The three types of magnetic field region which function in separating materials by exploiting their magnetic responses have been identified as anadynamic, isodynamic, and katadynamic. These three field regions may be arrayed in contiguous sequence so as to provide a "Magnetic Barrier" at which magnetic force perpendicular to field direction effects continuous separation of particles according to susceptibility. Production scale separators of the current art employ katadynamic regions which exert force aligned with field direction on paramagnetic and ferromagnetic particles to collect them on surfaces. The standard laboratory magnetic separator for mineral investigation employs only a broad isodynamic region. Magnetic force available in this region is less than one third of that provided at the Magnetic Barrier of a laboratory separator employing the three field regions, which consequently provides more sensitive separations over a wider range of susceptibilities. The project objective is to investigate the feasibility of continuous separation of materials according to susceptibility at a Magnetic Barrier on a production scale with sensitivity approximating that of the laboratory equipment. Phase I work in- vestigated factors affecting separation of dry materials on low susceptibility conveyed through a Barrier field under gravitational force on a vibrating surface.The potential commercial application as described by the awardee: Means and methods capable of effecting continuous separation at a Magnetic Barrier on a production scale by exploiting diamagnetic, paramagnetic, or ferromagnetic responses of' materials will extend the usefulness of magnetic separation to many materials for which it is not now practical.
