CA1104066A - Thin-section-matrix magnetic separation apparatus and method - Google Patents
Thin-section-matrix magnetic separation apparatus and methodInfo
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- CA1104066A CA1104066A CA292,615A CA292615A CA1104066A CA 1104066 A CA1104066 A CA 1104066A CA 292615 A CA292615 A CA 292615A CA 1104066 A CA1104066 A CA 1104066A
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Abstract
Abstract of the Disclosure Magnetic separation apparatus is disclosed for removing particles from a fluid-particle mixture, characterized by the provision of a plurality of parallel relatively thin-section matrix separator elements arranged within and parallel to the direction of a magnetic field, and flow establishing means for causing the mixture to flow in parallel flow paths through the matrix elements, respectively, in thickness directions transverse to the direction of the magnetic field. The matrix elements may be parallel spaced polygonal elements, or concentrically arranged annular elements.
Preferably the matrix elements include a hollow non-ferromagnetic canister, and a mass of relatively short ferromagnetic fibers hav-in a length of about 1-10 millimeters packed in the canister with a density of at least 8 percent by volume relative to the volume of the canister. Pole pieces may be provided having pole faces with projections thereon for concentrating the magnetic flux longitudinally through the longitudinally arranged matrix elements.
Preferably the matrix elements include a hollow non-ferromagnetic canister, and a mass of relatively short ferromagnetic fibers hav-in a length of about 1-10 millimeters packed in the canister with a density of at least 8 percent by volume relative to the volume of the canister. Pole pieces may be provided having pole faces with projections thereon for concentrating the magnetic flux longitudinally through the longitudinally arranged matrix elements.
Description
~ : :
:~: :
; ~
:
. Brief D scription of the Prior Art , ''I
Magnetic separation apparatus for separating particles rrom :~
a fluid-particle mixture are well known in the patented prior art, ~:
. as evidenced, for example, by the patents to Nolan No. 3,770,629, Marston et al Nos. 3,627,678 and 3,887,457, and Koln Nos.
3~567~026, 3,676,337, and 39838,773~ Further~ore, in the appllcant's prior U. S. patents Nos. 3,471,011 and 3,667,689, '~ . , ::~
', .
~ . - 2 - `
. ~i~
.
~:
6~
.
Canadian Patent No. 935,126, high extraction magnetic separation systems are disclosed for separating impurity particles from an aqueous slurry (for example, a dispersion of crude kaolin clay in water from which minute ma~netizable particles of impurities are removed).
In the aforementioned.Nolan Patent No. 3,770,629, a plurality of relatively thln matrix sections are provided which are arrancred in spaced parallel relation within and transverse of a magnetic field, the mixture to be separated heincr fed throuc~h the matrix in a direction parallel with the magnetic ':
field. In addition to being of a:relatively complex construction whi~h is costly-to manufac~ure, the ~oIan syste~ exhib.~ts a~preciahle m~gnetic flux loss since the flux is not'concentrated'~niformly'in the ' '.
matrix elements whi.ch are arranged norrnal to, and are spaced within, the maynetic field, thereby resulting in a loss of .:
operating efficiency. Furthermore, since the matrices are arranged in stacked spaced relation normal to the field, they .~-are subject to transverse compressive forces by the field, thereby requiring rlgid reinforcement by the distribution : network plates arranged between the spaced matrix elements.
: Summary of the Invention __ _ . _ _ To avoid the above and other drawbacks of the known magnetic separation systems, and in order to efect greater concen-tration of the rnagnetic flux in the matrix elements w.ith a corresponding decrease in flux loss and correspondinq increase ' in efficiency, the present invention was directed toward developincl a simplified separator COnS-trllCtiOn in which spaced parallel matri.x elements are arranged within and parallel to the magnetic field, medns being provided for establishing flow bm:~.
of the mixture to be separated in parallel flow paths through the matrices, respectively.
Accordingly, a primary object of the present invention is to provide a thin-section-matrix magnetic separation apparatus and method in which parallel spaced relatively thin matrix separation elements are arranged within and parallel to a high intensity magnetic field, means being provided for establishing parallel flow paths of a fluid-particle mixture through the matrix elements, respectively. The invention has particular utility in both wet and dry separation processes, as, for exampler in separating particles of impurities from an aqueous slurry (for example, iron-mineral contaminates from an aqueous slurry of crude kaolin clay), the purifiction of industrial minerals such as calcium and magnesium carbonates, asbestos, zircon, bentonite and talc, the beneficiating of metal ores such as copper, zinc, lead, sulphides and oxides, and the treatment of coal (such as the removal of pyrites during desulphurizing).
In accordance with a more specific obiect of the invention, the matrix separation or collection elements are arranged in parallel spaced relation longitudinally within a chamber contained in a housing, the housing including inlet and outlet openings at opposite ends of the chamber. The relatively thin matrix elements may be planar spaced parallel polygonal elements~ or concentrically spaced annular elements.
Preferably the housing and the chamber contained therein are cylindrical, the means for establishing the longitudinal magnetic field in the chamber including a coil arranged concentrically about the housing for establishing in the chamber a field the flux of which passes longitudinally through the matrix elements.
3~ The matrix elements preferably have a thickness less than about - , ~, : . . .. ,: :
~ ~4~
ten inches.
In accordance with another ob~ect of the invention~
pole pieces are arranged within the housing chamber at opposite ends of the matrix elements for concentrating the flow of magnetic flux longitudinally through the elements, Preferably the pole faces adjacent the ends of the matrice~ have projections for ~;
further concentrating the flow of magnetic flux lon~itudinally through the matrix elements. In the case o~ planar polygonal matrix elementsr the pole face projec-tions comprise linear ri~s opposite the matrix elements~ respectively~ and in the case of concentrically arranged annular matrix elements the pole face projections comprise concentric annular xibs oppos.ite the matrix elements. If desired, the faces of the ribs adjacent the matrix elements may he serrated to further concentrate the magnetic flux in the matrix.elements `~
According to a further object of the invention~ each.
matrix element includes a hollow non-ferr~magnetic canister that ~contalns a mass of ferromagnetic collector material! such as : ~ magnetic steel wool. The opposed ~alls of the canister that ~;.
definè the thlckness dimension the.reof are peryious~ whereby the mixture flows in the thickness direction through the canister~
and through th.e collecting material contained therein~ in a direction tr~nsye~se.to the magnetic field. In accordance wi.th an important feature of the invention~ the mass of collection material comprises relatively short fibers of a ferromagnetic material~ such as magnetic stee1 wool fibers, the lengths of s-aid fibers being hetween 1 to 10.millimeters Prefera~ly th.e fibers are packed with a density of at least 8 % by volume of the canister. Owing to the longitudinal arrangement of the ;~
relatively thin matrix elements in the magnetic field, the flow b . - : . . . . . ..
. ~
of magnetic flux through the densely packed short fibers is concen-trated in efficient manner with extremely low flux loss.
In accordance with an important feature of the -nvention, the mixture can flo~ in pa~allel flow paths throuqh the relatively thin matrix elements with a ]ow pressure drop and a relatively short retention time, thereby improving the separa~ion.process because of lower viscous drag on the magnetically trapped particles. Thus, as compared to the recent :~
prior art systems, the apparatus of the presen-t invention affords lower velocitles at equal retention times, or equal velocities at lower reten-tion times. The use of more concentrated slurries is permitted than in the separation systems of the prior art.
Alternatively, the use of a more clensely packed mat:rix is permitted than those previously used. By using a plurality of thin sections, it ~S possible to optimize dimensions of the separat.ing zone and yet construct large separators having the most efficient combination of dimen~ions~ By usiny thin section matrix elements, maximum utilization is made of the magneti.c separation effect which occurs at the interface between the plenum and the matrix elements. Moreover, it is possible to achieve very slow linear velocity of mixture flow and thereby much greater extraction efficiency. Reduction of flow velocity is accomplished without reducing the overall throughput proportionately. By means of the present inven~ion, it is possible to achieve ver~ low flow velocities at short retention times.
Accordin~ to one aspect of the present invention there~is provided a thin--section-matrix magnetic separation apparatus for separating from a fluid-particle mixture particles having a given degree of magnetic suscep-tibility, compr.isincJ
(a) a housing containing a chamber and including at opposite ends inlet and outlet openings communicating with the chamber;
(b) means for establishing a high intensi-ty magnetic field which extends through the housing chamber, the magnetic field establishing means including ferromagnetic pole members arranged at opposite ends of the chamber;
(c) matrix separation means arranged within the chamber, the matrix separation means comprlsi.ng at least one ferromagnetic separation element having a thickness dimension that is small relative to the other dimension of the elemen-t;
(d) means for establishing the flow of the mixture .;~-i from the chamber inlet opening to the chamber ou-tlet opening:
(1) initially in a direction parallel with.
the magnetic field;
:~: :
; ~
:
. Brief D scription of the Prior Art , ''I
Magnetic separation apparatus for separating particles rrom :~
a fluid-particle mixture are well known in the patented prior art, ~:
. as evidenced, for example, by the patents to Nolan No. 3,770,629, Marston et al Nos. 3,627,678 and 3,887,457, and Koln Nos.
