Weakly Magnetic Particle Separation Using Sweeping Magnetic Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for separating weakly magnetic particles from mixtures with different magnetic susceptibility, such as hematite, ilmenite, and pyrrhotite, face challenges when high-speed conveyor belts and weak magnetic fields are used, leading to inefficient separation, especially when the particles have varying magnetic properties.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing a combination of magnetizing equipment and carrier equipment to create a concentration gradient by producing a magnetic field that deflects the movement of particles, with a supply equipment generating a secondary magnetic field to differentiate the movement of weakly magnetic particles from more magnetic particles, enhancing separation efficiency through a controlled sweeping action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-speed conveyor belt is used, then productivity is improved, but separation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The feed box is equipped with a preliminary magnetizing device that pre-deflects weakly magnetic particles before they reach the high-speed conveyor belt. This preliminary action ensures that particles are already separated to some extent before the main separation process, allowing the system to maintain high conveyor speeds while achieving effective separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation process is divided into two stages: preliminary separation in the feed box using a magnetizing device, and final separation on the conveyor belt using sweeping magnetic fields. This segmentation allows each stage to operate optimally - the feed box prepares particles for high-speed processing while the conveyor belt completes the separation.
2Use of energy by moving object
If weak magnetic field is used, then energy consumption is reduced, but separation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The preliminary magnetizing device in the feed box uses a weak magnetic field to initiate particle deflection before particles enter the main separation zone. This preliminary action reduces the burden on the main magnetic field, allowing efficient separation with lower overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
Particles are subjected to continuous magnetic action throughout their journey - first in the feed box and then on the conveyor belt. This continuous exposure to magnetic fields, even at low intensities, accumulates sufficient deflection effect for effective separation without requiring high-energy pulsed fields.
3Ease of operation
If particles are randomly distributed in mixture, then feed handling is simplified, but separation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The preliminary magnetizing device in the feed box acts on randomly distributed particles before they are conveyed, initiating separation based on magnetic susceptibility. This preliminary action transforms the random distribution into a partially organized state, making subsequent separation easier without requiring complex feed preparation.
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 effectively separates particles with positive magnetic susceptibility from those with lesser susceptibility by creating a concentration gradient, improving separation efficiency and reducing particle sticking and jumping issues, allowing for more effective collection and processing.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic field acting on the mixture... magnetic force caused by the sweeping is directed to each of the particles many times
Implementation Method 2
particles having different magnetic susceptibility... first particles having positive magnetic susceptibility and second particles having magnetic susceptibility smaller than that of the first particles
Implementation Method 3
carrier equipment for carrying the mixture so that the mixture is adapted to move with respect to the magnetic field
Implementation Method 4
mutually opposite polarity portions of the magnetic field are adapted to sweep the mixture in a sweeping direction and thereby deflect the direction of movement of the first particles towards the sweeping direction
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c
Figure 2
AI summary
A device for separating weakly magnetic first particles, for example hematite particles, from mixture (912) comprising the first particles (913) and less magnetic second particles (914) is presented. The device comprises first magnetizing equipment (901) for producing magnetic field and for moving the mixture so that mutually opposite polarity portions (N, S) of the magnetic field sweep the mixture in a sweeping direction and thereby deflect the direction of movement of the first particles towards the sweeping direction and away from the direction of movement of the second particles. The device comprises also a supply equipment (932) for supplying the mixture to the carrier equipment with the aid of gravitation and a second magnetizing equipment (931) connected to a feed box (920) for producing second magnetic field for deflecting a direction of movement of the first particles differently than a direction of movement of the second particles when the mixture is moved by the gravitation towards the carrier equipment so as to generate, to the mixture arriving at the carrier equipment, a concentration gradient of the first particles. The pre-concentration of the first particles simplifies their separation form the mixture.