Continuous Magnetic Separation Apparatus for Solid-Liquid Mixtures

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing magnetic separation methods for solid-liquid mixtures are inefficient and require interruptions for collection and recycling of magnetic materials, leading to prolonged recovery times and reduced separation rates.

Innovation Solution

A continuous magnetic separation apparatus with alternating magnetism, featuring an outer and inner cylindrical vessel configuration and a magnetism-altering device that periodically magnetizes and demagnetizes the inner vessel surface, allowing for continuous absorption and release of magnetic particles without interruption, enabling continuous recycling of magnetic solid particles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If batch collection method is used to recover magnetic material, then magnetic separation can be accomplished, but the process requires interruptions and prolonged recovery time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic separation completenessVSAvoidrecovery rate
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by using an electromagnet that alternates between magnetized and demagnetized states. During magnetized periods, magnetic particles are attracted to the inner cylindrical surface for collection. During demagnetized periods, the particles are released for discharge. This periodic cycling enables continuous operation without process interruptions, resolving the contradiction between separation completeness and recovery rate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuity of useful action through a continuous flow channel design where solid-liquid mixture continuously enters and passes through the separation zone. The alternating magnetization/demagnetization occurs while material flow continues uninterrupted, allowing both collection and discharge to happen in a continuous cycle rather than batch operations, thereby maintaining high productivity while ensuring complete separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Reliability

If conventional magnetic separator with fixed structure is used, then magnetic particles can be collected, but the liquid flow direction cannot be controlled and separation efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic particle collectionVSAvoidseparation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by replacing fixed magnetic structures with an electromagnet that can dynamically change its magnetic state. The electromagnet's ability to switch between magnetized and demagnetized states allows dynamic control over particle attraction and release timing. This dynamic operation synchronizes with the liquid flow, improving separation efficiency while maintaining reliable particle collection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by controlling the magnetic field strength parameter through electromagnet activation. By adjusting the magnetic field from strong (attracted state) to zero (released state), the system controls particle behavior at different stages of the flow channel. This parameter modulation enables efficient separation while maintaining continuous operation, resolving the contradiction between collection reliability and separation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If magnet is always magnetized to maximize particle attraction, then collection efficiency is high, but particle release and discharge become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle attraction efficiencyVSAvoidparticle discharge capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by cycling the electromagnet between magnetized and demagnetized states. During the magnetized phase, particles are strongly attracted for efficient collection. During the demagnetized phase, the magnetic force disappears, allowing particles to be easily released and discharged. This periodic switching resolves the contradiction by providing both strong attraction when needed and easy release when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics through the electromagnet's ability to change its magnetic state on demand. The system dynamically adjusts the magnetic field presence based on operational requirements: magnetized for collection, demagnetized for discharge. This dynamic control enables the system to optimize both particle attraction efficiency and discharge capability at different operational moments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 apparatus achieves continuous and efficient separation and recovery of magnetic particles, reducing environmental pollution and costs by maintaining a high catalytic activity and surface area of magnetic materials, suitable for various industrial reactions.

Implementation Method 1

a magnet, which may magnetize at least part of the surface of the inner cylindrical vessel during a first period and demagnetize the same during a second period

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS8206596B2Magnetic separation apparatus and method for recovery of solid material from solid-liquid mixture
Publication Date: 2012.06.26 SENNICS CO LTD
  • US8206596B2 patent drawing
  • US8206596B2 patent drawing
  • US8206596B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a magnetic separation apparatus for continuous separating and recovering magnetic solid particles from a solid-liquid mixture. The apparatus includes at least one magnetic separation unit and each unit includes: an outer cylindrical vessel having a material inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet; an inner cylindrical vessel, at least part of which extends along the axis inside the first cylindrical vessel without contacting with the inner surface of the outer cylindrical vessel; and a magnet, rendering the bottom of the inner cylindrical vessel magnetism during the first period and making the part of the surface lose its magnetism during a second period. When the solid-liquid mixture flows through the magnetic surface of the inner cylindrical vessel in the passage, the magnetic solids are absorbed and separated from the mixture.