The electromagnetic separation of metals from insulators

The performance of a single boundary electromagnetic separator in separating mixtures of aluminium and insulating pieces is examined systematically in an extensive series of experiments. Results are presented that show the variation of Al recovery with particle size, beam splitter position and boundary field profile. Where possible the results are compared with theoretical predictions and show these to be of value. The minimum particle size that can be fully separated by this device is found to be about 3 mm. The results indicate that this size minimum can be improved upon if field gradients at the boundary and the distance over which a gradient exists are increased