3~567~026, 3,676,337, and 39838,773~ Further~ore, in the appllcant's prior U. S. patents Nos. 3,471,011 and 3,667,689, '~ . , ::~
', .
~ . - 2 - `
. ~i~
.
~:
6~
.
Canadian Patent No. 935,126, high extraction magnetic separation systems are disclosed for separating impurity particles from an aqueous slurry (for example, a dispersion of crude kaolin clay in water from which minute ma~netizable particles of impurities are removed).
In the aforementioned.Nolan Patent No. 3,770,629, a plurality of relatively thln matrix sections are provided which are arrancred in spaced parallel relation within and transverse of a magnetic field, the mixture to be separated heincr fed throuc~h the matrix in a direction parallel with the magnetic ':
field. In addition to being of a:relatively complex construction whi~h is costly-to manufac~ure, the ~oIan syste~ exhib.~ts a~preciahle m~gnetic flux loss since the flux is not'concentrated'~niformly'in the ' '.
matrix elements whi.ch are arranged norrnal to, and are spaced within, the maynetic field, thereby resulting in a loss of .:
operating efficiency. Furthermore, since the matrices are arranged in stacked spaced relation normal to the field, they .~-are subject to transverse compressive forces by the field, thereby requiring rlgid reinforcement by the distribution : network plates arranged between the spaced matrix elements.
: Summary of the Invention __ _ . _ _ To avoid the above and other drawbacks of the known magnetic separation systems, and in order to efect greater concen-tration of the rnagnetic flux in the matrix elements w.ith a corresponding decrease in flux loss and correspondinq increase ' in efficiency, the present invention was directed toward developincl a simplified separator COnS-trllCtiOn in which spaced parallel matri.x elements are arranged within and parallel to the magnetic field, medns being provided for establishing flow bm:~.
of the mixture to be separated in parallel flow paths through the matrices, respectively.
Accordingly, a primary object of the present invention is to provide a thin-section-matrix magnetic separation apparatus and method in which parallel spaced relatively thin matrix separation elements are arranged within and parallel to a high intensity magnetic field, means being provided for establishing parallel flow paths of a fluid-particle mixture through the matrix elements, respectively. The invention has particular utility in both wet and dry separation processes, as, for exampler in separating particles of impurities from an aqueous slurry (for example, iron-mineral contaminates from an aqueous slurry of crude kaolin clay), the purifiction of industrial minerals such as calcium and magnesium carbonates, asbestos, zircon, bentonite and talc, the beneficiating of metal ores such as copper, zinc, lead, sulphides and oxides, and the treatment of coal (such as the removal of pyrites during desulphurizing).
In accordance with a more specific obiect of the invention, the matrix separation or collection elements are arranged in parallel spaced relation longitudinally within a chamber contained in a housing, the housing including inlet and outlet openings at opposite ends of the chamber. The relatively thin matrix elements may be planar spaced parallel polygonal elements~ or concentrically spaced annular elements.
Preferably the housing and the chamber contained therein are cylindrical, the means for establishing the longitudinal magnetic field in the chamber including a coil arranged concentrically about the housing for establishing in the chamber a field the flux of which passes longitudinally through the matrix elements.
3~ The matrix elements preferably have a thickness less than about - , ~, : . . .. ,: :
~ ~4~
ten inches.
In accordance with another ob~ect of the invention~
pole pieces are arranged within the housing chamber at opposite ends of the matrix elements for concentrating the flow of magnetic flux longitudinally through the elements, Preferably the pole faces adjacent the ends of the matrice~ have projections for ~;
further concentrating the flow of magnetic flux lon~itudinally through the matrix elements. In the case o~ planar polygonal matrix elementsr the pole face projec-tions comprise linear ri~s opposite the matrix elements~ respectively~ and in the case of concentrically arranged annular matrix elements the pole face projections comprise concentric annular xibs oppos.ite the matrix elements. If desired, the faces of the ribs adjacent the matrix elements may he serrated to further concentrate the magnetic flux in the matrix.elements `~
According to a further object of the invention~ each.
matrix element includes a hollow non-ferr~magnetic canister that ~contalns a mass of ferromagnetic collector material! such as : ~ magnetic steel wool. The opposed ~alls of the canister that ~;.
definè the thlckness dimension the.reof are peryious~ whereby the mixture flows in the thickness direction through the canister~
and through th.e collecting material contained therein~ in a direction tr~nsye~se.to the magnetic field. In accordance wi.th an important feature of the invention~ the mass of collection material comprises relatively short fibers of a ferromagnetic material~ such as magnetic stee1 wool fibers, the lengths of s-aid fibers being hetween 1 to 10.millimeters Prefera~ly th.e fibers are packed with a density of at least 8 % by volume of the canister. Owing to the longitudinal arrangement of the ;~
relatively thin matrix elements in the magnetic field, the flow b . - : . . . . . ..
. ~
of magnetic flux through the densely packed short fibers is concen-trated in efficient manner with extremely low flux loss.
In accordance with an important feature of the -nvention, the mixture can flo~ in pa~allel flow paths throuqh the relatively thin matrix elements with a ]ow pressure drop and a relatively short retention time, thereby improving the separa~ion.process because of lower viscous drag on the magnetically trapped particles. Thus, as compared to the recent :~
prior art systems, the apparatus of the presen-t invention affords lower velocitles at equal retention times, or equal velocities at lower reten-tion times. The use of more concentrated slurries is permitted than in the separation systems of the prior art.
Alternatively, the use of a more clensely packed mat:rix is permitted than those previously used. By using a plurality of thin sections, it ~S possible to optimize dimensions of the separat.ing zone and yet construct large separators having the most efficient combination of dimen~ions~ By usiny thin section matrix elements, maximum utilization is made of the magneti.c separation effect which occurs at the interface between the plenum and the matrix elements. Moreover, it is possible to achieve very slow linear velocity of mixture flow and thereby much greater extraction efficiency. Reduction of flow velocity is accomplished without reducing the overall throughput proportionately. By means of the present inven~ion, it is possible to achieve ver~ low flow velocities at short retention times.
Accordin~ to one aspect of the present invention there~is provided a thin--section-matrix magnetic separation apparatus for separating from a fluid-particle mixture particles having a given degree of magnetic suscep-tibility, compr.isincJ
(a) a housing containing a chamber and including at opposite ends inlet and outlet openings communicating with the chamber;
(b) means for establishing a high intensi-ty magnetic field which extends through the housing chamber, the magnetic field establishing means including ferromagnetic pole members arranged at opposite ends of the chamber;
(c) matrix separation means arranged within the chamber, the matrix separation means comprlsi.ng at least one ferromagnetic separation element having a thickness dimension that is small relative to the other dimension of the elemen-t;
(d) means for establishing the flow of the mixture .;~-i from the chamber inlet opening to the chamber ou-tlet opening:
(1) initially in a direction parallel with.
the magnetic field;
(2) subsequently in parallel flow paths transversely through the matrix elements in a direction normal ;to the magnetic field; and
(3) finalIy in a direction parallel wi-th the ~20 magnetic field, whereby the particles are retained on the matrix elements during the flow of mixture through the chamber, According to a second aspect there is provided a method for separating from a fluid-particle mixture parti.cles having a given degree of magnetic susceptibility relative to the magnetic susceptibility of the remaining matter, which comprises the steps of (a) supplying the mlxture to the inlet opening of a chamber containlng a plurality of parallel spaced ferromagnetic matrix separator elements, each of the matrix element.s having a ~f~ -6a~
~m .~
~}~ i6 thickness dimensi.on which is smaller than its other dimensions, the matrix element including a hollow body containing a mass of ferromaqnetic particles, the opposed walls of the body de-fining the thickness dimension of the matrix elemen-t being pervious, the density of the mass of particles being greater than 8 percent volume relative to the volume of the body, the chamber containing a pair of pole members arranged at opposi-te ends of the matrix separator elements, respectively;
(b) directing a high intensity magnetic field throuc.~h the chamber in a direc-tion between the pole members parallel with the longitudinal axes of the matrix elements, whereby the direction of the magnetic field is normal to the thi.ckness dimension of each of the matrix elements; and ~ c) causing the mixture to flow in parallel flow paths through the matrix elements in the direction oE the - thickness dimension thereof transverse to the magne-tic field, and out of the chamber through an outlet opening thereof, whereby the particles are retained on the matrix elements, whereby the length of the flow path between the inlet and outlet openings may be varied relative to the fixed gap between the pole members.
