A Novel Magnetic Separation Technique: Selective Separation of Ultrafine Particles by Magnetophoresis

• Published in: Separation science and technology Vol. 39; no. 12; pp. 2915 - 2930
• Main Authors: Ying, Tung-yu, Prenger, F. Coyne, Worl, Laura A., Johnson, Michael D., Waynert, Joseph A., Wingo, Robert M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis 01-09-2004
• Subjects: Magnetic particles; Magnetic separation; Magnetophoresis; Microparticles
• ISSN: 0149-6395; 1520-5754
• DOI: 10.1081/SS-200031665

The selective and specific extraction of species of interest from local environmental and other sample sources are important for scientific research, industrial processes, and environmental applications. A novel process for selective separation of magnetic particles using magnetophoresis is investigated. The principle of this process is that the direction and velocity of particle movement in a magnetic field gradient are determined by magnetic, gravitational, and drag forces. By selectively controlling these forces, it is possible to control the mobility of the different species and, therefore, magnetically fractionate mixtures of them into discrete groups. This study demonstrated the selective separation of various species, such as iron (III) oxide and cupric (II) oxide. Experimental results showed that around 70-80% of iron was selectively collected in the upper part of the separation media and around 90% of copper was concentrated in the lower part of the media. A magnetophoresis model was developed in this work to provide a theoretical understanding of this phenomenon and to assist in the design of magnetophoresis experiments.