Magnetic And Fluid Suspension Patents (Class 209/39)
  • Patent number: 11433404
    Abstract: A centrifugal field-flow fractionation device includes an annular rotor, an arc-shaped channel member, a rotation drive unit, and a restriction unit. A channel member 16 is provided along an inner peripheral surface of the rotor, has therein a channel 161 for a liquid sample by laminating a plurality of layers, and has an inlet for the liquid sample to the channel 161 and an outlet for the liquid sample from the channel 161. By rotating the rotor, particles in the liquid sample in the channel 161 are classified by centrifugal force. A restriction spacer 64 restricts the channel 161 from being compressed to a height less than a certain height when the channel member 16 is compressed and deformed in a laminating direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kengo Aoki, Ryutaro Oda
  • Patent number: 11325159
    Abstract: A classifying and purifying apparatus of a solid blowing agent includes a classifier which classifies a supplied solid blowing agent into first microspheres and second microspheres, a storage connected to the classifier, in which the classified first microspheres flow in to be stored and emitted, and a filter arranged on the moving route of the solid blowing agent or the first microspheres which separates metallic substance from the object of filtering comprising the solid blowing agent or the first microspheres.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: SKC SOLMICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sunghoon Yun, Jung Nam Lee, Tae Kyoung Kwon, Jang Won Seo
  • Patent number: 10751723
    Abstract: A method and related apparatus for liberating particles with specific dimensions from a moist Municipal Solid Waste Incinerator ash (MSWI ash) material comprising particles with differing dimensions. In an aspect, the method comprises feeding an amount of the material in a particle stream, striking the particle stream with a striking body to impart a sudden change in direction of the particle stream, receiving at least a part of the stricken particle stream on a moving surface, and transporting the received particle stream to an outlet beyond the receiving area where the particle stream is divided in a first fraction rich of particles of a first group of particle dimensions, and at least a second fraction rich of particles of a second group of particle dimensions, which second fraction is substantially depleted of particles of the first group of particle dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: ADR TECHNOLOGY B.V.
    Inventors: Walterus de Vries, Johannes Gerardus Anna Bleijs, Thijs Matthias Jacobus Bergmans, Simon Petrus Maria Berkhout, Peter Carlo Rem
  • Patent number: 10549287
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the separation of at least one hydrophobic or hydrophobized material from a dispersion comprising said at least one hydrophobic or hydrophobized material and at least one second material. The process according to the present invention comprises the steps (A) to (D) which are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Wolfgang Rohde, Alexej Michailovski, Igor Shishkov, Reinhold Rieger, Gerardo Incera Garrido, Piyada Charoensirisomboon, Darren Megaw, David Johann Gilbert
  • Patent number: 9981858
    Abstract: Proposed is a process for separating a leach residue from which a hematite-containing material that can be used as a raw material for ironmaking can be obtained, and provided is a production process of hematite for ironmaking from the leach residue. The process for producing hematite for ironmaking using, as a raw material, the leach residue in a slurry state obtained from a hydrometallurgical plant for nickel oxide ore utilizing a high pressure acid leach process comprises in sequence: a first step of separating the leach residue in a slurry state into an overflow and an underflow using a wet cyclone; a second step of separating the overflow into a strong magnetic component and a weak magnetic component using a strong-magnetic-field magnetic separator utilizing magnetic force; and a third step of sintering the separated strong magnetic component at a temperature of 1150 to 1350° C. to form a sintered body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: SUMITOMO METAL MINING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Go Ohara, Yasumasa Kan, Masaki Imamura
  • Patent number: 9427688
    Abstract: An apparatus and method disperse particles suspended in a fluid with an obstacle field in the flow path of the fluid. The particles may be dispersed after an interaction with obstacles in the obstacle field. The obstacle-particle interactions may result in an asymmetrical particle shift in which the particles are dispersed in an asymmetrical manner relative to the obstacle and the fluid flow. The obstacle field may have a configuration that causes the particles suspended in the fluid to disperse in a differential manner in a direction perpendicular to the fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Inventor: Steven H. Reichenbach
  • Patent number: 9302293
    Abstract: A dedusting apparatus is formed with a rectangular inlet structure that assures a fully loaded feeding of particulate material over the face of the opposing wash decks. A rectangular inlet box having substantially the same width dimension as the corresponding dimension of the adjacent wash decks provides an even distribution of particulate material over the entire surface of the wash decks. A reconfiguration of the air inlet structure eliminates a rearward air plenum and manifold by passing the air flow upwardly through the bottom wall of the apparatus housing, rather than through the rear wall. Individually adjustable inlet deflectors can regulate the product flow on each respective wash deck and can be closed to stop the product flow completely to either one or both of the wash decks. Actuators control the movement of the deflectors, which can be integrated in an overall electronic control system for the dedusting apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Pelletron Corporation
    Inventor: Heinz Schneider
