JP2003320271A - Separation method and separator for particle - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a separator for particles using the magneto-Archimedes effect, capable of continuously separating the particles without controlling apparent gravity. <P>SOLUTION: The separator for the particles comprises a magnetic field generating means 7 for generating a magnetic field, a conductive outer cylinder 3 installed within the magnetic field with the axis approximately in the same direction as the magnetic field, a conductive axial rod 4 installed inside the outer cylinder along the direction of the outer cylinder axis, and a direct-current power source 8 connected with the outer cylinder and the axial rod. The rotating flow can also be formed by rotating the axial rod 4 or the outer cylinder 3, or an agitation means set up to the axial rod 4 in place of the direct-current power source 8 or in addition to it. Furthermore, the installation of a pump 21 enables continuous processing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for separating mixed particles, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for separating particles by utilizing a difference in magnetic force acting on the particles.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a device for separating particles by using a magnetic force, a device utilizing a magnetic Archimedes effect is known. This is to balance gravity and magnetic force acting on particles to make them stand still, and to separate the rest position for each substance by utilizing the fact that the magnetic force acting on particles differs depending on the substance. To achieve the separation of particles.

[0003] In this specification, when the term "gravity" is used without notice, it means apparent gravity. Apparent gravity is true gravity minus buoyancy.

Next, a conventional example of a device for particle separation utilizing the magnetic Archimedes effect will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 8
As shown in FIG.
Cylindrical container 53 installed inside solenoid coil 57
And are configured as main parts. Solenoid coil 57
And the cylindrical container 53, so that their central axes match,
Moreover, they are arranged so as to be parallel to the direction of the gravitational acceleration 58. A superconducting coil is usually used as the solenoid coil 57 from the viewpoint of obtaining a strong magnetic field.

The inside of the cylindrical container 53 is liquid (or gas)
56, and the particles 51 and 5 to be separated are contained therein.
2 is included. The particles 51 and 52 to be separated are made of different materials, and at least one of physical properties of density and magnetic susceptibility is different. In addition, usually, particles 51 and 52 to be separated are
The diameter of has a distribution.

The particles 51 and 52 to be separated are, for example, calcium sulfate (CaSO ₄ ) and calcium carbonate (CaCO ₃ ).
In the case of two types of diamagnetic particles having different materials as described above, a paramagnetic liquid such as an aqueous solution of manganese chloride or a paramagnetic gas such as high-pressure oxygen is used as the liquid (or gas) 56. In the apparatus for separating particles using the magnetic force having the above-described configuration, the particles 51 and 52 are subjected to the gravitational acceleration 5 due to the gravitational field, and the gravitational force 55 from which the buoyancy force is subtracted therefrom acts, and the cylinder formed by the solenoid coil 57 The magnetic force 54 due to the axial magnetic field gradient of the container 53 acts. Gravity 55 and magnetic force 54 are acting forces in opposite directions, and particles 51 and 52 move to a position where they balance each other and stand still. Since the physical properties of the particles 51 and 52 are different, the positions where the gravity 55 and the magnetic force 54 balance each other are different.
Therefore, the particles 51 and 52 move to different positions,
Stationary and separated.

The detailed operation will be described below. Particle 51,
The greater the density difference between 52 and the surrounding liquid (or gas) 56, the greater the gravity 55. The direction of gravity 55 is the same as gravity acceleration 58 when the density of particles 51 and 52 is higher than the surrounding liquid (or gas) 56, that is, the sedimentation force, and in the opposite case, the direction is opposite to gravity acceleration 58. That is, it becomes buoyancy. In the apparatus having the configuration shown in FIG. 8, the density of the particles 51, 52 is higher than that of the surrounding liquid (or gas), and the sedimentation force acts.

The density of the particles 51 is ρ ₁ (kg / m ³ ), the density of the particles 52 is ρ ₂ (kg / m ³ ), and the density of the surrounding liquid (or gas) 56 is ρ _o (kg / m ³ ). , Gravity acceleration g
(M / s ² ), the settling force F _g1 (N / m ³ ) acting on the particles 51 per unit volume is expressed by the equation (1) and the particles 52
The sedimentation force F _g2 (N / m ³ ) per unit volume acting on is expressed by the equation (2). F _g1 = (ρ ₁ −ρ _o ) g (1) F _g2 = (ρ ₂ −ρ _o ) g (2)

On the other hand, a direct current flowing through the solenoid coil 57 forms a magnetic field having a main component in a direction parallel to the gravitational acceleration. The magnetic flux density of this magnetic field has a magnetic field gradient in the axial direction of the solenoid coil 57, is largest at the central position in the axial direction of the solenoid coil, and becomes smaller as the distance from the axial center of the solenoid coil increases. A magnetic force 54 acts on the particles due to this magnetic field gradient. The magnetic force 54 is generated by the particles 51,
It is proportional to the difference in magnetic susceptibility between 52 and the surrounding liquid (or gas) 56. In the device having the structure shown in FIG.
The magnetic susceptibility of No. 2 is smaller than that of the surrounding liquid (or gas) 56, and the levitation force acts on the particles in a direction away from the axial center of the solenoid coil 57, that is, in a direction in which the magnetic flux density decreases.

