High gradient magnetic separations in water effluents

High gradient magnetic separators (HGMS) have proven to be an effective means of lowering significantly both the oil and suspended solids of water effluent streams. This paper presents a systematic investigation of pertinent variables for optimal removal of hydrocarbons and weakly magnetic solids. Field strength, nature of matrix, residence time of fluid within the active region of the inhomogeneous field, and particle size of magnetite seeds are among the variables examined.