The development of a magnetic hydrocyclone for processing finely-ground magnetite

Previous models of magnetic hydrocyclones were successful in improving the separation of magnetically-susceptible particles from a carrying liquid. Problems occurred, however, with magnetic particles flocculating and accumulating within the hydrocyclone. The liquid flow patterns in the hydrocyclone became distorted, leading to a dilute solid product. A new design of magnetic hydrocyclone has been developed using Nd-Fe-B magnets, which overcomes the problems of magnetic accumulation. The magnets are used to pre-direct the hydrocyclone feed. Compared with a conventional hydrocyclone, this magnetic hydrocyclone is approximately 13% more efficient in the recovery of magnetite, with no change to the liquid content of the product. In an appropriate industrial application, the use of this type of magnetic hydrocyclone could produce significant reductions in the size of installation and processing time