Magnetic Particle Separator Yoke Circuit Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing separating devices for magnetizable and non-magnetizable particles in suspensions face inefficiencies due to low magnetic field gradients and strengths, leading to incomplete separation and particle accumulation on channel walls.

Innovation Solution

A separating device is enhanced by using a yoke to close the magnetic circuit from a permanent magnet to the opposite side of the channel, increasing magnetic field gradients and strengths through improved field distribution, with adaptations in yoke and magnet shapes to optimize field profiles and reduce stray field losses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If permanent magnets are arranged on only one side of the separating channel, then the device complexity is reduced, but the magnetic field gradient and separation effectiveness are insufficient in large areas of the channel

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnet arrangement complexityVSAvoidseparation effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

A yoke made of magnetizable material is introduced as an intermediary component to guide and concentrate magnetic flux. The yoke is positioned adjacent to the separating channel and works with the permanent magnets to create enhanced magnetic field gradients throughout the channel, particularly improving field distribution in areas that would otherwise have insufficient magnetic influence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic field parameters (strength and gradient) are enhanced by optimizing the arrangement of permanent magnets in combination with the yoke structure. By adjusting magnet positions, orientations, and the yoke geometry, the magnetic field parameters are modified to achieve effective separation across the entire channel cross-section while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If high magnetic field gradients are generated to ensure effective separation, then separation effectiveness is improved, but particle accumulation forms on the channel walls requiring subsequent rinsing steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation effectivenessVSAvoidparticle accumulation on walls
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic field distribution is optimized to create locally enhanced gradients at specific positions within the separating channel where separation is most needed, rather than uniformly high fields throughout. The yoke and magnet arrangement is designed to concentrate magnetic flux in the central flow regions while reducing excessive field strength near the channel walls, thereby improving separation effectiveness without causing significant particle accumulation that would require rinsing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If the yoke surface area is increased to distribute field lines more widely, then magnetic field gradients are strengthened, but the device dimensions and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic field gradient strengthVSAvoidyoke dimensions
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of uniformly increasing the yoke surface area throughout, the design applies partial enhancement by extending the yoke surface area only in specific regions where field line distribution needs improvement. The yoke is configured to have increased surface area adjacent to the separating channel where it most effectively influences magnetic field gradients, while maintaining more compact dimensions in other areas to limit overall device size and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive 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 solution achieves improved separation efficiency by increasing magnetic field gradients and strengths, effectively deflecting magnetizable particles and reducing particle accumulation on channel walls, enhancing the overall separation process.

Implementation Method 1

at least one permanent magnet arranged on only one side of the separating channel for generating a magnetic field gradient deflecting magnetizable particles to this side

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field gradient: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

a yoke is provided for closing the magnetic circuit from the permanent magnet to the side of the separating channel opposite the permanent magnet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic circuit closure: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP2326426B1Separating device for separating particles able to be magnetized and particles not able to be magnetized transported in a suspension flowing through a separating channel
Publication Date: 2018.10.31 SIEMENS AG
  • EP2326426B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2326426B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2326426B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a separating device (1, 10, 14, 16, 17) for separating particles able to be magnetized and particles not able to be magnetized transported in a suspension flowing through a separating channel (3), having at least one permanent magnet (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) arranged on at least one side of the separating channel (3) for producing a magnetic field gradient which deflects particles able to be magnetized to said side, wherein a yoke (5) is provided for closing the magnetic circuit from the permanent magnet (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) to the side of the separating channel (3) opposite the permanent magnet (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) and/or between two permanent magnets (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d).