US2154010A - Electromagnetic separator device - Google Patents

Description

April 11, 1939- A. J. QUENEAU ELECTROMAGNETIC SEPARATOR DEVICE 5 Sheets-Sheet 'l I Filed Jan. 16, 1957 INVENT OR.

w M M Q M E J M E L W M U A Mam ' April 11, 1939- A. 1.. J. QUENEAU I 2,154,010

ELECTROMAGNETIC SEPARATOR DEVICE Filed Jan. 16, 1937 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 ,INVENTORS ATTORNEYS AUGUSWNLEUWE/Vfid Patented Apr. 11, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Bernardsville, N. J.

Application January 16, 1937, Serial No. 120,987

10 Claims. (01. 209-219) This invention relates to electromagnetic separator devices and is an improvement of the device described and claimed in application Serial No. 745,116 filed September 22, 1934, by Edwin E.

5 Ellis and Augustin Leon Jean Queneau now Patent No. 2,088,364, dated July 27, 1937. The present applicant is one of the joint applicants of the said prior filed application.

The electromagnetic separator device described and claimed in said prior filed application comprises a container, a pair of electromagnetic poles disposed adjacent the outer surface of opposite side walls of said container, means to flow a suspension of materials under hydrostatic pressure through the container and through a. magnetic field extending between'said poles, means to progressively move the magnetically attracted par-' ticles of the suspension through the magnetic field along the inner surface of said opposite side walls in the direction of suspension flow, and means to divert the thus moved magnetic particles and a portion of the flowing suspension into channels of flow, separate from the flow of the main body of the suspension.

To facilitate the segregation of magnetic and nonmagnetic particles as the suspension passes through the magnetic field, the suspension is divided by a partition means into two channels of flow adjacent each opposite side wall before entering the magnetic field and the two channels of flow are directed along the inner surfaces of the opposite side walls next adjacent the pole ends through the field to the zone of maximum field strength. Below this zone the two channels are merged into one'channel of flow until the suspension passes out of the magnetic field at which point the suspension flowing next adjacent the inner surface of each of said opposite side walls is diverted into channels of flow separate from the main body of the suspension and carries therewith the magnetically attracted particles being progressively moved along the said inner surfaces in the direction of suspension flow.

To accomplish the progressive movement of the magnetic particles along the inner surface of said opposite side walls, the magnetic poles are each provided with rotatable cylindrical end pieces the peripheral surfaces of which are provided with a plurality of spaced points or areas of relatively high magnetic flux concentration. By rotating these said end pieces towards each other and in the direction of suspension flow the magnetically attracted particles adjacent the inner surface of said opposite side walls are progressively carried through the magnetic field beyond the zone of maximum field strength and to the point where they may enter the separate channels of flow provided therefor.

To further facilitate the segregation of magnetic and non-magnetic particles, it is proposed in the said prior filed application to provide the said opposite side walls with curved recesses into which the saidrotatable pole ends may project, and by meansof partitions to flow the suspension along the curved inner surfaces in two separate streams thereby obtaining by centrifugal force a projection of the non-magnetic particles outwardly from the curved surface towards the center of the magnetic space gap between the poles. It is also proposed to divide these two channels of flow into a plurality of parallel channels of flow along said curved surface thereby limiting the mean free path of movement of the particles transversely to the direction of flow except towards the said inner surfaces.

exceptionally efficient and operative to magnetically separate even weakly magnetic particles by the proper adjustment of field strength, rate of suspension flow, density of suspension, particle size of the materials and the rate of revolution of the magnetic pole surfaces. With any given material these factors may be widely varied without departure from the invention claimed. It is possible also with this arrangement to make a. relatively fine or selective separation of magnetic particles where two or more constituents of relatively close magnetic susceptibilities are present in the suspension.