  • Patent number: 9248454
    Abstract: A device for recovering magnetic particles trapped on a magnetic plug, which includes a supporting end and a magnetized element for retaining the magnetic particles in a liquid resulting from the wear of parts with which the liquid has been in contact, the recovery device including a magnetization device and an enclosure having an opening, the enclosure to receive the magnetic plug via the opening such that the magnetized element is located inside the enclosure and the supporting end is located outside the enclosure. The opening is sized such that the supporting end blocks the opening. The device also includes an injection nozzle to inject a gaseous fluid inside the enclosure, the nozzle being oriented such that the flow of gaseous fluid expels the magnetic particles retained on the magnetized element toward the bottom of the enclosure. The magnetization device traps the particles urged toward the bottom of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventor: Fabrice Colladon
  • Patent number: 9114403
    Abstract: A gravity separation system for separating and recovering heavy metal particles from a slurry of suspended particles. The separation system includes a channeling member with an interior space, for guiding a flow of a slurry of suspended particles, and a magnetic member situated external to the channeling member. The magnetic member includes a geometrically patterned array of magnets, for generating a geometrically patterned magnetic field extending into the interior space of the channeling member. Magnetic particles such as magnetite, suspended in the slurry, are assembled by the geometrically patterned magnetic field into a correspondingly patterned array of riffles within the channeling member. The array of riffles promotes the sedimentation of heavy particles from the slurry. The geometrically patterned magnetic field is interruptible, to allow disassembly of the riffles and recovery of the settled heavy particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Inventor: Douglas Scott de Lange
  • Publication number: 20150136881
    Abstract: The invention uses a dispersion (303) of suspended single-layer graphene (201), multilayer graphene (202), and graphite (203), and applies a magnetic field to the dispersion (303) to separate the single-layer graphene (201) from the dispersion (303). In the magnetic field applying step of the graphene producing method, the single-layer graphene (201), the multilayer graphene (202), and the graphite (203) are situated at different locations in solvent by using the difference in the diamagnetism strengths of the single-layer graphene (201), the multilayer graphene (202), and the graphite (203).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Hidetoshi Kitaura, Naomi Nishiki, Kazuhiro Nishikawa, Kimiaki Nakaya, Atsushi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8991612
    Abstract: A method obtains non-magnetic ores from a suspension containing ore particle-magnetic particle agglomerates. The method involves dividing ore particle-magnetic particle agglomerates precipitated from the suspension into a mixture of separately present ore particles and magnet particles, separating the magnetic particles from the mixture, forming a first mass flow containing magnetic particles and a second mass flow containing ore particles. At least one information describing a measure of the content of ore particles in the first mass flow and being associated with the first mass flow and/or at least one information describing a measure of the portion of magnetic particles in the second mass flow and being associated with the second mass flow are determined in order to determine the efficiency of at least one of the separation processes described above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michael Diez, Argun Gökpekin, Wolfgang Krieglstein
  • Patent number: 8991615
    Abstract: A method obtains non-magnetic ores from a suspension-like mass flow containing non-magnetic ore particles. The method involves mixing the mass flow with magnetic particles in a mixing device and forming ore particle-magnetic particle agglomerates, feeding the mass flow as a separator feed flow to a magnetic separator for separating the ore particle-magnetic particle agglomerates from the mass flow, forming a separator concentrate flow containing ore particle-magnetic particle agglomerates and a separator residual flow containing the remaining constituents of the mass flow, and separating the ore particles from the ore particle-magnetic particle agglomerates contained in the separator concentrate flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michael Diez, Argun Gökpekin, Wolfgang Krieglstein
  • Patent number: 8916049
    Abstract: The processing method for a mixture according to the present invention is a method for processing a mixture having first particles made of a magnetic material or a nonmagnetic material and second particles made of a magnetic material or a nonmagnetic material wherein the second particles are mixed in a fluid medium containing the first particles, and comprises a dispersion step of dispersing aggregates of the first particles and the second particles present in the mixture, and a magnetic separation step of providing the first particles and second particles with a magnetic force a of different magnitudes by applying a magnetic field to the mixture in parallel with or after the dispersion step, thereby separating the first particles and the second particles from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignees: Osaka University, Ube Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigehiro Nishijima
  • Publication number: 20140332449
