Transverse particle trajectories in high-gradient magnetic separation

We have used human red blood cells as a model particle system for studying transverse particle trajectories relevant to high gradient magnetic separators. Trajectories measured around a single 50 μm diameter wire are compared with calculations based on potential and laminar flow models of the fluid motion. The magnetic velocity is determined in an independent experiment which precisely models potential flow. At the low Reynolds numbers (Re = 10^-3) used here it is found that the laminar flow modeI gives better agreement with experiment.