I have found, however, that the current consumption of the device and the efiiciency of the same may be markedly lowered and increased,

respectively, by establishing throughout the suspension as it passes towards the zone of maximum field strength a plurality of paths of relatively high magnetic flux concentration through which the suspension must pass, the said parts being curved in a manner facilitating the movement of magnetic particles therealong to the inner surfaces of said opposite walls. I have found that these paths of high flux concentration may be most easily established by replacing the above mentioned fins or guide members forming the side walls of the plurality of parallel channels of flow through the magnetic field with similar-shaped fin members comprised of magnetic material each of which is provided with a plurality of curved slots extending inwardly from the outer edge thereof along a curved path which Such an arrangement may be most briefly iden- I tified as a .magnetic comb" as this appears to describe'the particular function which it performs in the separator device. Through the use of this magnetic comb I am enabled to work with suspensions of greater density, and to pass the same at relatively higher hydrostatic pressures or rates of flow through the device and at the same time employ magnetic currents of relatively lower strengths than heretofore permissible even in the separation of-wealrly magnetic materials.

It is believed that the edges of the curved slots (or the wires, when used) provide surface areas for magnetic flux concentration thereby, in effect, intensifying the magnetic attraction of the field across substantially the entire cross-sectional area of the space gap. The magnetic particles, particularly those flowing downwardly along paths more remote from the pole face, accordingly will first be attracted towards these points of higher field strength and then by the joint action of the magnetic forces and hydrostatic pressures be moved downwardly and towards the pole end in the curved path representative of the resultant of these forces as it may be modified or distorted by reason of suspension density and fiuid viscosity.

It is apparent that the combing effect on the suspension by these slotted fins or wires as above described will increase normally with increase in the number of such fins or wires. However, with any given field strength and with any given magnetic material in suspension there is a practical limit to the total number to be employed to obtain the desired increase in concentration of magnetic forces cross-sectionally through the gap. This may be appreciated by assuming that the suspension of given density contains a given proportion of magnetic particles having a magnetic susceptibility X. X may represent, for example, a relatively low magnetic susceptibility. Upon flowing this suspension through the magnetic gap having a given field strength Y using the non-magnetic fins of the prior described application, the separation of magnetic particles may approximate Z%. By replacing these non-magnetic fins with an equal number of slotted magnetic fins in accordance with the present invention the separation may be increased, for example, to 2 Z%. By doubling the number of slottedfins the separation may be increased to 3- 2%, for example whereas with more than this number of fins the recovery may drop sharply, due to the fact that the concentration of magnetic lines of force on each fin thereby is lowered to the point where it is ineffective to function as a magnetic comb". This may be cured, for example, by increasing the field strength until the fiux concentration upon each slotted fin is sufilcient to serve the purpose in view. Any variation in the density of the suspension and in the rate of fiow of the suspension through the field also will markedly influence the functioning of the magnetic comb" of the present invention.

Accordingly, with these factors in mind, I prefer to arbitrarily select the total number of such slotted fins provided and the'spacing therebetween, and to thereafter adjust the density of the suspension, the rate of flow of the suspension through the magnetic gap, the field strength and the rate of rotation of the pole surface, to obtain the optimum separation with any given material.

. across the gap which is eilfective to obtain a separation of the material; with the more strongly magnetic materials I arbitrarily select a lesser number of fins and may lower the flux density accordingly.

Another factor influencing this selection would be the particle size and density of suspension. The smaller the particle size and the denser the suspension, in general, the greater the number of such slotted fins would be provided, in which event, it would be necessary to employ a relatively higher magnetic field strength. than with a suspension of the same material having a lower density or having larger particle sizes or both.

Referring now to the drawings, Fig. 1 is an. enlarged side elevational view in section illustrating an electromagnetic separator device'improved in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of one specific embodiment of the magnetic comb" invention of this application; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of one part of said comb; Fig. 4 is a side elevation illustrating the complete assembly of elements including the present "magnetic comb invention comprising my improved separator device; Fig. 5 is a second view of the same; Fig. 6 is a side elevational view of one form of the present invention; Fig. 7 illustrates a second specific embodiment of the present invention: and Fig. 8 is a side elevational view further illustrating the same.

Referring to the drawings, Figs. 1, 4 and 5, the various features of the invention of said prior filed application modified in accordance with the present invention may be noted. The container I is provided with arcuate recesses 2--2 in opposite side walls into which extend or project rotatable pole ends 3 and 4. The flow of suspension through the container I down to the zone of maximum field strength X--X is divided into two channels by partition member P'P comprised of non-magnetic material, which is arranged to divert the fiow of the suspension along the curved inner surface of recesses 2-2. The bottom portion P of the partition extending to the zone of maximum field strength X--X is curved inwardly substantially as indicated to limit the maximum .distance away from the inner curved surfaces that any particle of the suspension may travel and may be widely varied without departing from the nature and scope of the invention.