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for separating a mixture that are capable of separating a mixture containing a plurality types of particles, using a countercurrent classification technique, even when there is little difference in density and particle diameter depending on the types of particles. In the present invention, a mixture containing first particles and second particles is separated using a separation tube 13 having the inverted-conical or pyramidal shape or a substantially inverted-conical or pyramidal shape. The first particles and the second particles are made of substances having different magnetic susceptibilities. A fluid is caused to flow upward through the separation tube 13, and the flow of the fluid is used to introduce the mixture into the separation tube 13. The first particles and the second particles are held in the separation tube 13 in a mixed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicants: OSAKA UNIVERSITY, UBE INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Shigehiro Nishijima, Fumihito Mishima, Koji Kaiso, Toshihiro Shimakawa
  • Patent number: 8865000
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for separating at least one first material from a mixture comprising this at least one first material, at least one second material and magnetic particles, which comprises the following steps (A) at least partial removal of the magnetic particles by application of a magnetic field gradient, optionally in the presence of at least one dispersing medium, to give a mixture comprising at least one first material and at least one second material and a reduced amount of magnetic particles, (B) contacting of the mixture comprising at least one first material and at least one second material from step (A) with magnetic particles so that the at least one first material and the magnetic particles agglomerate, (C) separation of the agglomeration product from the mixture from step (B) by application of a magnetic field gradient and (D) dissociation of the agglomeration product separated off in step (C) in order to obtain the at least one first material and the magnetic particles
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignees: BASF SE, Siemens AG
    Inventors: Alexej Michailovski, Imme Domke
  • Patent number: 8858801
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for separating at least one first material from a mixture comprising this at least one first material, at least one second material and at least one third material, which comprises at least the following steps: (A) contacting of the mixture comprising at least one first material, at least one second material and at least one third material with at least one hydrocarbon in an amount of from 0.01 to 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignees: BASF SE, Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Imme Domke, Alexej Michailovski, Norbert Mronga
  • Patent number: 8844730
    Abstract: A device for the magnetic separation of a fluid including first particles to be separated of magnetic or magnetizable material and second particles of non-magnetic or non-magnetizable material may include at least two magnet arrangements for generating a magnetic induction B, which are arranged in line with one another with regard to a center axis M, wherein neighboring magnet arrangements have an opposing pole arrangement and are arranged at a distance d from each other for the generation of a cusp field. The device may also include at least one conveying line for transporting the fluid, the line having a longitudinal axis extending, at least in the region of the magnet arrangements, on a plane aligned perpendicularly in relation to the center axis M between neighboring magnet arrangements. The conveying line(s) may have at least one branch downstream of the center axis M, along the transporting direction of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Günter Lins, Michael Römheld
  • Patent number: 8834593
    Abstract: A method of enriching the iron content of low grade iron ore bearing materials has been developed which produces a high iron ore concentrate suitable for processing into pig iron and steel. The process includes reducing the low grade iron ore bearing materials to a fine particulate form and treating a water slurry of this material by applying a combination of ultrasonic treatments in a plurality of high and low intensity magnetic separation operations to remove interfering materials and concentrate magnetic and paramagnetic iron bearing materials into a high grade ore stock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Superior Mineral Resources LLC
    Inventors: Howard W. Hilshorst, Gregory D. Lindahl, James A. Hecimovich
  • Patent number: 8789705
    Abstract: A process of sorting metallic single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) from semiconducting types by disposing the SWNTs in a dilute fluid, exposing the SWNTs to a dipole-inducing magnetic field which induces magnetic dipoles in the SWNTs so that a strength of a dipole depends on a conductivity of the SWNT containing the dipole, orienting the metallic SWNTs, and exposing the SWNTs to a magnetic field with a spatial gradient so that the oriented metallic SWNTs drift in the magnetic field gradient and thereby becomes spatially separated from the semiconducting SWNTs. An apparatus for the process of sorting SWNTs is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: James Cooper Wainerdi, Robert Reid Doering, Luigi Colombo
  • Patent number: 8777015
    Abstract: There are provided devices, systems and processes to treat slurries that include magnetic and nonmagnetic particles suspended in water in such a fashion as to separate certain valuable elements and/or minerals from less valuable minerals or elements. A high intensity magnetic separator includes at least one large rotatable turntable that defines at least one circular channel therethrough in which a matrix material is positioned. The turntable is configured to rotate in a generally horizontal plane about a generally vertical virtual axis, causing the at least one circular channel to rotate through a plurality of intermittent magnetic and nonmagnetic zones generated by a plurality of permanent magnet members. A treatment slurry is directed into the channel or channels in one or more of the magnetic zones as the turntable rotates. A tailings fraction passes through the channel or channels in a generally downward direction in the magnetic zones and is collected in tailings launders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Magnetation, Inc.
