Combinatorial optimization of rotating matrix in centrifugal high gradient magnetic separation

Abstract

Centrifugal high gradient magnetic separation (CHGMS) produces higher selectivity than conventional HGMS in concentrating weakly magnetic minerals owing to the use of rotating matrix, so its separation performance is closely related to the configuration of the matrix. In this work, the magnetic capture characteristics of the rotating matrices with different configurations to magnetic particles were described using a simulation model, and a combinative rotating matrix was proposed on the basis of the simulation results. The CHGMS performances of the combinative and conventional rotating matrices were then comparatively investigated for the separation of a fine ilmenite ore. From the simulation results, the increase in the spacing between magnetic wires and wire diameter decreases the mass weight of magnetic particles captured onto the internal wires of rotating matrix, improving its capture selectivity; whereas, the increase in the layer spacing of magnetic wires increases their capture mass weight, enhancing the capture capability of the matrix. For comparison, the combinative matrix achieves significantly superior performance to that of the conventional one for separating fine ilmenite, which is consistent with the simulation results. This investigation provides an important reference for the optimization and development of rotating matrix in CHGMS technology.