Extending from opposite sides of partition member P'-l= towards the inner surface of the side walls of container I containing recesses 2-2 are provided a plurality of fin members 5 dividing the suspension flowing along said walls into a plurality of substantially parallel paths of fiow through the magnetic field down to the zone of maximum field strength X-X thereby limiting the mean free path of motion of the suspension particles in directions transverse to the direction of flow except towards the said inner surface.

Below the zone of maximum field strength X-X the two channels of flow merge into one channel until at a point approximating that at which thetsuspension leaves the magnetic field but varying with respect to the magnetic field strength and the'magnetic permeability of the material being treated, the suspension flowing next adjacent the said opposite side walls is diverted by adjustable gates GG into channels of flow c--c separate from the main channel of flow S of the suspension.

The peripheral surface of each "rotating pole end is provided with a plurality of inserts M M comprised of material of relatively high magnetic permeability extending the entire cylinder length of the pole end, thereby providing spaced points or areas of relatively high flux concentration operating upon rotation of the pole end to progressively move the magnetically attracted particles through the magnetic fieldalong the inner surface of arcuate recesses 22 to the point where the magnetic field strength is insufficient to retain the particles adjacent the surface and consequently become detached and enter the separate channels of flow cc.

The improvement made by the present invention in the device of the prior filed application resides in the provision of a magnetic comb through which the s'uspensionfiows in its passage through the magnetic field to the zone of maximum field strength X-X. This comb in its simplest definition consists of a plurality of paths of relatively high magnetic fiux concentration extending throughout the cross-sectional area of g the field traversed by the said suspension in its passage to the zone of maximum field strength I may obtain this result in a number of different ways. The preferred way is illustrated in Figs. 1, 4, 5 and 6, and illustrated in perspective in Figs. 2 and 3.. Figs; '7 and 8 illustrate a modification of the same.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention I replace the heretofore provided fin members 5 on lower partition member P with similar shaped fin members 5' (Fig. 3) comprised of magnetic material and provide in each fin member a plurality of slots 6 extending inwardly from the outer edges thereof along a curved path normally opposite to the direction of suspension flow. As it is preferable for these slots 6 to extend substantially thefull width of the fin member to adjacent the sugaceof lower partition P defining the channel fiow of the suspension, I preferably modify this member substantially in the manner indicated in Figs. 2 and 3.

Lower partition member P in accordance with this specific embodiment is comprised of a plurality of fin members assembled together in spaced relation with non-magnetic spacer members I disposed therebetween'in any convenient .manner as by bolts 8. The assembly forming a lower partition P? substantially identical to that heretofore employed except that the slotted magnetic fin members 5' are employed instead of non-magnetic fin members. This assembly is attached as by bolt means 9 co-operating with appropriate openings in the bottom of member P and top of member P to the bottom of upper partition member P. i

As indicated in Figs. 4, 5 and 6, the number of fin members 5' provided on partition P is approximately twice the number of fin members 5 heretofore provided. The use of the fin members 5 on the upper partition member P is not absolutely essential and may be dispensed with if desired. The total number of fin members 5 provided may be varied widely without departing from the present .invention depending upon the magnetic field strength, the magnetic permeability of the material treated, the rate of flow, particle size and the like factors, as hereinabove indicated.

In the modification of the present invention indicated in Figs. 7 and 8 the magnetic comb is comprised of a plurality of pin extensions [0 extending outwardly from the partition surface .of lower partition member P each comprised of magnetic material and each curved in a manner similar to curved slots 6 in fin members 5'.

The particular curved path preferably imparted to slots 6 and pins l0 may vary widely but should in the main represent some approximation of the resultant of the forces suspension fiow and magnetic attraction so as to impede as little as possible the normal movement of the magnetic particle towards the inner surfaces of. curved recesses 2-2. If desired, a combination of slotted fin members 5 and pin extensions I!) may be employed where it is desired to retain the advantages of a plurality of parallel channels of flow through the magnetic field to the zone of maximum field strength.

