Development, manufacturing and tests of superconducting high-gradient magnetic separator prototype

Abstract

High-gradient magnetic separator made a good showing at enrichment of low-magnetic ores. However, existing industrial facilities have large dimensions, low specific productivity and high energy costs. Laboratory prototype of high-gradient magnetic separator equipped with superconductor magnet system was developed, manufactured and tested at NRC “Kurchatov Institute”. The device is designed for enrichment of low-magnetic mineral resources, mostly oxidized ferruginous quartzites. The goal of development was both creation of next-generation of separators operating with high-power magnetic fields as well as further progress in applied superconductivity for industrial applications. This paper gives a brief description of the problem, as well as of the process of development, manufacturing and testing the superconducting magnet system. Overall design of the prototype is described, as well as design of collector matrices designed specifically for high-power magnetic field. Next is description of testing process with mineral raw materials obtained from a real industrial enrichment facility. Data on total iron percentage before and after the separation process at the prototype presented, as well as its basic performance characteristics. The results obtained in the course of the project fulfilment can be used in mining industry and metallurgy for manufacturing superconducting magnetic separators of new generation. Such separators will have many advantages comparing with regular separators (with resistive windings) as following: lower energy consumption and less weight, higher induction of the magnetic field in the working gap, possibility to use matrices with coefficient of filling by ferromagnetic precipitating elements at the level of 6-8% with large gaps for pulp passing, higher specific indices due to increased current density in the winding up to 50-100 A/mm2.