Magnetic Separation Device with Segmented Magnet Arrangement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing magnetic separators are space-demanding and pose thermal stress risks to suspensions due to the use of electromagnets, which are often arranged close to the processing area, potentially damaging thermally sensitive ingredients.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic separation device with a switchable magnetic field using a permanent magnet arrangement and an energizable coil, allowing for controlled magnetization of soft-magnetic tips without continuous current, reducing heat generation and minimizing spatial requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an electromagnet is used to magnetize the soft magnetic tip, then the magnetic separation function is achieved, but the device requires considerable installation space and generates thermal stress on the suspension

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic separation functionVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into two separate magnet arrangements: a first magnet arrangement that provides the magnetic field for particle separation, and a second magnet arrangement that provides the magnetic field for tip magnetization. This segmentation allows the electromagnet to be positioned away from the suspension, reducing installation space requirements and eliminating thermal stress on the suspension while maintaining the magnetic separation function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Force

If an electromagnet is positioned close to the suspension for magnetization, then the magnetization effect is strong, but thermal stress damages thermally sensitive components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetization effectVSAvoidthermal stress

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetization function and separation function are separated into different magnet arrangements. The second magnet arrangement (electromagnet) is positioned away from the suspension to avoid thermal stress, while the first magnet arrangement provides the magnetic field at the tip for particle separation. This spatial separation eliminates thermal damage while maintaining strong magnetization effect through the soft magnetic tip.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If the electromagnet continuously energizes to maintain magnetization, then the tip remains magnetized, but energy consumption increases and heat generation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetization stateVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnet (second magnet arrangement) is energized only periodically to magnetize the soft magnetic tip when needed, rather than continuously. The soft magnetic tip retains its magnetization during the separation process, and the electromagnet can be de-energized when not needed for remagnetization. This periodic action reduces energy consumption and minimizes heat generation while maintaining the necessary magnetization state for particle separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 device achieves efficient magnetization control with reduced heat impact on suspensions and minimized spatial footprint, enabling safer and more compact magnetic separation processes.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic separating device with a switchable magnetic field comprising a permanent magnet arrangement and an energizable coil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnet: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

allowing for controlled magnetization of soft-magnetic tips

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 3

Due to its magnetized state, the tip attracts the magnetic particles contained in the suspension

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3349909B1Magnetic separating device with magnetic activation and deactivation

Publication Date: 2020.05.06 HAMILTON BONADUZ AG

Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 2(a)~2(b)

AI summary

The present invention relates to a magnetic separating device (10) for separating magnetic particles from a suspension (14) with a soft magnetic tip (16), the magnetization state of which can be selectively changed between a more strongly magnetized state and a more weakly magnetized state, the tip (16) having an immersion end (16a) for insertion into the suspension (14) and a magnetizing section (16b) for changing the magnetization state of the tip (16), wherein the separating device (10) has a magnet arrangement (22), the magnetic field of which can be varied over time in the magnetizing section (16b) of the tip (16) for changing its magnetization state, characterized in that the separating device (10) comprises a second magnet arrangement (30), the first magnet arrangement (22) and the second magnet arrangement (30) being displaceable relative to each another, and the magnetization state of the soft magnetic tip (16) being dependent on the relative position of the two magnet arrangements (22, 30).