TECHNIQUES FOR SELECTIVE MAGNETIC SEPARATION OF FINE PARTICLES

ABSTRACT

Magnetic separation as a particle-particle or particle-fluid separation technique has been extended to be effective for particulates with the smallest known magnetic susceptibility. Most commonly found materials are diamagnetic but the effectiveness of high magnetic field gradient separators for even these very weakly magnetic materials makes it difficult to separate more magnetic species of particles from them. The selectivity of such separations has been improved by matrix design and by several separation techniques. Regular arrays of matrix wires can be arranged according to the calculated field profile to exclude regions of capture for magnetic particulates of positive or negative susceptibility. The magnetic field orientation with respect to the array provides control over the competition between magnetic capture forces and those of fluid flow. The size of particle depletion regions in model arrays depends on particle size and susceptibility and suggests a method of measurement of these even for submicron particulates.     

Some old and new concepts in magnetic separation

Magnetic fields, or regions of a magnetic field have been termed isodynamic, katadynamic or anadynamic. Force constant in magnitude throughout an isodynamic field region has proved useful in concentrating particles according to slight differences in magnetic susceptibilities. In the kata-dynamic field region the highest gradients of magnetic intensity, and consequently the greatest magnetic force can be applied to a particle. The anadynamic magnetic field region, in which the force on a particle decreases in magnitude in the direction in which field intensity increases, functions in creating a magnetic barrier at which particles of low paramagnetic or diamagnetic susceptibility can be separated. The work of S.G. Frantz Co., Inc. has been concentrated since it was founded some 40 years ago in the development and manufacture of magnetic separation equipment for mineral investigation and for industrial processing. The teaching of the Company's founder, the late Samuel G. Frantz is fundamental to today's art of magnetic separation.     

On-chip diamagnetic repulsion in continuous flow

We explore the potential of a microfluidic continuous flow particle separation system based on the repulsion of diamagnetic materials from a high magnetic field. Diamagnetic polystyrene particles in paramagnetic manganese (II) chloride solution were pumped into a microfluidic chamber and their deflection behaviour in a high magnetic field applied by a superconducting magnet was investigated. Two particle sizes (5 and 10 μm) were examined in two concentrations of MnCl₂ (6 and 10%). The larger particles were repelled to a greater extent than the smaller ones, and the effect was greatly enhanced when the particles were suspended in a higher concentration of MnCl₂. These findings indicate that the system could be viable for the separation of materials of differing size and/or diamagnetic susceptibility, and as such could be suitable for the separation and sorting of small biological species for subsequent studies.     

On-chip diamagnetic repulsion in continuous flow

Abstract

We explore the potential of a microfluidic continuous flow particle separation system based on the repulsion of diamagnetic materials from a high magnetic field. Diamagnetic polystyrene particles in paramagnetic manganese (II) chloride solution were pumped into a microfluidic chamber and their deflection behaviour in a high magnetic field applied by a superconducting magnet was investigated. Two particle sizes (5 and 10 μm) were examined in two concentrations of MnCl₂ (6 and 10%). The larger particles were repelled to a greater extent than the smaller ones, and the effect was greatly enhanced when the particles were suspended in a higher concentration of MnCl₂. These findings indicate that the system could be viable for the separation of materials of differing size and/or diamagnetic susceptibility, and as such could be suitable for the separation and sorting of small biological species for subsequent studies.     