    Inventors: David Chappie, Martin J. Halverson, Lucas J. Lehtinen
  • Patent number: 8741023
    Abstract: A method of enriching the iron content of low-grade iron-bearing ore materials has been developed which produces a high iron ore concentrate suitable for processing into pig iron and steel. The process includes reducing the low-grade iron-bearing ore materials to a fine particulate form and treating a water slurry of this material by applying a combination of ultrasonic treatments in a plurality of high and low intensity magnetic separation operations to remove interfering materials and concentrate magnetic and paramagnetic iron-bearing materials into a high-grade ore stock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Superior Mineral Resources LLC
    Inventors: Howard W. Hilshorst, Gregory D. Lindahl, James A. Hecimovich
  • Patent number: 8708152
    Abstract: Slurries of magnetic and nonmagnetic particles in water are treated in a high intensity magnetic separator including at least one turntable that defines at least one circular channel therethrough in which a matrix material is positioned. Rotation of the turntable in a generally horizontal plane about a generally vertical virtual axis causes the circular channel(s) to rotate through a plurality of magnetic and nonmagnetic zones generated by magnet members. Treatment slurry is directed into the channel(s) in one or more of the magnetic zones as the turntable rotates. A tailings fraction passing through the channel(s) in a generally downward direction in the magnetic zones is collected in tailings launders. Magnetic particles attracted to the matrix material in the magnetic zones remain in the channel(s) until they pass into an adjacent nonmagnetic zone, where the magnetic particles are washed from the channel(s) into concentrate launders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Magnetation, Inc.
    Inventors: Lucas Lehtinen, Shawn Henriksen, David Chappie, Travis Edward Cunningham, Danilo Bibancos
  • Patent number: 8684185
    Abstract: A separating device for separating a mixture of magnetizable and non-magnetizable particles present in a suspension conducted in a separating channel, has a ferromagnetic yoke, which is arranged on one side of the separating channel and made of sheet metal and which has at least one magnetic field generator for generating a magnetic deflecting field and a separating element arranged at the exit of the separating channel for separating the magnetic particles, wherein the magnetic field generator provided is a coil arrangement, having coils which can be controlled via a control device in grooves of the yoke along the separating channel such that a deflecting magnetic field, particularly a travelling wave, deflecting substantially toward the yoke; and being variable in terms of time is produced, having substantially field-free regions passing over the entire length of the separating channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Günter Ries
  • Publication number: 20140014559
    Abstract: Provided are a mixture separation method and a separation apparatus in which agglomeration of particles contained in the mixture is suppressed, energy required in distillation treatment of a supporting liquid is small in comparison with conventional methods, and particles that cannot be separated by conventional methods can be separated from a mixture containing the particles. The separation method and separation apparatus of the present invention separate, by type, a plurality of types of particles formed of mutually different materials by applying a magnetic field having a magnetic field gradient to the mixture containing the plurality of types of particles in the supporting liquid. Alternatively, the separation method and separation apparatus of the present invention separate a specific type of particle from such mixture. The supporting liquid is an organic solvent solution obtained by dissolving one or more types of paramagnetic compounds in an organic solvent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicants: UBE INDUSTRIES, LTD., OSAKA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Shigehiro Nishijima, Fumihito Mishima, Koji Kaiso, Toshihiro Shimakawa
  • Patent number: 8584863
    Abstract: A separating device (1, 10, 14, 16, 17) for separating particles able to be magnetized and particles not able to be magnetized transported in a suspension flowing through a separating channel (3), has at least one permanent magnet (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) arranged on at least one side of the separating channel (3) for producing a magnetic field gradient which deflects particles able to be magnetized to said side, wherein a yoke (5) is provided for closing the magnetic circuit from the permanent magnet (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) to the side of the separating channel (3) opposite the permanent magnet (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) and/or between two permanent magnets (4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Kathrin Bender, Jürgen Oswald, Wolfgang Schmidt, Bernd Trautmann
  • Patent number: 8584862
    Abstract: A method for magnetic ore separation and/or dressing is provided, in which metalliferous recoverable materials are separated from conveyed metalliferous ore rock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignees: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft, BASF SE
    Inventors: Vladimir Danov, Imme Domke, Bernd Gromoll, Werner Hartmann, Wolfgang Krieglstein, Alexej Michailovski, Norbert Mronga, Reinhold Rieger
  • Patent number: 8561802
