Research on high gradient magnetic separation of pneumatic conveyed powder products: Investigation from the viewpoint of interparticle interactions

The separation and removal of the metallic debris originating from pipe of manufacturing line are required in the manufacturing process of the fine particle products. In this study, we develop a high gradient magnetic separation system (HGMS) under a dry process by using a superconducting magnet to remove ferromagnetic particles such as the material stainless steel (SUS). To avoid the obstruction of the separation part by aggregation of the processed material, we develop a magnetic separation system using a pneumatic conveying as a new transportation method of the particles.The magnetic separations were experimented under the same conditions on different days, but the results were different. The reason is considered to be the difference in adhesion force between the particles due to a change of humidity, we have measured the adhesion forces between the ferromagnetic particles and the paramagnetic medium particles using AFM (Atomic Force Microscope) while changing the humidity. As a result, the adhesion force between the particles increased with the increasing of humidity. Furthermore, we saw that the effect of relative humidity was larger in the adhesion force of alumina with larger cohesive property. Based on these results, an appropriate condition of the separation experiment was clarified. And a dehumidification mechanism was introduced.

► We separated SUS particle from the mixture of alumina/silica and SUS particle.
► The high separation efficiencies were obtained both in two samples.
► The separation efficiency of the sample using alumina did not reach to 100%.
► The adhesion forces between particles were measured when changing the humidity.
► Based on these data, the conditions of the separation experiment were examined.