Dynamic capture and accumulation of multiple types of magnetic particles based on fully coupled multiphysics model in multiwire matrix for high-gradient magnetic separation

High-gradient magnetic separation (HGMS) effectively separates fine weakly magnetic minerals using a magnetic matrix. The basic principle of single-wire capture of magnetic particles in HGMS has received considerable attention. In practice, however, a real matrix is made of numerous magnetic wires. Transport of magnetic particles inside a multiwire matrix under various operating conditions has not been sufficiently investigated, and it is not clear whether single-wire and multiwire matrices differ significantly. A fully coupled multiphysics model based on the idealized capture model was developed to investigate the 2D capture and accumulation of multiple types of particles in single-wire and multiwire matrices. In this model, the properties of multiple types of particles were defined. Then, particle tracing via the fluid flow model was used to calculate the dynamic capture and accumulation of particles under the determined magnetic and flow fields. The time-dependent dynamic capture mode used in this study can reveal the details of particle capture and accumulation in single-wire and multiwire matrices. All the calculations and analyses indicate that single-wire and multiwire matrices both exhibit basically the similar capture tendency as the particle size, slurry feed velocity, and magnetic induction are gradually increased, and a single-wire matrix always has a much higher capture selectivity than a multiwire matrix. This difference in selectivity between the single-wire and multiwire matrices results mainly from magnetic coupling between magnetic wires in the multiwire matrix, where the fluid flow is also quite complicated. In addition, adjacent columns of wires are staggered vertically, increasing the probability of collisions between the particles and the wires; thus, intergrowth particles that are not captured by the upstream wires are more easily captured by the downstream wires. By comparing the experimental results with the simulation results, the correctness of the HGMS recovery and grade prediction results was verified.     

On-chip free-flow magnetophoresis: continuous flow separation of magnetic particles and agglomerates

The separation of magnetic microparticles was achieved by on-chip free-flow magnetophoresis. In continuous flow, magnetic particles were deflected from the direction of laminar flow by a perpendicular magnetic field depending on their magnetic susceptibility and size and on the flow rate. Magnetic particles could thus be separated from each other and from nonmagnetic materials. Magnetic and nonmagnetic particles were introduced into a microfluidic separation chamber, and their deflection was studied under the microscope. The magnetic particles were 2.0 and 4.5 microm in diameter with magnetic susceptibilities of 1.12 x 10(-4) and 1.6 x 10(-4) m(3) kg(-1), respectively. The 4.5-microm particles with the larger susceptibility were deflected further from the direction of laminar flow than the 2.0-microm magnetic particles. Nonmagnetic 6-microm polystyrene beads, however, were not deflected at all. Furthermore, agglomerates of magnetic particles were found to be deflected to a larger extent than single magnetic particles. The applied flow rate and the strength and gradient of the applied magnetic field were the key parameters in controlling the deflection. This separation method has a wide applicability since magnetic particles are commonly used in bioanalysis as a solid support material for antigens, antibodies, DNA, and even cells. Free-flow magnetophoretic separations could be hyphenated with other microfluidic devices for reaction and analysis steps to form a micro total analysis system.     

Shape effect of the matrix on the capture cross section of particles in high gradient magnetic separation

A high gradient magnetic separator consists of a region of a high and approximately uniform magnetic field and a ferromagnetic matrix of fine wires which distort the field and produce large local gradients. As a particle is carried through the separator by a carrying fluid, both magnetic forces and drag forces are exerted on it. In order to gain insight into the capture mechanism, the drag and magnetic forces on a spherical paramagnetic particle were examined. The equilibrium of these forces defines the path of the particle as it passes by a matrix element. It is shown that for any geometry the particle motion is a function of two dimensionless variables. A computer with a plotter was used to compute the particle paths. In order to provide for most flexibility the magnetic field is that of a magnetized elliptical cylinder with any orientation with respect to the background field and flow stream, while the flow velocities are those corresponding to another elliptical cylinder of different configuration and orientation which allows computation of the change of capture cross section as the matrix element collects material. Examples of particle orbits and changes of capture cross section are given inthe paper for various aspect ratios of the original matrix element.     