Here, the volume magnetic susceptibility of the particles 51 is χ ₁ , and the volume magnetic susceptibility of the particles 52 is χ ₂ . The volume magnetic susceptibility of the surrounding liquid (or gas) 56 is χ _o . Further, since the magnetic permeability of the surrounding liquid (or gas) 56 and the particles 51 and 52 are almost equal, the value is set to μ _o (H / m). Further, the magnetic flux density has only an axial component of the solenoid coil 57, and its magnitude is B (T). Furthermore, when the axial coordinate of the solenoid coil is the z axis and the axial gradient of the magnetic flux density is dB / dz (T / m), the magnetic force F _m1 (N /
m ³ ) is expressed by equation (3), and the magnetic levitation force F _m2 (N / m ³ ) acting on the particles 52 per unit volume is expressed by equation (4). F _m1 = {(χ ₁ −χ _o ) / μ _o } BdB / dz (3) F _{m 2} = {(χ ₂ −χ _o ) / μ _o } BdB / dz (4)

The particles 51 and 52 are magnetic fluxes in which the gravitational settling force represented by the equations (1) and (2) and the levitation force due to the magnetic force represented by the equations (3) and (4) are equal. It is stationary at a position satisfying the condition of density, that is, a position satisfying the condition of the product (BdB / dz) of the magnetic flux density and the magnetic field gradient such that F _g1 = F _m1 and F _g2 = F _m2 . The condition of the magnetic flux density in which the gravity acting on the particle 51 and the magnetic force balance each other is expressed by the equation (5),
The condition of the magnetic flux density in which the gravity acting on the particle 52 and the magnetic force balance each other is shown in the equation (6). BdB / dz = {(ρ ₁ −ρ _o ) / (χ ₁ −χ _o )} μ _o g (5) BdB / dz = {(ρ ₂ −ρ _o ) / (χ ₂ −χ _o )} μ _o g (6)

Here, when at least one of the density and the volume magnetic susceptibility of the particles 51 and 52 is different, (5)
The product of the magnetic flux density and the magnetic field gradient (B
The value of dB / dz) is different. Therefore, the particles 51, 5
2 moves and is stationary and separated at spatially different positions satisfying the condition of the product (BdB / dz) of the magnetic flux density and the magnetic field gradient of the expressions (5) and (6), respectively. Solenoid coil 5
Since the larger the product of the magnetic flux density and the magnetic field gradient by 7 is, the larger the magnetic force is, the solenoid coil 57 is preferably a superconducting coil capable of generating a high magnetic field in a wide space. Further, in order to increase the product of the magnetic flux density and the magnetic field gradient, it is also effective to dispose a ferromagnetic material designed in an optimal shape such as a ring shape or a bar shape in a region surrounded by the solenoid coils.

In such a separating apparatus, for example,
Surrounding liquid (or gas) when separating diamagnetic particles
By making paramagnetic and increasing the difference in magnetic susceptibility between the particles and the surrounding liquid (or gas), it is possible to separate particles that have very weak magnetism and a slight magnetic susceptibility.

The spatial equilibrium position of particles depends only on the density and magnetic susceptibility of the particles and not on the particle size. Therefore, selective separation from a plurality of substances having a particle size distribution is possible.

However, the above-mentioned conventional apparatus for separating particles using magnetic force has the following problems. First, the above-mentioned conventional apparatus for separating particles using magnetic force can perform only batch processing, and the particles to be separated are continuously supplied while the particles to be separated are continuously supplied in the cylindrical container 53. It is not possible to process a large amount at a high speed while collecting. Second, in the conventional device for separating particles using the above-mentioned conventional magnetic force, in order to arbitrarily control the spatial balance position of particles in the vertical direction, for example, the magnetic force acting on the particles is used. 54 must be balanced. Therefore, it is necessary to control the magnitude of the gravity 55. However, since the gravity acceleration 58 has a constant value, in order to control the magnitude of the gravity 55, it is necessary to change the density of the surrounding liquid (or gas) 56. The surrounding liquid (or gas) 5 to balance the magnitude of the magnetic force 54 acting on the particle at a certain position at the beginning.
When changing the density of 6, the surrounding liquid (or gas) 5
The magnetic susceptibility of 6 also changes. Surrounding liquid (or gas) 56
When the magnetic susceptibility of is changed, the magnetic force 54 acting on the particles is also changed. For this reason, the magnitude of the magnetic force 54 acting on the particle at a certain position at the beginning changes, and it becomes impossible to balance the gravity 55 at that position. As described above, in the conventional apparatus for separating particles using magnetic force, the gravitational acceleration 58 has a constant value, and therefore the gravity 55
It is difficult to control the spatial equilibrium position of particles by controlling.

[0016]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method that allows separation of particles without controlling gravity. Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method capable of continuously separating a plurality of types of particles. In addition, the present invention specifically provides a chemical plant, a waste separation treatment facility, a water treatment facility, a steel mill,
It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method capable of continuously processing a large amount of particles to be separated at high speed in various industrial processes such as power plants and semiconductor factories that require separation of particles. Further, the present invention more specifically aims to provide an apparatus and a method capable of separating a large amount of a mixture of lime and gypsum at a high speed in, for example, a wet lime gypsum type flue gas desulfurization process.

[0017]

According to the present invention, the magnetic Archimedes effect is utilized to balance the sedimentation force due to gravity and the levitation force due to magnetic force, and at the same time, to give a stress peculiar to particulate matter in a direction different from gravity and magnetic force. Is characterized by separating particles.

Further, according to the present invention, magnetic field generating means for generating a magnetic field, and a conductive outer cylinder installed so that its axis is substantially in the same direction as the magnetic field within the range of the magnetic field, There is provided a particle separation device including a conductive shaft rod installed inside the outer cylinder along an axial direction of the outer cylinder, and a DC power source connected to the outer cylinder and the shaft rod.

According to such a device, the Lorentz force is generated by the magnetic field lines generated by the magnetic field generating means and the DC current generated by the DC power supply. At this time,
Focusing on the horizontal direction inside the outer cylinder, a rotational flow is formed by the Lorentz force. Then, while the particles are stressed in the radial direction by the centrifugal force due to this rotating flow, the particles are stressed in the center direction by the magnetic force due to the radial magnetic field gradient of the outer cylinder formed by the magnetic field generating means, and the particles are Move to a radial position where they balance each other. Here, when the materials of the particles are different, at least one of the density and the magnetic susceptibility is different, and therefore the radial position where the centrifugal force and the magnetic force are balanced is different. In other words, for example, one of the mixed particles composed of two kinds of substances is biased toward the central axis of the outer cylinder and the other is biased toward the wall of the outer cylinder, so that the particles are separated without controlling the gravity. Will be realized.