Description oE the Fi~ures : Other objects and advantages o:F the invention will become apparent from a study of the following description when viewed in the light of the accompanying drawingJ in which:
Fig. 1 is a longltudinal sectional view of a first embodiment of the invention including a pair of parallel, spaced, planar polygonal matrix elements;
Figs. 2 and 3 are sectional views taken along lines 2-2 and 3-3 of Fig. l;
,, .~ .
i -6b-~-.,", ' I
:
Fig. 4 is a sectional eleva-tion view o~ a moclification of the embodiment of Fig. 1. including more than two parallel, spaced, planar polygonal matrix elements;
Fig. 5 is a longi-tudinal sectional view of a second embodiment of the invention including annular concentrically spaced matrix elements; and Fiq. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 of ~ , 5.
Detailed Description _ _______ _.
Referring first more particularly to Figs. 1-3, the magneti.c separation apparatus of the pxesent invention i.ncludes a cylindrical housing 2 which contains a cylindri.cal chamber 4, said housing including at ïts lower and upper ends inlet and outlet openings 6 and 8, respectively. Mounted ~ithin the housing chamber 4 are a pair o~ matrix separator or collector elements 10 and 12 which are of polygonal conEiyuration. The matrlx elements are arranged in parallel spaced relation with ~ -their length dimensions 1 extending longitudinally of the housing chamber 4. Arranged at the upper and lower ends of the matrix element are isolation plàtes 14 and 16 which isolate the housing chamber 4 from the inlet and outlet opellings 6 and 8, respectively. The lower isolating plate 16 contains a central aperture 18 through which the mixture to be separated is supplied into the s~ace between matrix elements 10 and 12.
Similarly, the isolation plate 14 contains apertures 22 which afford commllnication between the spaces adjacent the remote surfaces of`the matrix ele~ents 10 and 12 and the housing outlet 8. Means including an annular coil 24 arranged concentrically about the housing 2 are provided for establishi.ng a hi.gh .1 ~7 bm ~
, - ~
~m .~
~}~ i6 thickness dimensi.on which is smaller than its other dimensions, the matrix element including a hollow body containing a mass of ferromaqnetic particles, the opposed walls of the body de-fining the thickness dimension of the matrix elemen-t being pervious, the density of the mass of particles being greater than 8 percent volume relative to the volume of the body, the chamber containing a pair of pole members arranged at opposi-te ends of the matrix separator elements, respectively;
(b) directing a high intensity magnetic field throuc.~h the chamber in a direc-tion between the pole members parallel with the longitudinal axes of the matrix elements, whereby the direction of the magnetic field is normal to the thi.ckness dimension of each of the matrix elements; and ~ c) causing the mixture to flow in parallel flow paths through the matrix elements in the direction oE the - thickness dimension thereof transverse to the magne-tic field, and out of the chamber through an outlet opening thereof, whereby the particles are retained on the matrix elements, whereby the length of the flow path between the inlet and outlet openings may be varied relative to the fixed gap between the pole members.
Description oE the Fi~ures : Other objects and advantages o:F the invention will become apparent from a study of the following description when viewed in the light of the accompanying drawingJ in which:
Fig. 1 is a longltudinal sectional view of a first embodiment of the invention including a pair of parallel, spaced, planar polygonal matrix elements;
Figs. 2 and 3 are sectional views taken along lines 2-2 and 3-3 of Fig. l;
,, .~ .
i -6b-~-.,", ' I
:
Fig. 4 is a sectional eleva-tion view o~ a moclification of the embodiment of Fig. 1. including more than two parallel, spaced, planar polygonal matrix elements;
Fig. 5 is a longi-tudinal sectional view of a second embodiment of the invention including annular concentrically spaced matrix elements; and Fiq. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 of ~ , 5.
Detailed Description _ _______ _.
Referring first more particularly to Figs. 1-3, the magneti.c separation apparatus of the pxesent invention i.ncludes a cylindrical housing 2 which contains a cylindri.cal chamber 4, said housing including at ïts lower and upper ends inlet and outlet openings 6 and 8, respectively. Mounted ~ithin the housing chamber 4 are a pair o~ matrix separator or collector elements 10 and 12 which are of polygonal conEiyuration. The matrlx elements are arranged in parallel spaced relation with ~ -their length dimensions 1 extending longitudinally of the housing chamber 4. Arranged at the upper and lower ends of the matrix element are isolation plàtes 14 and 16 which isolate the housing chamber 4 from the inlet and outlet opellings 6 and 8, respectively. The lower isolating plate 16 contains a central aperture 18 through which the mixture to be separated is supplied into the s~ace between matrix elements 10 and 12.
Similarly, the isolation plate 14 contains apertures 22 which afford commllnication between the spaces adjacent the remote surfaces of`the matrix ele~ents 10 and 12 and the housing outlet 8. Means including an annular coil 24 arranged concentrically about the housing 2 are provided for establishi.ng a hi.gh .1 ~7 bm ~
, - ~
4~
intensity magnetic field which extends longitudinally throu~h the housing chamber ~ and longitudinally -throuah the matrix elements 10 and 12 contained therein. In order to further concentrate the longitudinal flow o:F Elux through the housiny chamber 4, ferromagnetic pole pieces 30 and 32 are arranged at the upper and lower ends of the housing chamber in engagement with the isolating plate means 14 and 16. In accordance with an important feature o~ the invention, the pole faces of the pole pieces 30 and 32 inclucle linear rib portions 30a and 3~a, respectively, that are arranged opposite and parallel wi-~h the ma~rix elements 10 and 12. ~:
Each oF the matrix elements 10 and. 12 compri.ses a hollow canister lOa and ~2a that is filled with a su.itable :Eerromagnetic parti.cle collecting mass lOb and 12b, as :Eor example ma~net.izable steel wool. In accordance with an important feature of the invention, the particle collecting masses are preferably formed of relatively short fibers of : ~a ferromagnetic material.; More particularly, the length Oe the ferroma~netic short ~ibers is preferably in the range of 20. 1-lO millimeters, as produced, for example, by micro-pulveriæing : 43~ magnetic stainless steel wool in a hammer mill or similar ~:
device. Pre~erably the ferromagnetic particle collecting fibers are packed in the canisters with a relatively high density, i.e., with a density of at least 8 percent by volume relakive to the volume of the canisters.
As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the matrix elements 10 and 12 are of generally rectangular configuration, said matrix elements being arranged with their length dimension 1 extendi.ng longitudi.nally of the housing cha~ber 4. In accordance with !- .
~ bm~
the present invention, each of the matrix elements has a relatively thin thickness dimension t with regard to the width and length dimensions w and 1. Pre-ferably the thickness dimension t of each matrix element is less than about 10 inches.
Th2 parallel ~aces of the canisters 10a and 12a which define the thickness dimensions of the matrix elements are perforated to pexmit the flow of the mixture to be separated in the ~
thickness direction through the matri.x elemen-ts,. . -:i^
Preferably the housing 2 includes separable cylindrical body and conical top and bot-tom portions 2a, 2b, and 2cr respectively. The pole pieces 30 and 32 and the isolating plate means 14 a.nd 16 are removably mounted in the housing chamber to permit access to the matrix elements 10 and 12 for servicing, The pole pieces 30 and 32, -the isolating plate means 14 and 16 and the collector mass.es 10b and 12b are each formed o~ a suitable ferromagnetic material, and the remaining components (such as the housing 2 and the canisters 10a and 12a) are formed:of a suitable non-ferromagnetic material, such as : non-magnetic stainless steel. Preferably the high intensity magnetic field established in the housing chamber ~ by the coil 24 has an intensity of from 7,000 to 20,000 gauss, and preferably greater than 8,500 gauss~
Operation In operation, assume that -the coil 24 is energized to establish the high intensity magnetic field which extends longitudinally through the housing chamber 4 and the ma-trix elements 10 and 12, and that a mixture (~uch as an aqueous - slurry of a crude kaolin clay dlspersed in water) is supplied to the housing chamber 4 via supply conduit 20, inle-t opening 6, bm:c;l - . . , ,., ~
)66 and ~perture lS. The mixture fills the space between the mat.rix elements 10 and 12 and then passes through the matrix elements in the direction o~ the th;.ckness dimension thereof normal to the directio.n of the hiyh intensity magnetic field the flux of which is passing longitudinally through the matrix elements. The mixture then fills the spaces between the remote surfaces o the matrix elements and the cylindrical wall surface of the chamber 4 and flows to the housiny outlet 8 via the apertures 2Z contained in i.solating plate 14. The ma~netizable impurity particles contained in the slu.rry are retained by maynetic attraction on the fibers vf the collectiny masses lOb and 12b contained in the canisters lOa and 12a.