    Abstract: Systems and methods for processing waste material are presented. For some embodiments, the system comprises a chamber, an inlet, a fluid outlet, a metal outlet, and a magnet. The inlet is configured to selectively open and close. The inlet injects waste material into the chamber when the inlet is open. The waste material is suspended in a fluid medium, and comprises both ferromagnetic substances and non-ferromagnetic substances. The magnet is a selectively activated magnet coupled to the chamber. The magnet is configured to activate when the inlet is open, and deactivate when the inlet is closed. The magnet attracts the ferromagnetic substances from the waste material when the magnet is activated. The attracted ferromagnetic substances are released from the magnet when the magnet is deactivated. The metal outlet configured to selectively open and close. The metal outlet opens and expels the released ferromagnetic material from the magnet when the magnet is deactivated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Rineco Chemical Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John P. Whitney
  • Patent number: 8545594
    Abstract: A method of enriching the iron content of low grade iron ore bearing materials has been developed which produces a high iron ore concentrate suitable for processing into pig iron and steel. The process includes reducing the low grade iron ore bearing materials to a fine particulate form and treating a water slurry of this material by applying a combination of ultrasonic treatments in a plurality of high and low intensity magnetic separation operations to remove interfering materials and concentrate magnetic and paramagnetic iron bearing materials into a high grade ore stock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Superior Mineral Resources LLC
    Inventors: Howard W. Hilshorst, Gregory D. Lindahl, James A. Hecimovich
  • Patent number: 8505735
    Abstract: A vertical ring magnetic separator for de-ironing of coal ash comprises a rotating ring (101), an inductive medium (102), an upper iron yoke (103), a lower iron yoke (104), a magnetic exciting coil (105), a feeding opening (106), a tailing bucket (107) and a water washing device (109). The feeding opening (106) is used for feeding the coal ash to be de-ironed, and the tailing bucket (107) is used for discharging the non-magnetic particles after de-ironing. The upper iron yoke (103) and the lower iron yoke (104) are respectively arranged at the inner and outer sides of the lower portion of the rotating ring (101). The water washing device (109) is arranged above the rotating ring (101). The inductive medium (102) is arranged in the rotating ring (101).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: China Shenhua Energy Company Limited
    Inventors: Jianguo Han, Zhaohua Guo, Wenhui Zhang, Cundi Wei, Yongwang Wang, Shaonan Xu, Sa Lv, Hong Dong, Junzhou Chi, Jianmin Zhang, Qingan Nan
  • Patent number: 8505734
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are various inventive methods and apparatus related to removing magnetic materials from a liquid solution utilizing an apparatus employing a conveyor belt. The conveyor belt may have a forward run moving in a forward direction from a first pulley to a second pulley and a rearward run moving in a rearward direction from the second pulley to the first pulley. The apparatus may include a longitudinally extending magnet housing interposed between the forward run of the conveyor belt and the rearward run of the conveyor belt and interposed between the first pulley and the second pulley. At least one longitudinally extending magnet may be substantially sealingly enclosed in the magnet housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: David C. Wise
  • Patent number: 8486270
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for separating at least one first material from a mixture comprising this at least one first material and at least one second material, which comprises the following steps (A) contacting of the mixture comprising at least one first material and at least one second material with at least one magnetic particle in the presence of at least one dispersion medium so that the at least one first material and the at least one magnetic particle agglomerate, (B) if appropriate, addition of further dispersion medium to the dispersion obtained in step (A), (C) separation of the agglomerate from step (A) or (B) from the mixture by application of a magnetic field, (D) and dissociation of the agglomerate separated off in step (C) in order to obtain the at least one first material and the at least one magnetic particle separately, with an energy input of at least 10 kW/m3 being introduced into the dispersion in step (A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignees: BASF SE, Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Reinhold Rieger, Alexej Michailovski, Imme Domke
  • Patent number: 8485363
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for separating solid materials on the basis of a mutual difference in density, wherein the materials to be separated are brought into contact with a magnetic fluid across which fluid a density gradient is generated by means of a magnetic field such that fractions of solid materials of different densities are obtained, said device being provided with a magnet, an inflow chamber, a separation chamber, and means for discharging fractions of solid materials of different densities in separation, wherein the magnetic fluid flows from the inflow chamber to the separation chamber, wherein the magnet is arranged above the separation chamber, and wherein at least one duct for the supply of the solid materials to be separated is located below the inflow chamber and the separation chamber and encloses an angle with the inflow chamber and the separation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignees: Bakker Holding Son B.V., AKG Polymers B.V.
