Controllable magnetic anomalies in mineral processing technologies

Abstract

The know-how on creation of magnetic anomalies (artificial magnetic fields with the preset values of induction and its gradient), their control and application for separation of materials in different physical states based on magnetic properties is relatively new. This article addresses the use of magnetic anomalies in the mining industry. The current industry practices many of such technologies. The scientific progress continuously opens up new possibilities for the magnetic anomalies although their current level of application in the technosphere and in the human life activity is comparatively comprehensively studied. For different application areas and problem solution, many separating facilities are designed: from highcapacity iron separators to removers of fine ferruginous admixtures of kaoline and quartz sand. There exists equipment for dry and wet separation with water used as a disperse medium, which is required in processing of finely milled ore and other materials. The magnetic field source can both be electromagnets and permanent magnets made of hard-magnetic materials. Aside from magnetic separation (magnetic field) in mineral processing, magnetic materials enjoy wide application in the other areas. For example, magnetic separation is increasingly used in cytology. The principle of application of magnetic anomalies for separation remains the same despite another microobject of separation - a cell as a living body unit. Based on the aforesaid, magnetic materials being intrinsically artificial magnetic anomalies as well as their derivatives are widely and efficiently used in industrial technologies and, recently, in maintenance of quality of life and health.