Mathematical modelling of high-gradient magnetic separation devices

A mathematical model has been formulated to predict breakthrough characteristics in high-gradient magnetic separation devices. A theoretical analysis based on sorption theory of fixed beds was performed for a dilute, one-component system of paramagnetic particles. Theoretical breakthrough curves have been generated from analytic solution of resulting equations describing the physical situation in HGMS devices. The effect of bed length on the performance is also presented. It is possible to employ the model for qualitative comparison between experimental and predicted results. A discussion of the limitations of the proposed moedl is also given.