    Inventors: Gerrit Dinand Klein Nagelvoort, Hendrik Jan Klein Nagelvoort, Erwin Johannes Bakker
  • Patent number: 8475662
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for separating at least one first material from a mixture comprising this at least one first material and at least one second material using magnetic particles with which the at least one first material agglomerates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignees: BASF SE, BASF Corporation, Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Imme Domke, Reinhold Rieger, Alexej Michailovski, Christian Bittner
  • Patent number: 8469196
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for separating metal values, such as nickel and nickel compounds, from mineral ores, including lateritic ores are disclosed. The method includes providing a mixture of particles (e.g., crushed and sized ore) that is composed of at least a first group of particles and a second group of particles. Group members have similar chemical composition, while particles belonging to different groups have dissimilar chemical compositions. The mixture of particles is concurrently, or generally concurrently, heated (using microwave/millimeter wave energy) and exposed to a reactant. The wave energy and the reactant act to increase the difference in either the magnetic susceptibility or other separation properties between the first and second group of particles. The mixture of particles is then passed through an appropriate separator to separate the particles of interest. Optional steps are disclosed for purifying selected particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Wave Separation Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen Birken
  • Patent number: 8459464
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are described for the discrimination of particles using sedimentation field-flow fractionation operating without the use of rotating seals. Multiple lines of fluid and electrical communication are provided through a centrifugation unit comprising a fishhook-shaped umbilical conduit traveling from a stationary frame through a rotating guide frame to the separation channel. Twisting and tangling of the umbilical conduit enclosed communication lines are prevented by rotating the guide frame and separation channel in the same direction about an axis at an angular velocity ratio of 1:2. The design eliminates maintenance problems associated with rotating seals, simplifies channel installation and adjustment, and enables the use of multiple channels and the simultaneous application of multiple modes of field-flow fractionation either in concert or in a two-dimensional format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: Fred C. Senftleber
  • Patent number: 8434623
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for separating at least one first material from a mixture comprising this at least one first material and at least one second material, which comprises the following steps: (A) contacting of the mixture comprising the at least one first material and at least one second material with at least one selective hydrophobicizing agent in the presence of a suspension medium so that an adduct is formed from the at least one hydrophobicizing agent and the at least one first material but not with the at least one second material, (B) contacting of the adduct from step (A) with at least one magnetic particle which is functionalized on the surface with at least one polymeric compound having a transition temperature LCST (lower critical solution temperature) at a temperature at which the polymeric compound has hydrophobic character so that the adduct from step (A) and the at least one functionalized magnetic particle agglomerate, (C) if appropriate addition of further suspensio
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignees: BASF SE, Siemens AG
    Inventors: Imme Domke, Alexej Michailovski, Norbert Mronga, Hartmut Hibst, Juergen Tropsch, Susanne Stutz
  • Patent number: 8418855
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating solid particles of different densities, using a magnetic process fluid. The solid particles are thoroughly mixed in a small partial flow of the process fluid. The small turbulent partial flow is added to a large laminar partial flow of the process fluid, after which the obtained mixture of the respective partial process fluids is conducted over, under, or through the middle of two magnet configurations, wherein the particles are separated into lighter particles at the top of the laminar process fluid and heavier particles at the bottom of the laminar process fluid, each of which are subsequently removed with the aid of a splitter. After that furthermore the particles of low density and the particles of high density are separated from the respective process streams, dried and stored. Finally, the process fluid from which the particles have been removed is returned to the original starting process stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Technische Universiteit Delft
    Inventors: Peter Carlo Rem, Simon Peter Maria Berkhout
  • Patent number: 8397918
