efficient capture of ultrafine particles without requiring external power
2Reliability
If electromagnets are used for particle collection, then collection efficiency can be improved, but power source requirement increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the power source component from the magnetic field generation system by using permanently magnetized materials instead of electromagnets. The high-gradient field is achieved through clever geometric arrangement of permanent magnets and ferromagnetic spacers rather than through powered coils
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves high collection efficiency typically associated with electromagnets by changing the magnetic field configuration to a high-gradient arrangement using permanent magnets, thereby maintaining performance while eliminating the need for power sources
3Device complexity
If standard permanent magnet configuration is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but collection efficiency for sub-100 nm particles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a ferromagnetic spacer with curved or spherical surface geometry positioned between like poles of permanent magnets. This curvature concentrates magnetic flux and creates extremely high magnetic field gradients necessary for capturing sub-100 nm particles, while adding only minimal structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates localized regions of extremely high magnetic field gradient at the ferromagnetic spacer surface and in the gaps between like poles. This local concentration of magnetic field strength enables efficient particle capture without requiring the entire device to be complex
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 HGPMS device effectively captures paramagnetic particles of various sizes, particularly those below 200 nm, with high collection efficiency, even in the presence of varying flow rates, thereby improving air and water quality monitoring and health safety.
Implementation Method 1
a high-gradient permanent magnet separator (HGPMS) for capturing paramagnetic particles of various sizes
Implementation Method 2
at least two permanent magnets positioned with like poles facing each other
Implementation Method 3
a ferromagnetic spacer separating the like poles
Implementation Method 4
a magnetizable porous filling material in close proximity to the at least two permanent magnets
Implementation Method 5
the gas or liquid sample contacts the magnetizable porous filling material (component iii) of the HGPMS device, and at least a portion of the paramagnetic particles in the gas or liquid sample is captured on the magnetizable porous filling material
Data Source
AI summary
A high-gradient permanent magnet apparatus for capturing paramagnetic particles, the apparatus comprising: (i) at least two permanent magnets positioned with like poles facing each other; (ii) a ferromagnetic spacer separating the like poles; and (iii) a magnetizable porous filling material in close proximity to the at least two permanent magnets. Also described is a method for capturing paramagnetic particles in which a gas or liquid sample containing the paramagnetic particles is contacted with the high-gradient permanent magnet apparatus described above; wherein, during the contacting step, the gas or liquid sample contacts the magnetizable porous filling material of the high-gradient permanent magnet apparatus, and at least a portion of the paramagnetic particles in the gas or liquid sample is captured on the magnetizable porous filling material.