By the way, in the section of the prior art, it was described that the magnetic force acts as buoyancy, that is, as a force of the vertical component. On the other hand, in the present invention, it is desirable that the magnetic force acts as a radial force, that is, a horizontal component force. These seem to be inconsistent, but this phenomenon is because the magnetic force of the vertical component and the horizontal component acts on the particle three-dimensionally due to the relationship between the magnetic field distribution formed by the solenoid coil and the particle position. It happens.
That is, in the section of the prior art, in the region where the horizontal component of the magnetic field is small near the central axis of the solenoid coil,
The vertical component mainly acts. On the other hand, in the present invention, the horizontal component of the magnetic field at a position apart from the central axis of the solenoid coil acts. Also in the present invention, the magnetic force of the vertical component acts on the particles, but does not directly affect the horizontal movement of the particles at this time.

Here, the rotary flow means a flow generated in the circumferential direction of a circle concentric with the circle of the cross section, for example, assuming that the outer cylinder has a circular cross section.

By the way, assuming that the outer cylinder is installed in the vertical direction, the sedimentation force due to gravity and the levitation force due to the magnetic force balance each other, so that the particles are stopped at a certain vertical position. Therefore, the particles can be separated in the horizontal direction while the settling force due to gravity is apparently zero. Here, a continuous pumping means for pumping the supporting fluid, specifically, if the supporting fluid is a paramagnetic liquid, for example, a pump, and if the supporting fluid is high-pressure oxygen, further connect a compressor or the like to separate particles to be separated. Supply, separation and removal can be performed continuously.

Further, according to the present invention, a magnetic field generating means for generating a magnetic field, an outer cylinder installed so that its axis is substantially in the same direction as the magnetic field within the range of the magnetic field, and the outer cylinder. A shaft rod installed along the axial direction of the outer cylinder, wherein at least one of the outer cylinder and the shaft rod is rotatable, and the outer cylinder and the shaft rod are rotatable. Provided is a particle separation device in which at least one of them is provided with a mechanical stirring means.

In such an apparatus, the centrifugal force is generated by mechanical stirring means instead of the Lorentz force described above. Also by this, the same effect as the above can be realized.

The embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those described above, but various modifications are possible. This point will be described below.

[0026]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.

(First Embodiment) First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus for separating particles using magnetic force according to the present embodiment includes a solenoid coil 7 as a magnetic field generating means and an outer cylinder 3 installed inside the solenoid coil 7. The partition tube 5, the central shaft rod 4, and the DC power source 8 installed inside the outer cylinder 3 are the main components. The shapes of the outer cylinder and the partition tube 5 are not limited, but in the present invention, it is preferable that both of them have a cylindrical shape from the viewpoint of being separated into orbital circles having different radii for each substance. The solenoid coil 7, the outer cylinder 3, the partition tube 5, and the central axis rod 4 are arranged so that their central axes coincide with each other and are substantially parallel to the direction of gravitational acceleration.

The outer cylinder 3 and the central shaft rod 4 are made of a material having high electric conductivity such as metal or graphite, which itself serves as an electrode and is connected to an external DC power source 8. There is. Further, an insulator 22 and an insulator 23 are interposed so that the outer cylinder 3 and the central shaft rod 4 are not short-circuited.

In the cylinder 3, the liquid 6 is in the direction opposite to the gravitational acceleration,
That is, it flows from the lower part to the upper part, and the inflow port 9a
From the outflow port 9b, which is divided into two by the partition pipe 5,
It is flowing out from 9c. An electrolyte solution is used as the liquid 6, and particles 1 and 2 to be separated are put therein. The particles 1 and 2 to be separated are different in substance, and at least one of physical properties of density and magnetic susceptibility is different. Also,
Usually, the particles 1 and 2 to be separated have a distribution in particle size.

When the particles 1 and 2 to be separated are two kinds of diamagnetic particles having different materials such as calcium sulfate (CaSO ₄ ) and calcium carbonate (CaCO ₃ ), the liquid 6
For example, a paramagnetic electrolyte liquid such as an aqueous solution of manganese chloride that is substantially free from the possibility of dissolving or degrading both particles to be separated is used.

In the apparatus for separating particles utilizing the magnetic force having the above-described structure, the Lorentz force 12 is exerted on the particles by the interaction between the DC current 11 supplied from the DC power source 8 and the magnetic flux density 10 formed by the solenoid coil. Occur. This is widely known as Fleming's law. The Lorentz force 12 forms a rotating flow 9d in the outer cylinder.

The particles 1 and 2 have a centrifugal force of 1 due to the rotating flow 9d.
3, and a magnetic force 14 due to a radial magnetic field gradient of the outer cylinder 3 formed by the solenoid coil 7 acts. Centrifugal force 1
3 and the magnetic force 14 are acting forces in the radial direction of the outer cylinder 3 and in the opposite directions, and the particles 1 and 2 move to the radial position where they balance each other. Since the physical properties of the particles 1 and 2 are different, the radial positions where the centrifugal force 13 and the magnetic force 14 balance each other are different. Therefore, the particles 1 and 2 move to different radial positions.

The partition tube 5 is installed so as to be located between the radial positions where the particles 1 and 2 move. for that reason,
The particles 1 and 2 that have flowed in from the inflow port 9a are separated by the flow of the surrounding liquid 6 that flows from the lower part to the upper part, and separately flow out into the outflow ports 9b and 9c, respectively, to be continuously separated. The flow that flows in through the inflow port 9a and flows out through the outflow ports 9b and 9c can be formed by a known mechanism such as the pump 21.

In such an apparatus, the centrifugal force 13 is proportional to the square of the rotational angular velocity, and the square of the rotational angular velocity is the product of the DC current 11 and the magnetic flux density 10 and can be freely controlled. The spatial balance position of the final particles can be freely controlled.