It will be seen, therefore, that the mixture flows in parallel flow paths in the thickness direction throucJh the matri.x elements transverse to the dlrectlo~ of the magnetic field which is directed longitudinally through the housiny chamber 4. As is cornmon in the art, the supply of the mixture is then interrupted, and residual slurry is rinsed from the apparatus by a yentle ~ ~low o~ water.~ The coil 24 is then de-eneryized to interrupt the magnetic field and the flow of flux longitudlnally through the matrix elements, whereupon water is forced through the matrix elements to flush the particles of irnpurities which are collected on the fi~ers o~ the collector masses lOb and 12b out of the housing via outlet opening 8.
While only two parallel spaced relatively thin polygonal matrix elements have been illustratea in the embodiment o~ FiCfS. 1-3, i.t will be apparent that in accordance with the present invention, a plurality of parallel spaced polyyonal matrix elements could be provided t AS shown in ~ brn~
4a;~
Fig. 4, when a plurality of the polgonal matrix elements 110 r 112, 150 and 152 are provided, non-ferromagnetic planar divider plates 154 are provided in spaced parallel relation between the matrix elements on opposite sides of the center line of the housing chamber 104. The isolating plates 114 and 116 .l., contain apertures which are so arranged that the spaces on one side of the matrix elements communicate with the housing opening 106, and the spaces on the other sides of the matrix elements communicate with the housi.ng outle-t opening 108.
The pole pieces may be provided with corresponding longitudillally extending passages to assist in the flow of the mixture through ~:
the apparatus. Thusr the mixture flows into the chamber 104 via the inlet opening 106 and the passages l32b and the aper-tures contained in the isolating plate 116 into the appropriate spaces on one side of the matri.x elements. The mixture then flows in parallel paths in the thickness direction through the polygonal matrix elements in a direction transverse to the magnetic field established in the housiny chamber 104 by the coil means 124, and out from the housing chamber via the 20 . apertures contained in isolating plate 114~ passages 130b and the outlet opening 108. As in the embodiment of Figs. 1-3, the pole pieces 130 and 132 include pole faces which are provided with projecting ribs 130a and 132a opposite the matrix elements, whereby the flow of magnetic flux is concentra-ted longitudinally through the matrix elements 110, 112, 150 and 152, In accordance with a second embodiment of the invention~ the thin-section matrix elements are annular and are arranged ln concentrically spaced relation within the h~
housing chamber. More particularly, the housing 202 is of cylindrical cons-truction and includes a cylindrical chamber 204 in which are arranged in concentrically spaced relation a pair of annular matrix elements 210 and 212~ Arranged i.n concentrically spaced relation between the matrix elements in an annular impervious separator plate 254 that is formed of a suitable non-ferromagnetic material, such as non-magnetic stainless steel. A lower isolating plate 216 formed of a suitable ferromagnetic material is provi.ded containi.ng apertures which afford communication be-~een the spaces on one side oE ~.
the matrix elements with the inlet opening 206, and an upper isolating plate 218 formed of a suitable ferromagnetic materi.al containing apertures which afford communicat;.on between the spaces on the other sides of the matrix elements with the housing outlet opening 208, To facilitate the flow o~ the mix-ture through the apparatus, the upper and lower pole pieces 230 and 232 are prov:ided with appropriate longitudinal passages 230b and 232b, respectively~ In accordance with the present invention, means including the concentrically disposed coil 224 is provided for estaiblishing a magnetic field that extends longitudinally through the housing chamber 204 and l.ongitudinally throuyh the matrix elements 210 and 212, In order to concentra-te the flow of magnetic flux of the field longitudinally through the matrix elements 210 and 2IZ, the faces of the pole pleces 230 and 232 are provided with co~centrically arranged annular rihs 230a and 232a, respectively, opposite the matrix elemen ts .
As in the previous embod.iment, the matrix elements include hollow canisters 210a and 212a formed of a .: :
~- . ., , ,; -, , .,. , . ~
'' ., . . ~ , .. ~::: ' ':: i:, . .
non-ferromagnetic material, and masses of ferromagnetic fi.bers 210b and 212b, respectively. Preferably the fibers have a relatively short length (in the range o:E 1-}0 millimeters) as obtained, for example, by micro-pulverizing 430 magnekic stainless steel wool in a hammer mill. Furthermore, the fibers are preferably packed with a density of at least 8 percent by volume relative to the volume of the corresponding canister.
In operation, the mixture flows into the spaces on one side of the ma trix elements in parallel flow paths :Erom housing opening 206 via the longitudinal passayes 132b contai:ned in the lower pole piece 232 and the apertures contained in the isolating plate 216 The mixture then flows throuc~h the pervious inner wall of the canisters, through the ferromagnetic masses 210b and 212b in the thickness direction of the matrix elements transverse to the longitudinal maqnetic field concentrated in the matrix elements, and outwardly through the pervious outer walls of the matrix elements. The mixture then flows to the ~:
housing outlet 208 from the spaces on the outer sides of the matrix elements via apertures contained in the upper isolating plate 218 and the longitudinal passages 230b contained in the upper pole piece 230 and also the space between the upper pole piece 230 and the housing upper end portion 202b.
While in both embodiments the inlet and outlet openings have been illus trated as being at the lower and upper ends of the housing, respectively, it is apparent that the inlet and outlet openinqs might be reversed so that the mixture flows in the opposite direction through the separation apparatus. The actual number of planar polygonal or concentrically arranged annular matrix elements may be greatly ~m~
, - ~ ,: : -~ .:.. :. .
increased dependinq on the size of the separation apparatusl the only consideration being that the thickness dimension of each matrix element should be less than about 10 inches.
As an alternative to the mode of operation described above, the supply of the mixture may be in-terrupted, whereupon the residual slurry is rinsed from the apparatus by a gentle -flow of water. The water in the canister is displaced with compressed air, the magnet is de-ener~iæed, and the container is flushed. Before starting the supply o~ mix-ture again, it may also be desirable to displace the water in the canister from the flush step by means of compressed alr.
While in accordance with the provisions of the Patent Statutes the preferred forms and embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications ma~ ;
be made in the apparatus described withaut deviating from the inventive concepts set forth above.
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intensity magnetic field which extends longitudinally throu~h the housing chamber ~ and longitudinally -throuah the matrix elements 10 and 12 contained therein. In order to further concentrate the longitudinal flow o:F Elux through the housiny chamber 4, ferromagnetic pole pieces 30 and 32 are arranged at the upper and lower ends of the housing chamber in engagement with the isolating plate means 14 and 16. In accordance with an important feature o~ the invention, the pole faces of the pole pieces 30 and 32 inclucle linear rib portions 30a and 3~a, respectively, that are arranged opposite and parallel wi-~h the ma~rix elements 10 and 12. ~:
Each oF the matrix elements 10 and. 12 compri.ses a hollow canister lOa and ~2a that is filled with a su.itable :Eerromagnetic parti.cle collecting mass lOb and 12b, as :Eor example ma~net.izable steel wool. In accordance with an important feature of the invention, the particle collecting masses are preferably formed of relatively short fibers of : ~a ferromagnetic material.; More particularly, the length Oe the ferroma~netic short ~ibers is preferably in the range of 20. 1-lO millimeters, as produced, for example, by micro-pulveriæing : 43~ magnetic stainless steel wool in a hammer mill or similar ~:
device. Pre~erably the ferromagnetic particle collecting fibers are packed in the canisters with a relatively high density, i.e., with a density of at least 8 percent by volume relakive to the volume of the canisters.
As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the matrix elements 10 and 12 are of generally rectangular configuration, said matrix elements being arranged with their length dimension 1 extendi.ng longitudi.nally of the housing cha~ber 4. In accordance with !- .
~ bm~
the present invention, each of the matrix elements has a relatively thin thickness dimension t with regard to the width and length dimensions w and 1. Pre-ferably the thickness dimension t of each matrix element is less than about 10 inches.
Th2 parallel ~aces of the canisters 10a and 12a which define the thickness dimensions of the matrix elements are perforated to pexmit the flow of the mixture to be separated in the ~
thickness direction through the matri.x elemen-ts,. . -:i^
Preferably the housing 2 includes separable cylindrical body and conical top and bot-tom portions 2a, 2b, and 2cr respectively. The pole pieces 30 and 32 and the isolating plate means 14 a.nd 16 are removably mounted in the housing chamber to permit access to the matrix elements 10 and 12 for servicing, The pole pieces 30 and 32, -the isolating plate means 14 and 16 and the collector mass.es 10b and 12b are each formed o~ a suitable ferromagnetic material, and the remaining components (such as the housing 2 and the canisters 10a and 12a) are formed:of a suitable non-ferromagnetic material, such as : non-magnetic stainless steel. Preferably the high intensity magnetic field established in the housing chamber ~ by the coil 24 has an intensity of from 7,000 to 20,000 gauss, and preferably greater than 8,500 gauss~
Operation In operation, assume that -the coil 24 is energized to establish the high intensity magnetic field which extends longitudinally through the housing chamber 4 and the ma-trix elements 10 and 12, and that a mixture (~uch as an aqueous - slurry of a crude kaolin clay dlspersed in water) is supplied to the housing chamber 4 via supply conduit 20, inle-t opening 6, bm:c;l - . . , ,., ~
)66 and ~perture lS. The mixture fills the space between the mat.rix elements 10 and 12 and then passes through the matrix elements in the direction o~ the th;.ckness dimension thereof normal to the directio.n of the hiyh intensity magnetic field the flux of which is passing longitudinally through the matrix elements. The mixture then fills the spaces between the remote surfaces o the matrix elements and the cylindrical wall surface of the chamber 4 and flows to the housiny outlet 8 via the apertures 2Z contained in i.solating plate 14. The ma~netizable impurity particles contained in the slu.rry are retained by maynetic attraction on the fibers vf the collectiny masses lOb and 12b contained in the canisters lOa and 12a.