Effects of concentration and characteristic distributions on electromagnetic separation of polydisperse mixtures

The effect of concentration of particulates on electromagnetic and gravitational forces applied to polydisperse mixtures is considered. It is shown that hydrodynamic properties, density, and susceptibility differences, and hence the related forces, are concentration dependent. Examples of particle trajectories flowing across a magnetized wire illustrate the role of concentration as regards flow patterns and capture probabilities. Higher concentration is associated with increased hindrance to deflection of particulates towards the wire, i.e., particles tend to follow streamlines of the fluid. Flow of polydisperse mixtures is dependent not only on concentration but also on particle size, density, and susceptibility distributions. In this context the relevant equations, related to constant and variable force field, are derived and their physical significance discussed.     

Optimization of Pathogen Capture in Flowing Fluids with Magnetic Nanoparticles

Magnetic nanoparticles have been employed to capture pathogens for many biological applications; however, optimal particle sizes have been determined empirically in specific capturing protocols. Here, a theoretical model that simulates capture of bacteria is described and used to calculate bacterial collision frequencies and magnetophoretic properties for a range of particle sizes. The model predicts that particles with a diameter of 460 nm should produce optimal separation of bacteria in buffer flowing at 1 L h⁻¹. Validating the predictive power of the model, Staphylococcus aureus is separated from buffer and blood flowing through magnetic capture devices using six different sizes of magnetic particles. Experimental magnetic separation in buffer conditions confirms that particles with a diameter closest to the predicted optimal particle size provide the most effective capture. Modeling the capturing process in plasma and blood by introducing empirical constants (c_e), which integrate the interfering effects of biological components on the binding kinetics of magnetic beads to bacteria, smaller beads with 50 nm diameters are predicted that exhibit maximum magnetic separation of bacteria from blood and experimentally validated this trend. The predictive power of the model suggests its utility for the future design of magnetic separation for diagnostic and therapeutic applications.     

Development of mechanomutable asphalt binders for the construction of smart pavements

A new generation of asphalt binders with mecanomutable properties has been developed, with the aim of obtaining smart materials able to adapt their mechanical performance to the real changing load conditions that occur during their service life. These materials are composed of a bituminous matrix that has been modified with magnetic particles that are able to change the mechanical behavior of the binder when they are activated by a magnetic field. This study examines the main variables that govern the mechanical behavior of these materials. The mechanomutable performance of different binders has been demonstrated under various concentrations of magnetic particles. In particular, these binders could increase their stiffness and perform elastically when they are activated by a magnetic field (even at high temperatures), which, once removed, enables the initial properties of the binders to be recovered. The changes induced in the properties of the binder depend on the amount of magnetic particles, the intensity of the magnetic field, and the type of bituminous matrix. The findings open up the possibility of a wide field of applications for its implementation in smart infrastructures, with special interest in the construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance of asphalt pavements.     

Dry separation of fine particulate sand mixture based on density-segregation in a vibro-fluidized bed

Separation of fine particulate solid materials is one of most important unit operations in industry. Utilization of gas-solid fluidized beds has been considered where particulates are released from constraints due to contacts with surrounding particulates and segregation occurs according to density, size or combination of density and size. Addition of mechanical vibration to the gas-solid fluidized bed may improve dry solid separation. In this study, we investigated the dry separation characteristics of solid particulates using a vibro-fluidized bed especially focusing on the separation of fine particulate ores (≈100 μm) with small density differences. At first, we focused on the influence of fluidizing air velocity on the efficiency of segregation. Subsequently, the influence of vibration strength, vibration amplitude and frequency on segregation behavior was investigated. We found the density segregation does not occur with either gas-fluidization or vertical vibration alone. Only the combination of these effects produces density segregation. The fluidizing air velocity is an important factor to enhance the density-segregation of the particulates with small density difference.     