The detailed operation will be described below. 2 is shown in FIG.
FIG. In FIG. 2, a DC voltage is applied between the outer cylinder 3 and the central shaft rod 4 by the DC power supply 8 shown in FIG. Since the liquid 6 is an electrolyte solution, a direct current 11 radially flows in the liquid 6 in the radial direction by the direct current voltage. On the other hand, the magnetic flux density 10 is formed by the solenoid coil 7 in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. Speaking of the direction of the lines of magnetic force, it is the direction of penetrating from the front to the back of the paper. Due to the interaction between the DC current 11 and the magnetic flux density 10, a Lorentz force 12 is generated in the liquid 6 in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical container 3.

The current density of the direct current 11 is J (A /
m ² ), and the magnetic flux density is B (T), the Lorentz force F _l (N / m ³ ) acting on the liquid 6 per unit volume is expressed by the equation (7). F _l = J × B (7)

Due to this Lorentz force, the liquid 6 is transferred to the liquid 6 shown in FIG.
A rotating flow indicated by an arrow 9d is generated in (a). This rotating flow 9
Since the particles 1 and 2 also rotate around the axis of the outer cylinder 3 along d, centrifugal force acts on the particles 1 and 2.

As shown in FIG. 3, the centrifugal force 13 acting on the particles is proportional to the density difference between the particles 1 and 2 and the surrounding liquid 6. Centrifugal force 13 is directed toward particles 1, 2 more than liquid 6 around
When the density is high, the outer cylinder 3 is radially outward, and in the opposite case, the outer cylinder 3 is radially inward. 1 and 3 show the case where the density of the particles 1 and 2 is higher than that of the surrounding liquid, and the centrifugal force outward in the radial direction of the outer cylinder 3 acts.

Here, the density of the particles 1 is ρ ₁ (kg /
m ³ ), the density of particles 2 is ρ ₂ (kg / m ³ ), the density of surrounding liquid 6 is ρ _o (kg / m ³ ), the speed of rotating particles 1 is v ₁ (m / s), and rotation is The velocity of particle 2 to be v ₂ (m /
s), the radius of gyration of particle 1 is r ₁ (m), and the radius of gyration of particle 2 is r ₂ (m), the centrifugal force F _c1 (N / m ³ ) acting on the particle 1 per unit volume is ( In the formula (8), the centrifugal force F _c2 (N / m ³ ) acting on the particle 2 per unit volume is represented by the formula (9). F _c1 = (ρ ₁ −ρ _o ) v ₁ ² / r ₁ (8) F _c2 = (ρ ₂ −ρ _o ) v ₂ ² / r ₂ (9) Thus, the centrifugal force is the square of the rotational velocity. In proportion, the faster the rotation speed, the greater the centrifugal force. Also, from equation (7),
The larger the DC current 11 supplied by the DC power source 8, the larger the Lorentz force 12 and the faster the rotational flow velocity. From the above, by controlling the magnitude of the DC current 11 supplied by the DC power source 8, the magnitude of the centrifugal force can be easily controlled.

On the other hand, a direct current flowing through the solenoid coil 7 forms a magnetic field having a main component in a direction parallel to the axis of the solenoid coil 7. The magnetic flux density of this magnetic field has a magnetic field gradient in the radial direction of the solenoid coil 7, is the smallest at the central position in the radial direction of the solenoid coil, and increases as the distance from the radial center of the solenoid coil increases. Due to this radial magnetic field gradient, a radial magnetic force 14 shown in FIG. 3 acts on the particles.

The greater the difference in magnetic susceptibility between the particles 1 and 2 and the surrounding liquid 6, the greater the magnetic force 14. In the device having the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the magnetic susceptibility of the particles 1 and 2 is smaller than that of the surrounding liquid 6, and the magnetic force is applied to the particles inward in the radial direction of the solenoid coil 7, that is, in the direction in which the magnetic flux density decreases. 1
4 is working.

Here, the volume susceptibility of particle 1 is χ ₁ (volume susceptibility χ is a dimensionless coefficient), and the volume susceptibility of particle 2 is χ.
₂ , the volume susceptibility of the surrounding liquid 6 is χ _o , and the surrounding liquid 6
And particles 1 and 2 have the same magnetic permeability, and its value is μ _o (H / m)
The magnetic flux density has only the axial component of the solenoid coil 7, its size is B (T), the radial coordinate of the solenoid coil is the r-axis, and the radial gradient of the magnetic flux density is dB /
If dr (T / m), the magnetic force F _m1 (N / m ³ ) per unit volume acting on the particle 1 is expressed by the formula (10) and the particle 2
Magnetic levitation force F _m2 (N /
m ³ ) is expressed by equation (11). F _m1 = {(χ ₁ −χ _o ) / μ _o } BdB / dr (10) F _m2 = {(χ ₂ −χ _o ) / μ _o } BdB / dr (11)

Particles 1 and 2 have radial outward centrifugal forces represented by the equations (8) and (9), and the equations (10) and (11).
Positions satisfying the condition of the magnetic flux density represented by the equation, in which the magnetic forces inward in the radial direction are equal, that is, F _c1 = F _m1 , F _c2
= F _{m @ 2} to become the magnetic flux density and the magnetic field gradient product (BdB / dr)
Move to a position in the radial direction that satisfies the condition of. F _c1 =
The product of the magnetic flux density and the magnetic field gradient in particle 1 (BdB / dr) such that F _m1 and F _c2 = F _m2 is expressed in equation (12), and the product of the magnetic flux density and magnetic field gradient in particle 2 (BdB / dr)
The condition is shown in equation (13). BdB / dr = {(ρ ₁ −ρ _o ) / (χ ₁ −χ _o )} μ _o v ₁ ² / r ₁ (12) BdB / dr = {(ρ ₂ −ρ _o ) / (χ ₂ −χ _o )} μ _o v ₂ ² / r ² (13)

Now, when at least one of the density and the volume magnetic susceptibility of the particles 1 and 2 is different, the formula (12),
The product of the magnetic flux density and the magnetic field gradient (BdB /
The values of dz) are different, and particles 1 and 2 are (12)
Equation (13) The product of the magnetic flux density and the magnetic field gradient (BdB / d
Move to spatially different radial positions that satisfy the condition of z). By the above action, the particles 1 and 2 rotate on the particle trajectories 15 and 16 shown in FIG. 3, respectively. Even particles with different diameters rotate on the same orbit as long as they are the same substance.