It will be seen, therefore, that the mixture flows in parallel flow paths in the thickness direction throucJh the matri.x elements transverse to the dlrectlo~ of the magnetic field which is directed longitudinally through the housiny chamber 4. As is cornmon in the art, the supply of the mixture is then interrupted, and residual slurry is rinsed from the apparatus by a yentle ~ ~low o~ water.~ The coil 24 is then de-eneryized to interrupt the magnetic field and the flow of flux longitudlnally through the matrix elements, whereupon water is forced through the matrix elements to flush the particles of irnpurities which are collected on the fi~ers o~ the collector masses lOb and 12b out of the housing via outlet opening 8.
While only two parallel spaced relatively thin polygonal matrix elements have been illustratea in the embodiment o~ FiCfS. 1-3, i.t will be apparent that in accordance with the present invention, a plurality of parallel spaced polyyonal matrix elements could be provided t AS shown in ~ brn~
4a;~
Fig. 4, when a plurality of the polgonal matrix elements 110 r 112, 150 and 152 are provided, non-ferromagnetic planar divider plates 154 are provided in spaced parallel relation between the matrix elements on opposite sides of the center line of the housing chamber 104. The isolating plates 114 and 116 .l., contain apertures which are so arranged that the spaces on one side of the matrix elements communicate with the housing opening 106, and the spaces on the other sides of the matrix elements communicate with the housi.ng outle-t opening 108.
The pole pieces may be provided with corresponding longitudillally extending passages to assist in the flow of the mixture through ~:
the apparatus. Thusr the mixture flows into the chamber 104 via the inlet opening 106 and the passages l32b and the aper-tures contained in the isolating plate 116 into the appropriate spaces on one side of the matri.x elements. The mixture then flows in parallel paths in the thickness direction through the polygonal matrix elements in a direction transverse to the magnetic field established in the housiny chamber 104 by the coil means 124, and out from the housing chamber via the 20 . apertures contained in isolating plate 114~ passages 130b and the outlet opening 108. As in the embodiment of Figs. 1-3, the pole pieces 130 and 132 include pole faces which are provided with projecting ribs 130a and 132a opposite the matrix elements, whereby the flow of magnetic flux is concentra-ted longitudinally through the matrix elements 110, 112, 150 and 152, In accordance with a second embodiment of the invention~ the thin-section matrix elements are annular and are arranged ln concentrically spaced relation within the h~
housing chamber. More particularly, the housing 202 is of cylindrical cons-truction and includes a cylindrical chamber 204 in which are arranged in concentrically spaced relation a pair of annular matrix elements 210 and 212~ Arranged i.n concentrically spaced relation between the matrix elements in an annular impervious separator plate 254 that is formed of a suitable non-ferromagnetic material, such as non-magnetic stainless steel. A lower isolating plate 216 formed of a suitable ferromagnetic material is provi.ded containi.ng apertures which afford communication be-~een the spaces on one side oE ~.
the matrix elements with the inlet opening 206, and an upper isolating plate 218 formed of a suitable ferromagnetic materi.al containing apertures which afford communicat;.on between the spaces on the other sides of the matrix elements with the housing outlet opening 208, To facilitate the flow o~ the mix-ture through the apparatus, the upper and lower pole pieces 230 and 232 are prov:ided with appropriate longitudinal passages 230b and 232b, respectively~ In accordance with the present invention, means including the concentrically disposed coil 224 is provided for estaiblishing a magnetic field that extends longitudinally through the housing chamber 204 and l.ongitudinally throuyh the matrix elements 210 and 212, In order to concentra-te the flow of magnetic flux of the field longitudinally through the matrix elements 210 and 2IZ, the faces of the pole pleces 230 and 232 are provided with co~centrically arranged annular rihs 230a and 232a, respectively, opposite the matrix elemen ts .
As in the previous embod.iment, the matrix elements include hollow canisters 210a and 212a formed of a .: :
~- . ., , ,; -, , .,. , . ~
'' ., . . ~ , .. ~::: ' ':: i:, . .
non-ferromagnetic material, and masses of ferromagnetic fi.bers 210b and 212b, respectively. Preferably the fibers have a relatively short length (in the range o:E 1-}0 millimeters) as obtained, for example, by micro-pulverizing 430 magnekic stainless steel wool in a hammer mill. Furthermore, the fibers are preferably packed with a density of at least 8 percent by volume relative to the volume of the corresponding canister.
In operation, the mixture flows into the spaces on one side of the ma trix elements in parallel flow paths :Erom housing opening 206 via the longitudinal passayes 132b contai:ned in the lower pole piece 232 and the apertures contained in the isolating plate 216 The mixture then flows throuc~h the pervious inner wall of the canisters, through the ferromagnetic masses 210b and 212b in the thickness direction of the matrix elements transverse to the longitudinal maqnetic field concentrated in the matrix elements, and outwardly through the pervious outer walls of the matrix elements. The mixture then flows to the ~:
housing outlet 208 from the spaces on the outer sides of the matrix elements via apertures contained in the upper isolating plate 218 and the longitudinal passages 230b contained in the upper pole piece 230 and also the space between the upper pole piece 230 and the housing upper end portion 202b.
While in both embodiments the inlet and outlet openings have been illus trated as being at the lower and upper ends of the housing, respectively, it is apparent that the inlet and outlet openinqs might be reversed so that the mixture flows in the opposite direction through the separation apparatus. The actual number of planar polygonal or concentrically arranged annular matrix elements may be greatly ~m~
, - ~ ,: : -~ .:.. :. .
increased dependinq on the size of the separation apparatusl the only consideration being that the thickness dimension of each matrix element should be less than about 10 inches.
As an alternative to the mode of operation described above, the supply of the mixture may be in-terrupted, whereupon the residual slurry is rinsed from the apparatus by a gentle -flow of water. The water in the canister is displaced with compressed air, the magnet is de-ener~iæed, and the container is flushed. Before starting the supply o~ mix-ture again, it may also be desirable to displace the water in the canister from the flush step by means of compressed alr.
While in accordance with the provisions of the Patent Statutes the preferred forms and embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications ma~ ;
be made in the apparatus described withaut deviating from the inventive concepts set forth above.
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Claims
THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. Thin-section-matrix magnetic separation apparatus for separating from a fluid-particle mixture particles having a given degree of magnetic susceptibility, comprising (a) a housing containing a chamber and including at opposite ends inlet and outlet openings communicating with said chamber;
(b) means for establishing a high intensity mag-netic field which extends through said housing chamber, said magnetic field establishing means including ferromagnetic pole members arranged at opposite ends of said chamber;
(c) matrix separation means arranged within said chamber, said matrix separation means comprising at least one ferromagnetic separation element having a thickness dimension that is small relative to the other dimension of the element;
(d) means for establishing the flow of the mix-ture from the chamber inlet opening to the chamber outlet opening:
(1) initially in a direction parallel with the magnetic field;
(2) subsequently in parallel flow paths transversely through said matrix elements in a direction nor-mal to the magnetic field; and (3) finally in a direction parallel with the magnetic field, whereby the particles are retained on said matrix elements during the flow of mixture through said chamber.
2. Thin-section-matrix magnetic separation apparatus for separating from a fluid-particle mixture particles having a given degree of magnetic susceptibility, comprising (a) a housing containing a chamber and including at opposite ends inlet and outlet openings communicating with said chamber;
(b) matrix separation means arranged within said housing chamber, said matrix separation means comprising at least one matrix element including a relatively-thin hollow body, and a mass of ferromagnetic particles filling said body, said matrix element having a thickness dimension that is small relative to the other dimension of the chamber, the vertical walls of said body being pervious.
(c) means for establishing a high intensity mag-netic field extending vertically through said chamber, said field establishing means including (1) a pair of ferromagnetic pole members arranged below and above said matrix element adjacent said inlet and outlet openings, respectively, and (2) annular coil means arranged concentri-cally about said housing, said coil means being arranged for establishing a magnetic field extending vertically through said matrix element between said pole members;
and (d) means for establishing flow of the liquid particle mixture from said inlet opening to said outlet opening (1) initially vertically in a direction parallel with the magnetic field, (2) subsequently horizontally in parallel horizontal flow paths through said matrix element in the direction of the thickness dimension thereof normal to the magnetic field, and (3) finally vertically in a direction parallel with the magnetic field, whereby the particles of the mixture are retained on the matrix element during the flow of the mixture through the chamber.
3. Apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein a plur-ality of matrix elements are provided each having a thickness dimension less than about ten inches.
4. Apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein each of said matrix elements has a generally planar polygonal configuration.
5. Apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein said matrix elements are annular and are arranged in concen-trically spaced relation relative to the vertical axis of said housing chamber and spaced from the adjacent wall of the housing chamber.
6. Apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein the faces of said pole members adjacent the ends of said matrix ele-ments include means for concentrating the flow of magnetic flux longitudinally through said matrix elements, respec-tively.
7. Apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein said matrix elements are of rectangular configuration, said matrix elements being parallel, spaced and arranged with their length dimensions extending vertically and with their width dimensions extending horizontally.
8. Apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein said mixture flow establishing means includes first means afford-ing communication between one of said inlet and outlet openings and the space adjacent one thickness-defining face of each of the matrix elements, respectively, and second means affording communication between the other of said inlet and outlet openings and the space adjacent the other thickness-defining face of each of said matrix elements, respectively.
9. Apparatus as defined in claim 8, wherein each of said first and second communication affording means com-prises a horizontal plate seated on the ends of said matrix elements and extending in said housing chamber normal to the direction of the magnetic field, said plate containing openings arranged for the flow of the mixture therethrough.
10. Apparatus as defined in claim 9, and further in-cluding planar non-ferromagnetic divider elements arranged in parallel spaced relation between at least some of said matrix elements and extending vertically between said flow establishing plates, and further including means on the faces of said pole members for concentrating the flow of flux of said magnetic field longitudinally through said matrix elements 11. Apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein said mass of ferro-magnetic particles comprises a mass of ferromagnetic fibers having lengths between 1 to 10 millimeters.
12. Apparatus as defined in claim 11, wherein said mass of ferromagnetic fibers is packed in said hollow body with a density of at least 8 percent volume of fibers relative to the volume of said hollow body.
13. Thin-section-matrix magnetic separation apparatus for separating from a fluid-particle mixture particles having a given degree of magnetic susceptibility, comprising (a) a housing containing a chamber and including at opposite ends inlet and outlet openings communicating with said chamber;
(b) means for establishing a high intensity magnetic field which extends longitudinally across said housing chamber, said magnetic field establishing means including ferromagnetic pole members arranged at opposite ends of said chamber;
(c) matrix separation means arranged longitudi-nally in said housing chamber within said magnetic field, said matrix means including a plurality of parallel spaced linear polygonal ferromagnetic matrix separation elements extending longitudinally of said housing generally parallel with said magnetic field, each of said elements having a thickness dimension that is small relative to the other dimensions of the element;
(d) means for concentrating the flow of magnetic flux longitudinally through said matrix elements, comprising linear rib means arranged on the adjacent faces of said pole members, respectively, said rib means being directly opposite and extending parallel with said matrix elements, respectively; and (e) means for establishing the flow of the mixture from the chamber inlet opening to the chamber outet opening:
(1) initially in a longitudinal direction parallel with the magnetic field;
(2) subsequently in parallel flow paths transversely through said matrix elements in a direction normal to the magnetic field; and (3) finally in a direction parallel with the magnetic field, whereby the particles are retained on said matrix elements during the flow of mixture through said chamber.
14. Thin-section-matrix magnetic separation apparatus for separating from a fluid-particle mixture particles having a given degree of magnetic sisceptibility, comprising (a) a housing containing a chamber and including at opposite ends inlet and outlet openings communicating with said chamber;
(b) means for establishing a high intensity magnetic field which extends longitudinally across said housing chamber, said magnetic field establishing means including ferromagnetic pole members arranged at opposite ends of said chamber;
(c) matrix separation means arranged longitudi-nally in said housing chamber within said magnetic field, said matrix means including a plurality of concentrically spaced annular ferromagnetic matrix separation elements extending longitudinally of said housing generally parallel with said magnetic field, each of said elements having a thickness dimension that is small relative to the other dimensions of the element;
(d) means for concentrating the flow of magnetic flux longitudinally through said matrix elements, comprising concentric annular rib means arranged on the adjacent faces of said pole members, respectively, said rib means being directly opposite said matrix elements, respectively;
(e) means for establishing the flow of the mixture from the chamber inlet opening to the chamber outlet opening;
(1) initially in a longitudinal direction parallel with the magnetic field;
(2) subsequently in parallel flow paths transversely through said matrix elements in a direction normal to the magnetic field; and (3) finally in a direction parallel with the magnetic field, whereby the particles are retained on said matrix elements during the flow of mixture through said chamber 15. Thin-section-matric separation apparatus for separating from a fluid-particle mixture particles having (claim 15 continued) a given degree of magnetic susceptibility, comprising (a) a housing containing a chamber and including at opposite ends inlet and outlet openings communicating with said chamber;
(b) means including a coil arranged concentrically about said housing for establishing a high intensity magnetic field which extends longitudinally through said housing chamber, and ferromagnetic pole members arranged at opposite ends of said housing chamber;
(c) matrix separation means arranged longitudi-nally in said housing chamber within said magnetic field, said matrix means including a plurality of parallel spaced ferromagnetic matrix separation elements extending generally parallel with said magnetic field, each of said elements comprising (l) a hollow canister formed of a non-ferromagnetic material, and (2) a mass of short ferromagnetic fibers filling said canister, (3) the thickness dimension of said canister being samll relative to the other dimensions thereof, the walls of said canister which define the thickness dimension of the matrix element being pervious to permit the flow of the mixture through the matrix element in the direction of the thickness dimension thereof; and (d) means for establishing the flow of the mixture from the chamber inlet opening to the chamber outlet opening (1) initially in a longitudinal direction parallel with the magnetic field;
(2) subsequently in parallel flow paths transversely through said matrix elements in a direction normal to the magnetic field, and (3) finally in direction parallel with the magnetic field, whereby the particles are retained on said matrix elements during the flow of mixture through said chamber.
16. Apparatus as defined in claim 15 wherein the length of said ferromagnetic fibers is on the order of 1-10 millimeters, and further wherein the density of the fiber mass in said canister is greater than 8% by volume relative to the volume of the canister.
17. Apparatus as defined in claim 16, wherein said ferromagnetic fibers comprise micro-pulverized magnetic stainless steel wool.
18. Thin-section-matrix magnetic separation apparatus for separating from a fluid-particle mixture particles having a given degree of magnetic susceptibility, comprising (a) a housing containing a chamber and including at opposite ends inlet and outlet openings communicating with said chamber;
(b) means for establishing a high intensity magnetic field which extends longitudinally across said housing chamber, said magnetic field establishing means (claim 18 continued) including coil means arranged in concentrically spaced relation about said housing, and ferromagnetic pole members arranged at opposite ends of said housing chamber, said magnetic field having an intensity of at least 8500 gauss;
(c) matrix separation means arranged longitudinally in said housing chamber within said magnetic field, said matrix means including a plurality of parallel spaced ferromagnetic matrix separation elements extending longi-tudinally of said housing generally parallel with said magnetic field, each of said elements having a thickness dimension that is small relative to the other dimensions of the element; and (d) means for establishing the flow of the mixture from the chamber inlet opening to the chamber outlet opening (1) initially in a longitudinal direction parallel with the magnetic field;
(2) subsequently in parallel flow paths transversely through said matrix elements in a direction normal to the magnetic field, and (3) finally in a direction parallel with the magnetic field, whereby the particles are retained on said matrix elements during the flow of mixture through said chamber.
Thin-section-matrix magnetic separation apparatus for separating from a fluid-particle mixture particles having a given degree of magnetic susceptibility, comprising (claim 19 continued) (a) a cylindrical housing containing a chamber and including at opposite ends inlet and outlet openings communicating with said chamber, said housing being arranged with its longitudinal axis extending vertically;
(b) means for establishing a high intensity magnetic field which extends longitudinally across said housing chamber;
(c) matrix separation means arranged longitudinally in said housing chamber within said magnetic field, said matrix means including a plurality of parallel concen-trically spaced annular ferromagnetic matrix separation elements extending longitudinally of said housing generally parallel with said magnetic field, each of said elements having a thickness dimension that is small relative to the other dimensions of the element;
(d) impervious annular divider elements arranged in concentrically spaced relation between successive annular matrix elements, respectively; and (e) means for establishing the flow of the mixture from the chamber inlet opening to the chamber outlet opening (1) initially in a longitudinal direction parallel with the magnetic field;
(2) subsequently in parallel flow paths transversely through said matrix elements in a direction normal to the magnetic field, and (3) finally in a direction parallel with the field, whereby the particles are retained on said matrix elements during the flow of mixture through said chamber, (4) said flow establishing means including a pair of planar isolating plate means arranged at opposite ends of said matrix elements for isolating the annular chambers between said matrix and divider elements from said housing inlet and outlet openings, respectively, one of said isolating plate means containing apertures affording communication between one of said housing inlet and outlet Openings and the annular spaces adjacent one side of the matrix elements, respectively, the other of said isolating plate means containing apertures affording communication between the other of said housing inlet and outlet openings and the annular spaces on the other side of each of said matrix elements, respectively.
