The efficiency of particle capture by an infinite array of ferromagnetic wires at low reynolds numbers

Abstract

A new theoretical model is presented to describe the capture and retention of weakly magnetic particles carried by a viscous fluid past an infinite array of ferromagnetic wires in the HGMS transverse configuration. While the forces involved in the capture process are expressed analytically, the equations of particle motion are solved numerically yielding the trajectories, singular points and capture efficiencies. The capture efficiencies, determined for a wide range of values of operational parameters, are calculated on the basis of a laminar flow model, which by contrast to the potential flow model used in previous studies, gives a very good description of fluid motion at low Reynolds numbers. The effect of particle buildup upon the capture efficiencies is also calculated and shown to decrease with increasing λ V m/ V oλ.