Magnetically Enhanced Centrifugation for Industrial Use

Magnetically enhanced centrifugation is a new approach in high-gradient magnetic separation possible in continuous mode, which promises a large potential for industrial use. Magnetic particles are separated to a wire filter, from which they are cleaned by centrifugal forces to the chamber wall. The simulation of magnetic particles collected by a wire were possible by the discrete element method. The simulation shows the detachment of particles from the wires by the centrifugal force. Two prototype machines were set up to investigate the process. The discharge of particles from the wire filter depends on the magnetic field strength and the centrifugal velocity. It was possible to set up a machine reaching a separation efficiency of 99 % at a volume flow of 1 m3/h (excluding dead times) in a batch-wise mode. A second machine built as magnetically enhanced decanter separates particles and transports them out of the bowl by a screw conveyor in a completely continuous mode. Instead of the common electromagnets a permanent magnet assembly can be combined with a magnetically enhanced centrifuge to save costs.