Effects of magnet arrangement on the separation behavior of magnetic particles in high-concentration suspensions based on numerical simulations: Magnetic force induced eddies

Abstract

ABSTRACT Particle-fluid dynamic behavior significantly influences the separation process of magnetic particles in open-gradient magnetic separation systems. In the present paper, a simplified model of the separation process of magnetic particles in an open-gradient magnetic separation system is developed based on a two-way particle-fluid coupling method. The effects of initial concentration and four magnet arrangements on the particle-fluid kinetic behavior and particle capture efficiency are investigated. The results show that the exclusion zone generated by the lateral concurrent arrangement can induce a double eddy structure and thus contribute to particle capture. This conclusion implies that the generation of eddy structures is not only related to the particle concentration but also to the distribution of the magnetic field. The results also show that the particle capture efficiency increases and then decreases with increasing initial concentration in the presence of a single magnet, i.e. there is an optimal capture concentration.