Depending partition II is provided on'lower partition member P to provide means to vary the length of the said partition P to thereby extend the partition to a desired distance above or below the zone of maximum field strength X-X.

From the above description and drawings describing and illustrating the present invention it is apparent that many modifications may be i cluding means to flow a suspension of materials under hydrostatic pressure through an electromagnetic field projected through the suspension transversely to the direction of suspension flow and means to progressively move the magnetically attracted particles in the direction of suspension flow thrcugh'the said field and out of the same into channels of flow separate from the channel of flow of the main body of said suspension after leaving the said field, a magnetic comb device disposed in said magnetic field above the zone of maximum field strength through which the said suspension is flowed in passing to the zone of maximum field strength, said comb being formed to provide a plurality of paths of relatively high magnetic flux concentration in spaced relation in the direction of suspension flow, each said path extending throughout the cross-sectional area of said field traversed by the said suspension in passing towards the zone of maximum field strength and each said path being curved in the direction toward the zone of maximum field strength and toward the magnetic poles inducing said magnetic field.

2., In an electromagnetic separator device ineluding means to flow a. suspension of materials under hydrostatic pressure through an electromagnetic field of progressively increasing field strength and means;to progressively move the magnetically attracted particles in the direction of suspension flow through the said field and into separate channels of flow from the main body of said suspension after leaving the said field, a magnetic comb device disposed in said magnetic field through which the said suspension is flowed in passing to the zone of maximum field strength, said comb being comprised of a plurality of plates comprised of magnetic material sustained in spaced relation edgewise to the flow of suspension, each plate having the edges adjacent the magnetic poles generating the said field shaped to provide a plurality of curved paths of relatively high flux concentration directed towards the magnetic poles and towards the zone of maximum field strength.

3. In an electromagnetic separator device, a container, 8. pair of electromagnetic poles disposed adjacent opposite side walls of said container adapted to project a magnetic field therebetween through a' portion of said container, means to flow a suspension of-materials under hydrostatic pressure through said container, and through said field means to progressively move the magnetically attracted particles along the inner surfaces of said opposite side walls in the direction of suspension flow and out of the magnetic field between said poles, means to divert said magnetic particles and a portion of said suspension into channels of flow separate from the main body of said suspension as the said magnetic particles pass out of said field, and a magnetic comb device disposed in said container in the area covered by said field, said comb being formed of a plurality of plates comprised of magnetic material located in spaced relation edgewise to the suspension fiow, the edges of each said plate next adjacent the said magnetic poles being cut away to provide a plurality of curved paths of relatively high flux concentration operating to direct magnetic particles in a curved path towards the said magnetic poles as said particles flow towards the zone of maximum field strength.

4. An electromagnetic separator device comprising a substantially rectangular container, a pair of electromagnetic poles disposed adjacent the exterior surface of opposite side walls of said container, rotatable cylindrical end pieces for said poles disposed next adjacent said side walls the peripheral surface thereof being provided with a plurality of spaced points of relatively high magnetic flux concentration, means to flow a suspension of materials through said container and between said pole ends, means to establish a magnetic field of desired intensity between said pole ends, means to divert the suspension fiowing next adjacent the inner surfaces of said opposite side walls into channels of -fiow separate from the main flow of said suspension at a point where the suspension leaves said magnetic field, and a magnetic comb device extending across the inside of the container in the area traversed by said magnetic field, said device providing a plurality of paths of concentrated magnetic flux leading towards the inner surfaces of said opposite side walls along which the magnetic particles of said suspensions are directed in passing through the field to the zone of maximum fiux concentration.

5. An electromagnetic separator device comprising a substantially rectangular container, a pair of electromagnetic poles disposed adjacent the exterior surface of opposite side walls of said container, rotatable cylindrical end pieces for said poles disposed next adjacent said side walls the peripheral surface thereof being provided with a plurality of spaced points of relatively high magnetic flux concentration, means to fiow a suspension of materials through said container and between said pole ends, means to establish a magnetic field of desired intensity between said pole ends, means to divert the suspension flowing next adjacent the inner surfaces of said opposite side walls into channels of flow separate from the main flow of said suspension at a point where the suspension leaves said magnetic field, and a magnetic comb device extending across the inside of the container in the area traversed by said magnetic field, said device comprising a plurality of spaced fin members comprised of magnetic material providing a plurality of separate channels of flow for the suspension through the said container each of said fin members being provided with a plurality of slots extending for a distance inwardly from the edges thereof and in a direction opposite to the direction of flow along a curved line representing substantially the re sultant of the forces magnetic attraction and rate of flow of said suspension.