Since the partition tube 5 is installed so as to be positioned between the radial positions where the particles 1 and 2 move, the particles 1 and 2 flowing in from the inflow port 9a together with the liquid 6 flowing in from the inflow port 9a. Flows out along the flow of the surrounding liquid 6 flowing from the lower part to the upper part, being divided into outflow ports 9b and 9c, respectively. By the above action, the particles 1 and 2 are continuously separated.

If the moving speed of the particles 1 and 2 in the radial direction is high, the efficiency of separation can be increased. In order to increase the radial movement speed, the magnetic force and the centrifugal force may be increased. The larger the product of the magnetic flux density and the magnetic field gradient by the solenoid coil 7, the greater the magnetic force. Therefore, the solenoid coil 7 is preferably a superconducting coil that can generate a high magnetic field in a wide space.

As described above, the centrifugal force depends on the Lorentz force 12 obtained by the product of the radial direct current 11 flowing in the liquid and the magnetic flux density 10 formed by the solenoid coil 7, which is supplied from the direct current power source. Therefore, centrifugal force 1
In order to increase 3, the radial DC current 11 flowing from the liquid, which is supplied from the DC power supply, may be increased. Further, in order to increase the centrifugal force 13, a superconducting coil is desirable as the solenoid coil 7.

In such a separating apparatus, for example, when separating diamagnetic particles, the surrounding liquid 6 is a paramagnetic electrolyte liquid and the magnetic susceptibility of the particles 1 and 2 and the surrounding liquid 6 is the same as in the conventional apparatus. By increasing the difference between the two, it is possible to separate particles that have very weak magnetism and a slight magnetic susceptibility. The spatial equilibrium position of the particles depends only on the density and magnetic susceptibility of the particles and not on the particle size. Therefore, according to this separation device, it is possible to separate substances by substance from a mixture of substances having a particle size distribution, regardless of the particle size.

In such a separation device, in addition to the conventional device, the particles 1 and 2 together with the surrounding liquid 6 are introduced into the inlet port 9.
a from the bottom, is separated by a flow from the bottom to the top and a rotating flow, and is discharged from the outlets 9b and 9b, respectively.
It is divided into c and flows out continuously. This gives particles 1, 2
Can be continuously processed in large quantities at high speed.

As a result, it is required to continuously process a large amount of particles to be separated at a high speed, such as a chemical plant, a waste separation treatment facility, a water treatment facility, a steel plant, a power plant, or a semiconductor factory. It can be widely applied in various industrial processes that require separation.

The present invention can be preferably applied to a separation step for separating a mixture of lime and gypsum in a wet lime gypsum type flue gas desulfurization method.

Further, in such a separating device,
By controlling the current 11 flowing through the liquid 6, the centrifugal force 13
The size of can be controlled arbitrarily. That is, in order to balance the magnetic force 54 acting on the particles at a specific position in the radial direction of the outer cylinder 3, the magnitude of the centrifugal force 55 can be freely controlled. As described above, if the magnitudes of the centrifugal force 55 and the magnetic force 54 are both increased by such a control method, the moving speed of the particles 1 and 2 in the radial direction can be increased, and the separation efficiency can be increased. You can

As described above, in such a separating apparatus, the spatial balance position of particles can be arbitrarily controlled, so that the running cost can be kept low by efficient operation of the apparatus.

In the present embodiment, the method and apparatus for separating two kinds of diamagnetic particles have been described as an example, but such a separating method removes one kind of particles or selectively selects three or more kinds of particles. It can also be applied to separation. Also, if the magnetic susceptibility difference between the surrounding liquid 6 and particles is made large and magnetic field conditions in which a magnetic force in the direction opposite to the centrifugal force acts are created, it can also be applied to paramagnetic particles. Note that the removal of one type of particles corresponds to, for example, the case of removing red rust contained in pipe drainage.

Further, in the present embodiment, the description has been made by taking the apparatus for continuously separating the particles in the direction opposite to the gravitational acceleration, that is, the flow from the lower part to the upper part as an example. It can also be applied as a device that separates in the same direction as acceleration, that is, by putting it on the flow from the top to the bottom. Furthermore, although the present embodiment has been described by taking as an example a device that supplies a steady DC current from a DC power supply, the present invention can also be applied as a device that obtains a rotational flow by a current that changes with time, such as a DC pulse current.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 4, the apparatus for separating particles using magnetic force according to the present embodiment includes a solenoid coil 7 and an outer cylinder 3 installed inside the solenoid coil 7.
And a partition pipe 5 and a central shaft rod 4 installed inside the outer cylinder 3.
And a rotary blade 17 which is a mechanical rotating means attached to the central axis rod 4 as a main part. The solenoid coil 7, the outer cylinder 3, the partition tube 5, and the central axis rod 4 are arranged so that their central axes coincide with each other and are parallel to the direction of the gravitational acceleration 8. It is arranged so that the axis serves as a rotation axis. The central shaft 4 and the rotary blade 17 are integrated, and the central shaft 4 and the rotary blade 17 are integrated.
Can be rotated by a power source such as a motor (not shown) so that the central axis serves as a rotation axis. From the viewpoint of obtaining a strong magnetic field, it is advantageous to use a superconducting coil as the solenoid coil 57, but the solenoid coil 57 is not limited to the superconducting coil.