Particle size dependence in high gradient magnetic separation

The performance has been studied of a high gradient magnetic separator with well defined physical and geometrical properties on a slurry of particles which could also be well defined in terms of size distribution, susceptibility, and density. A special high gradient magnetic separator was constructed whose matrix was a three-dimensional array of parallel stainless steel wires. A slurry of particles of known susceptibility and density was used. The particle size distributions for both the feed slurry and the captured and noncaptured products were determined. By means of an analysis using dimensionless groups, it was found that the particle recovery plotted against the appropriate dimensionless ratio defined a universal curve such that, at a fixed flow velocity, experimental data points corresponding to a wide range of particle sizes and magnetic fields all fell close to this curve. Data points for two different flow velocities defined separate curves. The probable reason for this is that the particle shapes are irregular, and consquently, the fluid drag coefficients which enter into the dimensionless ratio are unknown and were approximated by the coefficients for spheres of equivalent size.     

Research needs in magnetic separation

High gradient magnetic separation is a new technique which provides a practical means for separating weakly paramagnetic materials down to colloidal particle size on a large scale and at flow rates one hundred times faster than conventional filtration. It is based on the use of matrices of finely divided filamentary ferromagnetic material containing 95% void space, such as steel wool, subjected to strong magnetic fields generated bysophisticated magnets of a type not previously used for magnetic separation. HGMS was developed in the late sixties by MIT, Sala Magnetics and the Huber Company, and has been used since then for the purification of kaolin. The technique is of importance to the entire chemical and mineral industry, and in the treatment of water and sewage, but its application in other areas has been delayed by lack of interdisciplinary communication. What is needed at present is a better understanding of the mechanism of HGMS to permit a more scientific approach to future applications, and more inducement to the firms which are currently developing the next generation of hardware. Other approaches to magnetic separation also merit more serious attention, particularly those based on open gradient rather than matrix structures. New magnet technology developed in conjunction with HGMS and the advent of superconductivity make available field strengths, gradients and volumes at least an order of magnitude above those offered by the prior art. Such magnetic fields have potential value beyond their use in magnetic separation inasmuch as they are likely to affect the kinetics of many chemical reactions, very probably also those involved in the combustion process itself.     

Self-assembly routes towards creating superconducting and magnetic arrays

Using self-assembly from colloidal suspensions of polystyrene latex spheres we prepared well-ordered templates. By electrochemical deposition of magnetic and superconducting metals in the pores of such templates highly ordered magnetic and superconducting anti-dot nano-structures with 3D architectures were created. Further developments of this template preparation method allow us to obtain dot arrays and even more complicated structures. In magnetic anti-dot arrays we observe a large increase in coercive field produced by nanoscale (50–1000nm) holes. We also find the coercive field to demonstrate an oscillatory dependence on film thickness. In magnetic dot arrays we have explored the genesis of 3D magnetic vortices and determined the critical dot size. Superconducting Pb anti-dot arrays show pronounced Little-Parks oscillations in T_c and matching effects in magnetization and magnetic susceptibility. The spherical shape of the holes results in significantly reduced pinning strength as compared to standard lithographic samples. Our results demonstrate that self-assembly template methods are emerging as a viable, low cost route to prepare sub-micron structures.     

Self-assembly Routes towards Creating Superconducting and Magnetic Arrays

No Heading Using self-assembly from colloidal suspensions of polystyrene latex spheres we prepared well-ordered templates. By electrochemical deposition of magnetic and superconducting metals in the pores of such templates highly ordered magnetic and superconducting anti-dot nano-structures with 3D architectures were created. Further developments of this template preparation method allow us to obtain dot arrays and even more complicated structures. In magnetic anti-dot arrays we observe a large increase in coercive field produced by nanoscale (50–1000nm) holes. We also find the coercive field to demonstrate an oscillatory dependence on film thickness. In magnetic dot arrays we have explored the genesis of 3D magnetic vortices and determined the critical dot size. Superconducting Pb anti-dot arrays show pronounced Little-Parks oscillations in Tc and matching effects in magnetization and magnetic susceptibility. The spherical shape of the holes results in significantly reduced pinning strength as compared to standard lithographic samples. Our results demonstrate that self-assembly template methods are emerging as a viable, low cost route to prepare sub-micron structures.PACS numbers: 74.25Ha, 75.75+a.     

