Superconducting Coil Layout for Magnetic Density Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic density separation systems using permanent magnets are limited in pole size and strength, and require a magnetic field with specific gradient conditions that are difficult to achieve.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic field gradient apparatus with a unidirectional current distribution in a plane, using superconducting coils arranged in a specific configuration to generate a magnetic field with a gradient perpendicular to a defined plane, allowing for efficient separation of materials by density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If permanent magnets are used to generate magnetic field, then the magnetic field gradient can be maintained, but the pole size and strength are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces permanent magnets with an electromagnetic system consisting of coils carrying alternating current. This substitution allows the magnetic field strength to be controlled and enhanced beyond the limitations of permanent magnets, while maintaining the required field gradient through proper coil configuration and current control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the magnetic field generation system by using alternating current with specific frequency and amplitude in coils arranged in a particular geometry. This allows dynamic control of magnetic field strength and gradient, overcoming the fixed parameters of permanent magnets.
2Measurement precision
If superconducting coils are used, then enhanced separation resolution and wider density ranges are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs superconducting coils to achieve extremely high current densities and magnetic field strengths that are impossible with conventional conductors. This parameter change in electrical conductivity enables enhanced separation resolution and wider density ranges while the coil geometry is designed to manage the complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field generation system is divided into multiple discrete coils arranged in a specific pattern, each carrying alternating current. This segmentation allows independent control and optimization of different regions of the magnetic field, achieving high resolution separation while managing system complexity through modular design.
3Manufacturing precision
If alternating current distribution is used to create vertical field gradient, then the magnetic field gradient condition is met, but the current control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses alternating current with a specific period flowing through coils arranged in adjacent positions. This periodic action creates the required vertical magnetic field gradient, with the current direction alternating between adjacent coils to generate the gradient effect. The periodic nature simplifies the control strategy compared to requiring independent continuous control of each coil.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple coils into a unified system where adjacent coils carry alternating current in a coordinated manner. This merging of multiple current-carrying elements into a single alternating current system simplifies the control architecture while achieving the complex magnetic field gradient requirement through the combined effect of all coils.
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 generates a magnetic field with a strong decay in the vertical direction, maintaining a consistent gradient in the horizontal plane, enhancing separation resolution and allowing for the separation of particles with higher density than conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
the magnetic field is obtained by having a current distribution of a current in the first plane with a current direction of the current distribution alternating between opposite directions parallel to the second axis with a period A along the first axis
Implementation Method 2
each leg section comprises a conductor comprising a material having superconducting properties at an operating temperature
Implementation Method 3
The net force on the feed particles pushes them to an equilibrium height that depends on the mass density of the particle
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a magnet apparatus for generating a magnetic field, the magnet apparatus comprising: at least three coils arranged besides each other along a first axis in a first plane, wherein each coil comprises a conductor comprising a material having superconducting properties at an operating temperature, the coils further comprise two legs and two bent end sections in the first plane, wherein a first and a second leg are arranged parallel to each other along a second axis in the first plane transverse to the first axis, and the two bent sections are arranged opposite to each other; and a controller arranged to control currents through the respective coils to obtain a current distribution in the first plane, wherein a current direction of the current distribution is alternating between opposite directions parallel to the second axis, with a period A along the first axis. The invention also related to a magnetic density separation apparatus comprising the magnet apparatus.