A liquid (or gas) 6 flows from the lower part to the upper part in the cylinder 3, flows in through an inflow port 9a, and flows out through two outflow ports 9b, 9c divided by a partition pipe 5. There is. The particles to be separated 1, 2 are put in the liquid (or gas) 6. The particles 1 and 2 to be separated are made of different materials, and at least one of physical properties of density and magnetic susceptibility is different. In addition, usually, particles 1 and 2 to be separated are
The diameters of the particles are distributed within a certain range.

When the particles 1 and 2 to be separated are two kinds of diamagnetic particles having different materials such as calcium sulfate (CaSO ₄ ) and calcium carbonate (CaCO ₃ ), the liquid (or gas) 6 is For example, a paramagnetic liquid such as an aqueous solution of manganese chloride or a paramagnetic gas such as high-pressure oxygen can be used.

In the apparatus for separating particles using magnetic force having the above structure, when the rotary blade 17 is rotated by the power source such as a motor (not shown) so that the central axis serves as the rotary axis, liquid (or Rotating flow 9d for gas 6
Is formed.

Similar to the first embodiment, the particles 1 and 2 have a centrifugal force 13 due to the rotating flow 9d and a magnetic force 14 due to the radial magnetic field gradient of the outer cylinder 3 formed by the solenoid coil 7. To work.

The centrifugal force 13 and the magnetic force 14 are acting forces parallel to the radial direction of the outer cylinder 3 and in opposite directions, and the particles 1 and 2 move to the radial position where they balance each other. Since the physical properties of the particles 1 and 2 are different, the radial positions where the centrifugal force 13 and the magnetic force 14 balance each other are different. Therefore, the particles 1 and 2 move to different radial positions.

The partition tube 5 is installed so as to be located between the radial positions where the particles 1 and 2 move. Therefore, the particles 1 and 2 that have flowed in from the inflow port 9a are separated by the flow of the surrounding liquid 6 that flows from the lower part to the upper part, and separately flow out into the outflow ports 9b and 9c, respectively, to be continuously separated. It The flow that flows in through the inflow port 9a and flows out through the outflow ports 9b and 9c can be formed by a known mechanism such as the pump 21.

The detailed operation of such a device is almost the same as that of the device shown in the first embodiment, except that the mechanism for generating the rotary flow is different. As mentioned above, the rotating flow 9d
Is formed by rotating the rotary blade 17 with a power source such as a motor (not shown) so that the central axis serves as the rotary axis. The higher the rotation speed of the rotary blade 17, the higher the rotation flow velocity.

From the above, the magnitude of the centrifugal force can be easily controlled by controlling the rotation speed of the rotary blade 17. The effect of such a separating device is almost the same as that of the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, the apparatus in which the rotary blade 17 is integrated with the central shaft rod 4 has been described as an example, but such a separating method is an apparatus in which the rotary blade 17 is integrated with the outer cylinder 3. Can also be applied to. Further, the rotary blade 17 is separated from the central shaft rod 4 and the outer cylinder 3 and can be applied to an independent device. In such an independent device in which the rotary blade 17 is separated from the central shaft 4 and the outer cylinder 3, the central shaft 4 is not necessary, but a power source for rotating the rotary blade 17 is used. And a power transmission mechanism is required. Also,
Even without the rotary blade 17, a rotating flow can be obtained by rotating at least one of the central shaft rod 4 and the outer cylinder 3.

In this way, the radial distribution of the rotational velocity of the liquid (or gas) 6 is optimized by optimally designing the mechanical mechanism for obtaining the rotational flow 9d, such as the shape of the rotary vanes 17. be able to. Further, in such a separation method, in combination with the first embodiment, the rotary blade 17 in the present embodiment is used as a rotary flow generating mechanism that assists the rotary flow generating mechanism by the Lorentz force 12 in the first embodiment. Can also be used.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 5, the apparatus for separating particles using magnetic force according to the present embodiment has a spiral blade 18 as a mechanical rotating means in addition to the structure of the first embodiment. Is configured as. The spiral blade 18 is installed in a spiral shape on a part of the periphery of the central shaft rod 4, is integrated with the central shaft rod 4, and is a mechanism that can freely rotate about the central shaft of the central shaft rod 4 as a rotation axis. Has become. Other arrangements and configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment. The insulator 22 here has a bearing mechanism for rotating the central shaft 4 independently of the outer cylinder 3.

Similar to the first embodiment, in the apparatus for separating particles utilizing the magnetic force having the above-described structure, the interaction between the direct current 11 supplied from the direct current power source 8 and the magnetic flux density 10 formed by the solenoid coil. As a result, Lorentz force 12 is generated, and this Lorentz force 12 forms a rotational flow 9d in the outer cylinder. A centrifugal force 13 due to the rotating flow 9d and a magnetic force 14 due to the radial magnetic field gradient of the outer cylinder 3 formed by the solenoid coil 7 act on the particles 1 and 2.

The centrifugal force 13 and the magnetic force 14 are acting forces in the opposite directions along the radial direction of the outer cylinder 3, and are particles 1, 2
Move to their balancing radial position. Particle 1,
Since the physical property values of 2 are different, the radial positions where the centrifugal force 13 and the magnetic force 14 balance each other are different. Therefore, the particles 1 and 2 move to different radial positions.

Since the partition tube 5 is installed so as to be located between the radial positions where the particles 1 and 2 move, the particles 1 and 2 flowing from the inflow port 9a flow around from the lower part to the upper part. Of the liquid 6 in each of the outlets 9
It is continuously separated by being divided into b and 9c and flowing out.

In the first embodiment, the inlet 9a
The flow that flows in further and flows out from the outlets 9b and 9c is formed by a mechanism such as a pump, but in the present embodiment, the spiral blade 18 that can freely rotate due to the rotary flow 9d. Rotates. This spiral wing 18
The rotation of creates a flow from bottom to top. Therefore, in this embodiment, the drive mechanism for the flow from the lower part to the upper part, such as the pump, can be omitted.