SUBMICRON MAGNETIC PARTICLE SEPARATION

The control, collection or separation of particles on the basis of Their magnetic moment relative Co the carrier fluid has been demonstrated in many applications. Usually the particle sizes are larger than one micron and the magnetic susceptibility at least moderately paramagnetic. Recently, particle separation techniques have been developed for both diamagnetic and submicron particles. These techniques have found application in mineral beneficiation, nuclear reactor coolants, biology and medicine. Such developments require an understanding of flow forces in liquids and gases, diffusion and Brownian motion, and of magnetic properties which range from the strong magnetic moments of ferromagnetic and superparamagnetic particles down orders of magnitude to those of diamagnetism.     

Polymer nanocomposites: from fundamental research to specific applications

Nanocomposite materials consisting of polymeric matrix materials and natural or synthetic layered minerals like clays can be prepared by adjusting the interaction enthalpy between all components using special compatibilisation agents for the two intrinsically non-miscible materials. As a general route block- or graft copolymers combining one part of the polymer identically and/or completely miscible with the organic polymer (matrix compound) and another part compatible/miscible with the natural mineral can be used. This compatibilisation leads to a separation of the mineral into single particles and a subsequent homogeneous incorporation of these particles into the polymer matrix material. Application examples of these technique will be discussed as well as an outlook to nanocoposites with different particle size, nature and shape and their properties with will be given.     

Computational modeling of magnetic nanoparticle targeting to stent surface under high gradient field

A multi-physics model was developed to study the delivery of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) to the stent-implanted region under an external magnetic field. The model is firstly validated by experimental work in literature. Then, effects of external magnetic field strength, magnetic particle size, and flow velocity on MNPs’ targeting and binding have been analyzed through a parametric study. Two new dimensionless numbers were introduced to characterize relative effects of Brownian motion, magnetic force induced particle motion, and convective blood flow on MNPs motion. It was found that larger magnetic field strength, bigger MNP size, and slower flow velocity increase the capture efficiency of MNPs. The distribution of captured MNPs on the vessel along axial and azimuthal directions was also discussed. Results showed that the MNPs density decreased exponentially along axial direction after one-dose injection while it was uniform along azimuthal direction in the whole stented region (averaged over all sections). For the beginning section of the stented region, the density ratio distribution of captured MNPs along azimuthal direction is center-symmetrical, corresponding to the center-symmetrical distribution of magnetic force in that section. Two different generation mechanisms are revealed to form four main attraction regions. These results could serve as guidelines to design a better magnetic drug delivery system.     

Dynamic Self‐Assembly of Magnetic/Polymer Composites in Rotating Frames of Reference

Small ferromagnetic particles suspended in a rotating viscous polymer and subjected to an external static magnetic field dynamically self‐assemble into open‐lattice, periodic structures. Depending on the orientation of the magnetic field with respect to the system's axis of rotation, these structures range from arrays of parallel plates to single, double, triple, or even quaternary helices. Dynamic self‐assembly in this rotating frame of reference can be explained by an interplay between magnetic, dipole–dipole, viscous drag, and centripetal forces. Once formed, the dynamic aggregates can be made permanent by thermally curing the polymer matrix.     

SUBMICRON MAGNETIC PARTICLE SEPARATION

ABSTRACT

The control, collection or separation of particles on the basis of Their magnetic moment relative Co the carrier fluid has been demonstrated in many applications. Usually the particle sizes are larger than one micron and the magnetic susceptibility at least moderately paramagnetic. Recently, particle separation techniques have been developed for both diamagnetic and submicron particles. These techniques have found application in mineral beneficiation, nuclear reactor coolants, biology and medicine. Such developments require an understanding of flow forces in liquids and gases, diffusion and Brownian motion, and of magnetic properties which range from the strong magnetic moments of ferromagnetic and superparamagnetic particles down orders of magnitude to those of diamagnetism.