Matching relation between matrix aspect ratio and applied induction for maximum particle capture in longitudinal high gradient magnetic separation

Abstract

Longitudinal high gradient magnetic separation (HGMS) is the most widely applied in industry by virtue of to its high processing capacity and low magnetic leakage. However, due to introduction of pulsating flow and the limited magnetic forces induced by rod matrices, longitudinal high gradient magnetic separator still showed quite lower recovery compared with horizontal high intensity magnetic separator in recovering ultrafine magnetic minerals. Optimization of longitudinal HGMS system is of great significance for improving particle capture efficiency or reducing energy consumption. In this study, we proposed a new concept of matching relation between matrix aspect ratio and applied induction for maximum particle capture in longitudinal HGMS. Particle capture performance of matrices with aspect ratio of 1/5–6 in applied induction of 0.2–2T were investigated using extended particle capture models for unsaturated and saturated matrices as well as model selection methodology. The matching relation under the two cases of equal matrix cross-section area and equal horizontal axis were demonstrated. Particle motion trajectories around matrices were depicted and particle capture radius was determined. It was proved that there existed matching relation between matrix aspect ratio and applied induction for maximum particle capture for both the two cases and the relation was independent of matrix and particle size. The matching relation can be adopted to configure the HGMS system for improving particle capture efficiency or reducing energy consumption. Based on results of this study, it was also inferred that there should exist matching relation between matrix aspect ratio and applied induction for maximum separation efficiency.