The detailed operation of such a device is the same as that of the device shown in the first embodiment, except that the drive mechanism for the flow from the lower part to the upper part is different. The effect of such a separating device is almost the same as that of the first embodiment. Furthermore, since a flow driving mechanism such as a pump is not required, high power efficiency can be realized.

In the present embodiment, the device in which the spiral blade 18 is integrated with the central shaft rod 4 has been described as an example, but such a separating method is used in the device in which the spiral blade 18 is integrated with the outer cylinder 3 or. The spiral blade 18 is separated from the central axis rod 4 and the outer cylinder 3, and can be applied to an independent device.

In such an apparatus, the efficiency of separation is optimized by optimally designing the mechanical mechanism for converting the rotating flow 9d into the flow from the lower part to the upper part, such as the shape of the spiral blade 18. can do.

(Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 6, the apparatus for separating particles using magnetic force according to the present embodiment has a mesh partition wall 1 which is a particle passage blocking means in addition to the structure of the first embodiment.
9 is a main part. The mesh partition wall 19 is installed in a cylindrical shape around the central axis rod 4 and is configured so that the particles 1 and 2 to be separated cannot pass through. Other arrangements and configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

As in the first embodiment, in the apparatus for separating particles utilizing the magnetic force having the above-described structure, the direct current 11 supplied from the direct current power source 8 and the magnetic flux density 10 formed by the solenoid coil are mutually interacted. Lorentz force by action 1
2 is generated, and the Lorentz force 12 forms a rotational flow 9d in the outer cylinder.

The particles 1 and 2 are subjected to a centrifugal force 13 due to the rotating flow 9d and a magnetic force 14 due to the radial magnetic field gradient of the outer cylinder 3 formed by the solenoid coil 7. Centrifugal force 1
3 and the magnetic force 14 are acting forces that are parallel and opposite to each other in the radial direction of the outer cylinder 3, and the particles 1 and 2 move to a radial position where they balance each other. Since the physical properties of the particles 1 and 2 are different, the radial positions where the centrifugal force 13 and the magnetic force 14 balance each other are different. Therefore, the particles 1 and 2 move to different radial positions. Since the partition tube 5 is installed so as to be located between the radial positions where the particles 1 and 2 move,
The particles 1 and 2 that have flowed in from the inflow port 9a are separated by the flow of the surrounding liquid 6 that flows from the lower part to the upper part, and separately flow out into the outflow ports 9b and 9c, respectively, to be continuously separated.

In the first embodiment, the rotational flow velocity becomes slow in the vicinity of the central axis rod 4 due to the friction between the liquid 6 and the central axis rod 4. When the particles 1 and 2 are mixed in this low speed region, the particles are more dominant in the flow from the lower part to the upper part than on the rotating flow 9d, and the residence time of the particles in the separation part is shortened, In some cases, sufficient separation efficiency may not be obtained. In the present embodiment, the mesh partition wall 19 installed near the central axis rod 4 can prevent particles from mixing in the area near the central axis rod 4 where the rotational velocity is slow. Therefore, in this embodiment, sufficient separation efficiency can be obtained.

The detailed operation of such an apparatus is almost the same as that of the apparatus shown in the first embodiment, except that particles are prevented from being mixed in the vicinity of the central axis rod 4.

The effect of such a separating device is basically almost the same as the effect of the first embodiment, but further, mixing of particles into the low speed region formed in the vicinity of the central axis rod 4 is prevented. Since it can be prevented, high separation efficiency can be realized.

(Fifth Embodiment) Finally, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 7, the apparatus for separating particles using magnetic force according to the present embodiment has a mesh electrode 20 which is a transparent intermediate electrode in addition to the structure of the first embodiment. Has been done. The transparent intermediate electrode may have a shape that allows at least liquid, preferably liquid and particles, to pass therethrough. The mesh electrode 20 is installed between the central axis rod 4 and the outer cylinder 3 in a cylindrical, lattice-shaped, or rod-shaped row, and is connected to the DC power source 8.
2 is configured so that it can pass through freely. Other arrangements and configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

Similar to the first embodiment, in the device for separating particles utilizing the magnetic force having the above-described structure, the interaction between the direct current 11 supplied from the direct current power source 8 and the magnetic flux density 10 formed by the solenoid coil. At that time, Lorentz force 12 is generated, and the Lorentz force 12 forms a rotational flow 9d in the outer cylinder. A centrifugal force of 1 due to the rotating flow 9d is applied to the particles 1 and 2.
3 and the solenoid coil 7 act on the magnetic force 14 by the radial magnetic field gradient of the outer cylinder 3.

Both the centrifugal force 13 and the magnetic force 14 are acting forces in the radial direction of the outer cylinder 3 and in the opposite directions.
Move to their balancing radial position. Particle 1,
Since the physical property values of 2 are different, the radial positions where the centrifugal force 13 and the magnetic force 14 balance each other are different. Therefore particle 1
2 move to different radial positions. Partition tube 5
Are installed so as to be located between the radial positions where the particles 1 and 2 move, so that the particles 1 and 2 that have flowed in from the inflow port 9a flow into the surrounding liquid 6 flowing from the lower part to the upper part. Therefore, they are divided into the outlets 9b and 9c, respectively, and flow out to be continuously separated.

In the first embodiment, the DC power source 8
A DC current for forming a rotational flow is obtained by connecting the central axis rod 4 and the outer cylinder 3 to each other. In the present embodiment, the DC power source 8 is provided in addition to the central axis rod 4 and the outer cylinder 3. It is also connected to the mesh electrode 20 installed between, and depending on the number and the electrical or spatial arrangement of this mesh electrode,
The radial distribution of the rotational velocity can be freely changed. That is, the radial distribution of the centrifugal force can be freely designed and controlled according to the characteristics of the particles 1 and 2 to be separated.