20. Apparatus as defined in claim 19, wherein said isolating plate means are each formed of a ferromagnetic material.
21. The method for separating from a fluid-particle mixture particles having a given degree of magnetic Sue-ceptibility relative to the magnetic susceptibility of the remaining matter, which comprises the steps of (a) supplying the mixture to the inlet opening of a chamber containing a plurality of parallel spaced ferro-magnetic matrix separator elements, each of said matrix elements having a thickness dimension which is smaller than its other dimensions, said matrix element including a hollow body containing a mass of ferromagnetic particles, the opposed walls of said body defining the thickness dimension of the matrix element being pervious, the density of said mass of particles being greater then 8 percent volume relative to the volume of the body, said chamber containing a pair of pole members arranged at opposite ends of said matrix separator elements, respectively;
(b) directing a high intensity magnetic field through said chamber in a direction between said pole members parallel with the longitudinal axes of said matrix elements, whereby the direction of the magnetic field is normal to the thickness dimension of each of said matrix elements; and (c) causing said mixture to flow in parallel flow paths through said matrix elements in the direction of the thickness dimension thereof transverse to the magnetic field, and out of said chamber through an outlet opening thereof, whereby the particles are retained on said matrix elements, whereby the length of the flow path between the inlet and outlet openings may be varied relative to the fixed gap between the pole members.
22. The method as defined in claim 21, and further including the steps of (d) rinsing residual mixture from the chamber;
(e) interrupting the magnetic field; and (f) flushing from the matrix elements the particles which are collected thereon.
23. The method as defined in claim 21 wherein said chamber is cylindrical, and wherein said elements and said magnetic field extend longitudinally of the chamber.
24. The method as defined in claim 21, wherein said matrix elements are generally planar polygonal elements.
25. The method as defined in claim 24, wherein said matrix elements are rectangular, the elements being arranged with their length dimensions extending longitudinally of the chamber.
26. The method as defined in claim 23, wherein said matrix elements are annular and are arranged in concentrically spaced relation within, and concentrically spaced from the cylindrical wall of the chamber.
27. The method as recited in claim 21, wherein each of the matrix elements includes a mass of short ferromagnetic fibers the lengths of which are between about 1 to 10 millimeters.
28. The method as defined in claim 21, and further including the steps of d) interrupting the mixture and rinsing the residual mixture from the chamber with a gentle flow of water;
(e) introducing compressed air in the chamber to remove the remaining liquid therefrom;
(f) interrupting the magnetic field;
(g) flushing from the matrix elements the particles which are collected thereon; and (h) repeating step (e).
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. Thin-section-matrix magnetic separation apparatus for separating from a fluid-particle mixture particles having a given degree of magnetic susceptibility, comprising (a) a housing containing a chamber and including at opposite ends inlet and outlet openings communicating with said chamber;
(b) means for establishing a high intensity mag-netic field which extends through said housing chamber, said magnetic field establishing means including ferromagnetic pole members arranged at opposite ends of said chamber;
(c) matrix separation means arranged within said chamber, said matrix separation means comprising at least one ferromagnetic separation element having a thickness dimension that is small relative to the other dimension of the element;
(d) means for establishing the flow of the mix-ture from the chamber inlet opening to the chamber outlet opening:
(1) initially in a direction parallel with the magnetic field;
(2) subsequently in parallel flow paths transversely through said matrix elements in a direction nor-mal to the magnetic field; and (3) finally in a direction parallel with the magnetic field, whereby the particles are retained on said matrix elements during the flow of mixture through said chamber.
2. Thin-section-matrix magnetic separation apparatus for separating from a fluid-particle mixture particles having a given degree of magnetic susceptibility, comprising (a) a housing containing a chamber and including at opposite ends inlet and outlet openings communicating with said chamber;
(b) matrix separation means arranged within said housing chamber, said matrix separation means comprising at least one matrix element including a relatively-thin hollow body, and a mass of ferromagnetic particles filling said body, said matrix element having a thickness dimension that is small relative to the other dimension of the chamber, the vertical walls of said body being pervious.
(c) means for establishing a high intensity mag-netic field extending vertically through said chamber, said field establishing means including (1) a pair of ferromagnetic pole members arranged below and above said matrix element adjacent said inlet and outlet openings, respectively, and (2) annular coil means arranged concentri-cally about said housing, said coil means being arranged for establishing a magnetic field extending vertically through said matrix element between said pole members;
and (d) means for establishing flow of the liquid particle mixture from said inlet opening to said outlet opening (1) initially vertically in a direction parallel with the magnetic field, (2) subsequently horizontally in parallel horizontal flow paths through said matrix element in the direction of the thickness dimension thereof normal to the magnetic field, and (3) finally vertically in a direction parallel with the magnetic field, whereby the particles of the mixture are retained on the matrix element during the flow of the mixture through the chamber.
3. Apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein a plur-ality of matrix elements are provided each having a thickness dimension less than about ten inches.
4. Apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein each of said matrix elements has a generally planar polygonal configuration.
5. Apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein said matrix elements are annular and are arranged in concen-trically spaced relation relative to the vertical axis of said housing chamber and spaced from the adjacent wall of the housing chamber.
6. Apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein the faces of said pole members adjacent the ends of said matrix ele-ments include means for concentrating the flow of magnetic flux longitudinally through said matrix elements, respec-tively.
7. Apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein said matrix elements are of rectangular configuration, said matrix elements being parallel, spaced and arranged with their length dimensions extending vertically and with their width dimensions extending horizontally.
8. Apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein said mixture flow establishing means includes first means afford-ing communication between one of said inlet and outlet openings and the space adjacent one thickness-defining face of each of the matrix elements, respectively, and second means affording communication between the other of said inlet and outlet openings and the space adjacent the other thickness-defining face of each of said matrix elements, respectively.
9. Apparatus as defined in claim 8, wherein each of said first and second communication affording means com-prises a horizontal plate seated on the ends of said matrix elements and extending in said housing chamber normal to the direction of the magnetic field, said plate containing openings arranged for the flow of the mixture therethrough.
10. Apparatus as defined in claim 9, and further in-cluding planar non-ferromagnetic divider elements arranged in parallel spaced relation between at least some of said matrix elements and extending vertically between said flow establishing plates, and further including means on the faces of said pole members for concentrating the flow of flux of said magnetic field longitudinally through said matrix elements 11. Apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein said mass of ferro-magnetic particles comprises a mass of ferromagnetic fibers having lengths between 1 to 10 millimeters.
12. Apparatus as defined in claim 11, wherein said mass of ferromagnetic fibers is packed in said hollow body with a density of at least 8 percent volume of fibers relative to the volume of said hollow body.
13. Thin-section-matrix magnetic separation apparatus for separating from a fluid-particle mixture particles having a given degree of magnetic susceptibility, comprising (a) a housing containing a chamber and including at opposite ends inlet and outlet openings communicating with said chamber;
(b) means for establishing a high intensity magnetic field which extends longitudinally across said housing chamber, said magnetic field establishing means including ferromagnetic pole members arranged at opposite ends of said chamber;
(c) matrix separation means arranged longitudi-nally in said housing chamber within said magnetic field, said matrix means including a plurality of parallel spaced linear polygonal ferromagnetic matrix separation elements extending longitudinally of said housing generally parallel with said magnetic field, each of said elements having a thickness dimension that is small relative to the other dimensions of the element;
(d) means for concentrating the flow of magnetic flux longitudinally through said matrix elements, comprising linear rib means arranged on the adjacent faces of said pole members, respectively, said rib means being directly opposite and extending parallel with said matrix elements, respectively; and (e) means for establishing the flow of the mixture from the chamber inlet opening to the chamber outet opening:
(1) initially in a longitudinal direction parallel with the magnetic field;
(2) subsequently in parallel flow paths transversely through said matrix elements in a direction normal to the magnetic field; and (3) finally in a direction parallel with the magnetic field, whereby the particles are retained on said matrix elements during the flow of mixture through said chamber.
