Separation of solid particles in liquid dielectrics

The basic stages of deriving the equations for the ponderomotive electric force in a non-uniform electric field are given. The electrical properties of liquid dielectrics and the calculated distribution of ponderomotive forces in hyperbolic and wedge-shaped electric fields are described. The results of measuring the ponderomotive forces in a quadrupole wedge-shaped field are presented. The permittivity of dielectric suspensions is computed and experimental results reviewed. Investigations of the permittivity of suspensions of ultrafine semi-conducting particles in a non-polar liquid are described and the results of measurements of the ponderomotive forces are analysed. Two numerical examples of DS are given; the permittivities and electric strengths of commercial separating dielectrics are estimated.