The detailed operation and effect of such an apparatus are substantially the same as the effect of the apparatus shown in the first embodiment except that the radial distribution of centrifugal force can be freely controlled by the mesh electrode 20. .

Although a mesh electrode having a mesh shape is used as the transparent intermediate electrode here, the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, by providing a plurality of rod-shaped electrodes extending in parallel with the central axis rod 4 on the circumference of a circle having a constant radius between the outer cylinder 3 and the central axis rod 4, similar to the mesh electrode. Produce an effect. At this time, it is preferable that the rod-shaped electrodes are installed so as to be spaced apart from each other so that the substance to be separated can freely pass therethrough.

[0092]

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an apparatus and a method capable of separating particles in a horizontal direction without requiring control of gravity. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an apparatus and a method capable of separating particles by substance regardless of the particle size distribution of the particles. further,
According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an apparatus and a method capable of separating particles by continuous operation.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a horizontal cross section and a vertical cross section of a particle separation device used in a first embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the particle separation device used in the first embodiment according to the present invention, and is a schematic diagram showing a state of generation of a rotational flow due to Lorentz force.

FIG. 3 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the particle separation apparatus used in the first embodiment according to the present invention, and is a schematic view showing a situation in which radial positions where centrifugal force and magnetic force are balanced are different for each separation target particle. .

FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a horizontal cross section and a vertical cross section of a particle separating apparatus used in a second embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a horizontal cross section and a vertical cross section of a particle separation device used in a third embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a horizontal cross section and a vertical cross section of a particle separation device used in a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing a horizontal cross section and a vertical cross section of a particle separation device used in a fifth embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing a horizontal cross section and a vertical cross section of a conventional particle separation device.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Particles to be separated 2 Particles to be separated 3 outer cylinder 4 center axis rod 5 partition tubes 6 liquid 7 solenoid coil 8 DC power supply 9a Inlet 9b Outlet 9c Outlet 9d rotating flow 10 lines of magnetic force 11 DC current 12 Lorentz force 13 Centrifugal force 14 Magnetic force 15 Particle orbit 16 particle orbits 17 rotor 18 spiral wings 19 mesh bulkhead 20 mesh electrode 21 pumps 22 Insulator 23 Insulator 51 Particles to be separated 52 Particles to be separated 53 Cylindrical container 54 Magnetic force 55 Gravity 56 liquid 57 solenoid coil 58 Gravity acceleration

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Tatsushi Aoi             4-6-22 Kannon Shinmachi, Nishi-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture               Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. Hiroshima Research Center (72) Inventor Hideki Tonaka             4-6-22 Kannon Shinmachi, Nishi-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture               Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. Hiroshima Research Center (72) Inventor Toru Koshin             4-6-22 Kannon Shinmachi, Nishi-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture               Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. Hiroshima Research Center

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. A magnetic field generating means for generating a magnetic field, an outer cylinder installed so that its axis is substantially in the same direction as the direction of the magnetic field within the range of the magnetic field, and the outer cylinder inside the outer cylinder. And a shaft rod installed along the axial direction of, wherein at least one of the outer cylinder and the shaft rod is rotatable. 2. The particle separating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a mechanical stirring means is provided on at least one of the rotatable outer cylinder and the shaft rod. 3. A magnetic field generating means for generating a magnetic field, a conductive outer cylinder installed so that its axis is substantially in the same direction as the direction of the magnetic field within the range of the magnetic field, and inside the outer cylinder. A particle separation device comprising: a conductive shaft rod installed along the axial direction of the outer cylinder; and a DC power source connected to the outer cylinder and the shaft rod. 4. The particle separation device according to claim 3, further comprising an intermediate electrode installed between the outer cylinder and the shaft rod. 5. The particle separating apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a ferromagnetic material provided between the outer cylinder and the shaft rod. 6. The particle separating apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising particle passage preventing means for preventing the passage of particles between the outer cylinder and the shaft rod. 7. A magnetic field generating means for generating a magnetic field, a conductive outer cylinder installed such that its axis is substantially in the same direction as the direction of the magnetic field within the range of the magnetic field, and inside the outer cylinder. It includes a shaft rod contacting along the axial direction of the outer cylinder and a DC power source connected to both the outer cylinder and the shaft rod, and at least one of the outer cylinder and the shaft rod is rotatable. A particle separator. 8. An inlet provided near one end of the outer cylinder,
8. The particle separation device according to claim 1, wherein at least two separation outlets are provided near the other end of the outer cylinder. 9. A continuous pumping means is further installed, and the discharge port of the continuous pumping means is connected to the inside of the outer cylinder.
Particle separation device according to any one of 10. An inflow step of flowing a supporting fluid and a mixture of two or more kinds of particles into a container, a step of applying a magnetic force line so as to penetrate the container in an axial direction, and a direction transverse to the magnetic force line in the container. A method for separating particles, which comprises a step of forming a swirl flow of a supporting fluid in the first step, and a separating and taking out step of taking out particles to be separated in the supporting fluid. 11. The particle separating method according to claim 10, wherein both the inflowing step and the separating and extracting step are continuously performed. 12. An inflow step of injecting a supporting fluid and one kind of particles into a container, a step of applying a magnetic line of force so as to penetrate the container in an axial direction, and a swirling flow of the supporting fluid is formed in the container. A method for separating particles, which comprises a step, a first removing step for taking out a supporting fluid substantially not containing the particles, and a second taking out step for taking out a supporting fluid containing the particles. 13. The method for separating particles according to claim 12, wherein the inflow step, the first take-out step and the second take-out step are continuously performed. 14. The method for separating particles according to claim 10, wherein the swirling flow is formed by a mechanical stirring means. 15. The method for separating particles according to claim 10, wherein the swirling flow is formed by a Lorentz force generated by a current flowing in a radial direction of the container and the magnetic lines of force. .