Movable Magnet Loop Canal for Magnetic Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic separation technologies are inefficient in separating magnetic and nonmagnetic constituents, leading to unwanted incorporation of nonmagnetic materials with the magnetic fraction, which results in reduced yield and increased costs due to the presence of gangue in the smelting process, and do not effectively utilize the maximum magnetic force.
Innovation Solution
A loop-like canal apparatus with movable magnets, where nonmagnetic constituents are assisted into one outlet by sedimentation and dispersion flow, and magnetic constituents are forced into another outlet by magnetic force against a flushing water current, allowing for the separation of magnetic and nonmagnetic materials with minimal nonmagnetic contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fixed magnets are used in conventional magnetic separators, then the structure is simple, but the magnetic force is not maximized and separation efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing fixed magnets with movable magnets that can travel along the canal. The magnets are moved by a rotary conveyor system, allowing them to dynamically interact with the dispersion and maximize magnetic force utilization throughout the separation process, thereby improving separation efficiency while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design
2Productivity
If conventional magnetic separators are used, then the apparatus is simple, but nonmagnetic constituents are incorporated with magnetic fraction, reducing yield
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the single outlet system into multiple outlets (first outlet for nonmagnetic constituents, second outlet for magnetic constituents). This segmentation allows separate collection streams, preventing contamination of the magnetic fraction with nonmagnetic material and thereby improving yield through cleaner separation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension by arranging the canal relative to gravity, creating distinct upper and lower separation zones. Nonmagnetic constituents settle to the bottom and exit through the first outlet, while magnetic constituents are forced upward by magnetic force against flushing water current to exit through the second outlet, achieving dimensional separation that improves yield
3Productivity
If conventional separators without gravity arrangement are used, then the design is straightforward, but separation efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies equipotentiality by arranging the canal vertically relative to gravity, creating a gravitational potential gradient that assists separation. Nonmagnetic constituents naturally settle to the bottom where they can be removed, while magnetic constituents are lifted against gravity by magnetic force, optimizing the use of gravitational potential energy to enhance separation efficiency
4Productivity
If magnetic constituents are not cleaned, then the process is simple, but gangue presence increases smelting costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies hydraulics by introducing a flushing water current that flows through the canal and removes nonmagnetic gangue material from the magnetic fraction. The flushing water creates a liquid flow that washes away contaminants, cleaning the magnetic constituents before they exit through the second outlet, thereby reducing gangue content and smelting costs
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
This approach enhances the separation efficiency, reducing the amount of nonmagnetic constituents in the magnetic fraction, thereby improving yield and quality, and minimizing slag formation during smelting, thus reducing overall process costs.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic constituents are forced into at least one second outlet by magnetic force against a current of flushing water
Implementation Method 2
nonmagnetic constituents are assisted to go into at least the one first outlet (stream I) by sedimentation and by the current of the dispersion
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus for the separation of magnetic constituents from a dispersion comprising these magnetic constituents and nonmagnetic constituents, comprising at least one loop- like canal (5) through which a dispersion flows having at least two inlets (1, 2) and at least two outlets (3, 4), further comprising at least one magnet (6) that is moveable alongside the canal (5), wherein the canal (5) is arranged relative to gravity in a way that nonmagnetic constituents are assisted to go into at least the one first outlet (3) (stream I) by sedimentation and by the current of the dispersion and magnetic constituents are forced into at least one second outlet (4) (stream II) by magnetic force against a current of flushing water. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a process for the separation of magnetic constituents from a dispersion comprising these magnetic constituents and nonmagnetic constituents.