14. Thin-section-matrix magnetic separation apparatus for separating from a fluid-particle mixture particles having a given degree of magnetic sisceptibility, comprising (a) a housing containing a chamber and including at opposite ends inlet and outlet openings communicating with said chamber;
(b) means for establishing a high intensity magnetic field which extends longitudinally across said housing chamber, said magnetic field establishing means including ferromagnetic pole members arranged at opposite ends of said chamber;
(c) matrix separation means arranged longitudi-nally in said housing chamber within said magnetic field, said matrix means including a plurality of concentrically spaced annular ferromagnetic matrix separation elements extending longitudinally of said housing generally parallel with said magnetic field, each of said elements having a thickness dimension that is small relative to the other dimensions of the element;
(d) means for concentrating the flow of magnetic flux longitudinally through said matrix elements, comprising concentric annular rib means arranged on the adjacent faces of said pole members, respectively, said rib means being directly opposite said matrix elements, respectively;
(e) means for establishing the flow of the mixture from the chamber inlet opening to the chamber outlet opening;
(1) initially in a longitudinal direction parallel with the magnetic field;
(2) subsequently in parallel flow paths transversely through said matrix elements in a direction normal to the magnetic field; and (3) finally in a direction parallel with the magnetic field, whereby the particles are retained on said matrix elements during the flow of mixture through said chamber 15. Thin-section-matric separation apparatus for separating from a fluid-particle mixture particles having (claim 15 continued) a given degree of magnetic susceptibility, comprising (a) a housing containing a chamber and including at opposite ends inlet and outlet openings communicating with said chamber;
(b) means including a coil arranged concentrically about said housing for establishing a high intensity magnetic field which extends longitudinally through said housing chamber, and ferromagnetic pole members arranged at opposite ends of said housing chamber;
(c) matrix separation means arranged longitudi-nally in said housing chamber within said magnetic field, said matrix means including a plurality of parallel spaced ferromagnetic matrix separation elements extending generally parallel with said magnetic field, each of said elements comprising (l) a hollow canister formed of a non-ferromagnetic material, and (2) a mass of short ferromagnetic fibers filling said canister, (3) the thickness dimension of said canister being samll relative to the other dimensions thereof, the walls of said canister which define the thickness dimension of the matrix element being pervious to permit the flow of the mixture through the matrix element in the direction of the thickness dimension thereof; and (d) means for establishing the flow of the mixture from the chamber inlet opening to the chamber outlet opening (1) initially in a longitudinal direction parallel with the magnetic field;
(2) subsequently in parallel flow paths transversely through said matrix elements in a direction normal to the magnetic field, and (3) finally in direction parallel with the magnetic field, whereby the particles are retained on said matrix elements during the flow of mixture through said chamber.
16. Apparatus as defined in claim 15 wherein the length of said ferromagnetic fibers is on the order of 1-10 millimeters, and further wherein the density of the fiber mass in said canister is greater than 8% by volume relative to the volume of the canister.
17. Apparatus as defined in claim 16, wherein said ferromagnetic fibers comprise micro-pulverized magnetic stainless steel wool.
18. Thin-section-matrix magnetic separation apparatus for separating from a fluid-particle mixture particles having a given degree of magnetic susceptibility, comprising (a) a housing containing a chamber and including at opposite ends inlet and outlet openings communicating with said chamber;
(b) means for establishing a high intensity magnetic field which extends longitudinally across said housing chamber, said magnetic field establishing means (claim 18 continued) including coil means arranged in concentrically spaced relation about said housing, and ferromagnetic pole members arranged at opposite ends of said housing chamber, said magnetic field having an intensity of at least 8500 gauss;
(c) matrix separation means arranged longitudinally in said housing chamber within said magnetic field, said matrix means including a plurality of parallel spaced ferromagnetic matrix separation elements extending longi-tudinally of said housing generally parallel with said magnetic field, each of said elements having a thickness dimension that is small relative to the other dimensions of the element; and (d) means for establishing the flow of the mixture from the chamber inlet opening to the chamber outlet opening (1) initially in a longitudinal direction parallel with the magnetic field;
(2) subsequently in parallel flow paths transversely through said matrix elements in a direction normal to the magnetic field, and (3) finally in a direction parallel with the magnetic field, whereby the particles are retained on said matrix elements during the flow of mixture through said chamber.
Thin-section-matrix magnetic separation apparatus for separating from a fluid-particle mixture particles having a given degree of magnetic susceptibility, comprising (claim 19 continued) (a) a cylindrical housing containing a chamber and including at opposite ends inlet and outlet openings communicating with said chamber, said housing being arranged with its longitudinal axis extending vertically;
(b) means for establishing a high intensity magnetic field which extends longitudinally across said housing chamber;
(c) matrix separation means arranged longitudinally in said housing chamber within said magnetic field, said matrix means including a plurality of parallel concen-trically spaced annular ferromagnetic matrix separation elements extending longitudinally of said housing generally parallel with said magnetic field, each of said elements having a thickness dimension that is small relative to the other dimensions of the element;
(d) impervious annular divider elements arranged in concentrically spaced relation between successive annular matrix elements, respectively; and (e) means for establishing the flow of the mixture from the chamber inlet opening to the chamber outlet opening (1) initially in a longitudinal direction parallel with the magnetic field;
(2) subsequently in parallel flow paths transversely through said matrix elements in a direction normal to the magnetic field, and (3) finally in a direction parallel with the field, whereby the particles are retained on said matrix elements during the flow of mixture through said chamber, (4) said flow establishing means including a pair of planar isolating plate means arranged at opposite ends of said matrix elements for isolating the annular chambers between said matrix and divider elements from said housing inlet and outlet openings, respectively, one of said isolating plate means containing apertures affording communication between one of said housing inlet and outlet Openings and the annular spaces adjacent one side of the matrix elements, respectively, the other of said isolating plate means containing apertures affording communication between the other of said housing inlet and outlet openings and the annular spaces on the other side of each of said matrix elements, respectively.
20. Apparatus as defined in claim 19, wherein said isolating plate means are each formed of a ferromagnetic material.
21. The method for separating from a fluid-particle mixture particles having a given degree of magnetic Sue-ceptibility relative to the magnetic susceptibility of the remaining matter, which comprises the steps of (a) supplying the mixture to the inlet opening of a chamber containing a plurality of parallel spaced ferro-magnetic matrix separator elements, each of said matrix elements having a thickness dimension which is smaller than its other dimensions, said matrix element including a hollow body containing a mass of ferromagnetic particles, the opposed walls of said body defining the thickness dimension of the matrix element being pervious, the density of said mass of particles being greater then 8 percent volume relative to the volume of the body, said chamber containing a pair of pole members arranged at opposite ends of said matrix separator elements, respectively;
(b) directing a high intensity magnetic field through said chamber in a direction between said pole members parallel with the longitudinal axes of said matrix elements, whereby the direction of the magnetic field is normal to the thickness dimension of each of said matrix elements; and (c) causing said mixture to flow in parallel flow paths through said matrix elements in the direction of the thickness dimension thereof transverse to the magnetic field, and out of said chamber through an outlet opening thereof, whereby the particles are retained on said matrix elements, whereby the length of the flow path between the inlet and outlet openings may be varied relative to the fixed gap between the pole members.
22. The method as defined in claim 21, and further including the steps of (d) rinsing residual mixture from the chamber;
(e) interrupting the magnetic field; and (f) flushing from the matrix elements the particles which are collected thereon.
23. The method as defined in claim 21 wherein said chamber is cylindrical, and wherein said elements and said magnetic field extend longitudinally of the chamber.
24. The method as defined in claim 21, wherein said matrix elements are generally planar polygonal elements.
25. The method as defined in claim 24, wherein said matrix elements are rectangular, the elements being arranged with their length dimensions extending longitudinally of the chamber.
26. The method as defined in claim 23, wherein said matrix elements are annular and are arranged in concentrically spaced relation within, and concentrically spaced from the cylindrical wall of the chamber.
27. The method as recited in claim 21, wherein each of the matrix elements includes a mass of short ferromagnetic fibers the lengths of which are between about 1 to 10 millimeters.
28. The method as defined in claim 21, and further including the steps of d) interrupting the mixture and rinsing the residual mixture from the chamber with a gentle flow of water;
(e) introducing compressed air in the chamber to remove the remaining liquid therefrom;
(f) interrupting the magnetic field;
(g) flushing from the matrix elements the particles which are collected thereon; and (h) repeating step (e).
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA292,615A CA1104066A (en) | 1977-12-07 | 1977-12-07 | Thin-section-matrix magnetic separation apparatus and method |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA292,615A CA1104066A (en) | 1977-12-07 | 1977-12-07 | Thin-section-matrix magnetic separation apparatus and method |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1104066A true CA1104066A (en) | 1981-06-30 |
Family
ID=4110231
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA292,615A Expired CA1104066A (en) | 1977-12-07 | 1977-12-07 | Thin-section-matrix magnetic separation apparatus and method |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1104066A (en) |
-
1977
- 1977-12-07 CA CA292,615A patent/CA1104066A/en not_active Expired
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