Simulation of particle accumulation in high gradient magnetic separation based on static buildup model (SBM)

Abstract

Static buildup model (SBM) is an analytical approach to predict upstream buildup profile of circular matrix in high-gradient magnetic separation (HGMS). But it was confined to single-wire system in idealized fluid and magnetic field, and was not applicable for more complicated or generalized systems. As better separation performance can be obtained by introducing composite force field or employing novel structural matrices in HGMS, it is necessary to develop models that are more adaptable for predicting particle buildup. In this paper, a simulation model based on SBM was developed to extend its application to complicated situation. The boundary of the buildup was updated by judging whether a particle released from locations near buildup surface would stay or not. And a characterized thickness within boundary layer was proposed to ensure that the released particles were subjected to forces of the same expression as that in SBM. The established model was proved to obtain close results with SBM when HGMS system was in idealized condition. Experimental results testified the model’s ability to predict saturated buildup profile of both circular and elliptic matrices in a realistic system. Since fluid and magnetic field information are processed by the simulation software, this model is also believed applicable for more complicated conditions such as multi-wire system and novel structure matrix system, which will be investigated in follow-up studies.