Operating characteristics of superconducting high gradient magnetic separators

An 84 in. warm bore or operating bore superconducting high gradient magnetic separator has been designed and has been operational since May, 1986. It is used to process clay to improve its brightness. Since the magnetic force is proportional to the product of flux density and gradient, the included canister is packed with magnetic stainless steel wool. The effect of wool geometry is discussed. To reduce nonproductive time, the unit is ramped to full field in one minute with equal decay time. The characteristics of the power supply are discussed. Replacement of the low-temperature superconducting-coil with a high-temperature superconducting coil and benefits both in costs and operating expenses are presented. A 120 in. warm bore superconducting high-gradient magnetic separator is in production and is scheduled to be operational February 15, 1989. The methods of determining the size of the iron structure, ramp time, stored magnetic energy, off-centering radial and axial forces, liquid helium and liquid hydrogen consumption, and electric power requirement with descriptive single-line diagrams are presented.<>