Magnetic barrier--A new concept in magnetic separation

Particles can be separated according to their mass magnetic susceptibilities by using a magnetic energy gradient barrier. When a stream of particles with different magnetic susceptibilities is fed to the barrier at an angle, a continuous separation can be obtained. The particles having susceptibilities higher than a predetermined value are deflected and guided by the magnetic barrier to a releasing region, where they pass through the barrier. Particles with lower susceptibilities which penetrate the barrier follow a different path from the more magnetic fraction and are separately collected.