6. An electromagnetic separator device comprising a substantially rectangular container, a

pair of electromagnetic poles disposed adjacent the exterior surface of opposite side walls of said container, rotatable cylindrical end pieces for said poles disposed next adjacent said side walls the peripheral surface thereof being provided with a plurality of spaced points of relatively high magnetic flux concentration, means to flow a suspension of materials through said container and between said pole ends, means to establish a magnetic field of desired intensity between said pole ends, means to divert the suspension flowing next adjacent the inner surfaces of said opposite side walls into channels of flow separate from the main flow of said suspension at a point where the suslknsion leaves said magnetic field, and a magnetic comb device extending across the inside of the container in the area traversed by said magnetic field, said device comprising a partition member dividing the suspension into two separate channels of flow adjacent said opposite side walls and a plurality of spaced fin members radiating outwardly from said partition towards said side walls substantially dividing said two separate channels of flow into a plurality of parallel flowing streams, each of said fin members being provided with a plurality of slots extending inwardly from the outer edges thereof towards said partition member along a curved path opposite to the direction of flow representing substantially the resultant of the forces mag netic attraction and rate of flow of said suspension.

7. An electromagnetic separator device comprising a substantially rectangular container, a pair of electromagnetic poles disposed adjac at the exterior surface of opposite side walls of said container, rotatable cylindrical end pieces for said poles disposed next adjacent said side walls the peripheral surface thereof being provided with a plurality of spaced points of relatively high magnetic flux concentration, means to flow a suspension of materials through saidcontainer and between said pole ends, means to establish a magnetic field oi desired intensity between said pole ends, means to divert the suss pension fiowing next adjacent the inner surfaces of said opposite side walls into channels of flow separate from the main flow of said suspension at a point where the suspension leaves said magnetic field, and a magnetic comb device extending across the inside of the container in the area traversed by said magnetic field, said device com prising a partition member dividing the suspension flow into two separate channels adjacent said opposite side walls in the area at least above i the zone of maximum. field strength "between said poles, said partition member being provided with a plurality of magnetic extension members providing a plurality of paths of relatively high magnetic flux concentration through which said suspension must pass in flowing to the zone of maximum field strength, said paths being curved in the direction of suspension flow towards said opposite side walls along a line substantially representing the resultant of the two forces magnetic attraction and rate of flow.

8. A magnetic comb device comprising in combination, a pair of spaced electromagnetic poles having rotatable pole ends, a partition member of non-magneticmaterial dividing the space gap between said pole ends and a plurality of extension members comprised of magnetic materiai radiating from said partition member in a curved path towards said pole ends and towards the zone of maximum field strength providing a plurality of paths of higher flux concentration cross-sectionally throughout said space gap at least in the area above the zone of maximum field strength.

9. A magnetic comb device comprising in combination, a pair of spaced electromagnetic poles having rotatable pole ends, a partition member of non-magnetic terial the space gap between said pole ends into approximately equal areas and a plurality of fin members comprised of magnetic material radiating in spaced relation edgewise from said partition member towards said pole ends each of said fin members being provided with aplurality of slots extending inwardly from the outer edge thereof providing a plurality of curved paths of higher flux concentration cross-sectionally throughout said space gap towards thesaid pole ends and towards the zone of maximum field strength at least in the area above the zone of maximum. field strength.

i 10. A magnetic comb device comprising in combination, a pair of spaced electromagnetic poles having rotatable pole ends, a partition member of non-magnetic material dividing the space gap between said pole ends into approxi-- mately equal areas and a plurality of pin extension members comprised of magnetic material radiating from. said partition member in a curved path towards said pole ends towards the zone of maximum'field strength providing a plurality of paths of high flux concentration crosssectionally throughout said space gap at least in the area above the zone of maximum field strength.

AUGUSTIN LEON JEAN QUENEAU.

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