Analysis of Magnetic and Hydraulic Forces in an Oriented Real Matrix of a High Gradient Magnetic Separator

The application of existing theoretical models forthe computation of magnetic and hydraulic forces in a realoriented matrix consisting of regularly arranged rods andwires indicates that these models produce no exact results.The differences between computations and measurements offorce effects documented by Maxwell lead to the conclusionthat it is necessary to start with different physical assumptionswhen modelling a high–gradient separation process.First of all, the magnetic field of the rods or wires systemdiffers from the magnetic field of a single rod. Second,the particle need not be attracted to the rod surface, it isbrought there by the suspension stream and the magnetic forcemust hold it, so that it is not entrained by the streamingsuspension. As the layer of attracted particles grows, themagnetic attractive force on the surface of the growing layerdecreases until the magnetic attractive force is in equilibriumwith the entraining force of suspension flow.