Ore Separation Using Magnetic Agglomeration and Field Gradient
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processes for separating ores from mixtures containing gangue and magnetic particles suffer from low yield and effectiveness due to insufficient binding of magnetic particles to the ore, leading to inefficient separation and processing.
Innovation Solution
A process involving partial removal of magnetic particles using a magnetic field gradient, followed by contacting the remaining mixture with magnetic particles to form stable agglomerates, which are then separated using a magnetic field gradient and dissociated to recover the ore and magnetic particles separately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnetic particles are directly added to the ore mixture, then separation can be performed, but the binding strength between magnetic particles and ore is insufficient leading to low yield and effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by removing magnetic particles from the ore mixture before the actual separation process. Step (A) performs this preliminary removal, eliminating interfering magnetic particles that would otherwise weakly bind to ore during separation, thereby improving both yield and effectiveness of the subsequent separation process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the separation process into distinct steps: (A) removal of magnetic particles, (B) contact with magnetic particles for agglomeration, (C) separation of agglomerates, and (D) dissociation. This segmentation allows each step to be optimized independently, ensuring strong binding during agglomeration while maintaining high overall yield
2Reliability
If magnetic particles are removed completely before separation, then interference is reduced, but additional processing steps are required increasing process complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic particles serve multiple functions: they are used both for removing magnetic impurities in step (A) and for agglomerating ore in step (B). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate materials and simplifies the overall process despite the multiple steps involved
Solution Approach 2:
The patent discards magnetic particles after their initial use in removing magnetic impurities, then recovers and reuses them in the agglomeration step. This approach maintains high separation purity while managing process complexity through efficient material utilization
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 process enhances the yield and efficiency of ore separation by effectively removing magnetic particles, allowing for improved processing and recovery of ores with high purity, thereby increasing the space-time yield and reducing interference from magnetic particles.
Implementation Method 1
at least partial removal of the magnetic particles by application of a magnetic field gradient
Implementation Method 2
removal of the magnetic particles by application of a magnetic field gradient
Implementation Method 3
the ore present in the gangue is reacted with magnetic particles, as a result of which agglomerates are formed due to the hydrophobic interactions
Implementation Method 4
separation of the agglomeration product from the mixture from step (B) by application of a magnetic field gradient
Implementation Method 5
separation of the agglomeration product from the mixture from step (B) by application of a magnetic field gradient
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a process for separating at least one first material from a mixture comprising this at least one first material, at least one second material and magnetic particles, which comprises the following steps (A) at least partial removal of the magnetic particles by application of a magnetic field gradient, optionally in the presence of at least one dispersing medium, to give a mixture comprising at least one first material and at least one second material and a reduced amount of magnetic particles, (B) contacting of the mixture comprising at least one first material and at least one second material from step (A) with magnetic particles so that the at least one first material and the magnetic particles agglomerate, (C) separation of the agglomeration product from the mixture from step (B) by application of a magnetic field gradient and (D) dissociation of the agglomeration product separated off in step (C) in order to obtain the at least one first material and the magnetic particles separately, and also a control and/or regulation device for a corresponding apparatus.