    Abstract: A separator for separating a first component and a second component from within a mixed fluid includes a plurality of discs, a separator chamber, and a disc rotator. The discs are spaced apart along a disc axis The separator chamber encircles the plurality of discs. The disc rotator rotates the plurality of discs about the disc axis relative to the separator chamber. The separator chamber includes a chamber inlet that receives the mixed fluid, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The disc rotator rotates the plurality of discs about the disc axis so that the mixed fluid is spun around the separator chamber about the disc axis to separate the heavier second component from the first component. The first component is directed out of the separator through the first outlet and the second component is directed out of separator through the second outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Inventor: Keith A. Langenbeck
  • Patent number: 8377311
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of the invention for separating at least one first material from a mixture comprising this at least one first material and at least one second material, which comprises the steps: (A) Contacting of at least one magnetic particle and at least one bifunctional molecule or an adduct of the two with the mixture comprising the at least one first material and at least one second material so that an adduct is formed from the at least one magnetic particle, the bifunctional compound of the general formula (I) and the at least one first material, (B) suspension of the adduct obtained in step (A) in a suitable suspension medium, (C) separation of the adduct present in the suspension from step (B) from the suspension by application of a magnetic field, (D) if appropriate, dissociation of the adduct separated off in step (C) in order to obtain the at least one first material. a corresponding adduct and the use of such an adduct for the separation of mixtures of materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignees: BASF SE, Seimens AG
    Inventors: Imme Domke, Alexej Michailovski, Norbert Mronga, Hartmut Hibst, Juergen Tropsch, Susanne Stutz
  • Patent number: 8377313
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an agglomerate of at least one particle P which is hydrophobicized on the surface with at least one first surface-active substance and at least one magnetic particle MP which is hydrophobicized on the surface with at least one second surface-active substance, a process for producing it and also the use of these agglomerates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignees: BASF SE, Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Imme Domke, Hartmut Hibst, Alexej Michailovski, Norbert Mronga, Werner Hartmann, Wolfgang Krieglstein, Vladimir Danov
  • Patent number: 8377312
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for separating at least one first material from a mixture comprising this at least one first material in an amount of from 0.001 to 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignees: BASF SE, Siemens AG
    Inventors: Imme Domke, Alexej Michailovski, Norbert Mronga
  • Patent number: 8372290
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for separating at least one first material from a mixture comprising this at least one first material and at least one second material, which comprises at least the following steps: (A) contacting of the mixture comprising at least one first material and at least one second material with at least one surface-active substance, if appropriate in the presence of at least one dispersion medium, with the surface-active substance binding to the at least one first material, (B) if appropriate, addition of at least one dispersion medium to the mixture obtained in step (A) in order to obtain a dispersion, (C) treatment of the dispersion from step (A) or (B) with at least one hydrophobic magnetic particle so that the at least one first material to which the at least one surface-active substance is bound and the at least one magnetic particle agglomerate, (D) separation of the agglomerate from step (C) from the mixture by application of a magnetic field in order to obtain th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignees: BASF SE, Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Imme Domke, Alexej Michailovski, Norbert Mronga, Werner Hartmann, Wolfgang Krieglstein, Vladimir Danov
  • Patent number: 8360242
    Abstract: An automated system for sorting dissimilar materials, and in particular for sorting plastics from other materials and for sorting different types of plastics from one another comprises, depending upon the embodiment, combinations of a sizing mechanism, a friction separation, an air separator, a magnetic separator, a dielectric sensor sortation bed, shaker screening, a ballistic separator, an inductive sensor sortation system and a float/sink tank. The dielectric sensor sortation system may be either analog or digital, depending upon the particular implementation. One or more float/sink tanks can be used, depending upon the embodiment, each with a media of a different specific gravity. The media may be water, or water plus a compound such as calcium chloride. In addition, multiples of the same general type of module can be used for particular configurations. A heavy media system or a sand float process can be used either alternatively or additionally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas A. Valerio
  • Patent number: 8342336
    Abstract: In a device and a method for extracting non-magnetic ores from a pulp comprising non-magnetic ore particles and having a solid fraction of at least 30 mass percent, the pulp flows continuously through a reactor in the direction of flow and magnetic or magnetizable magnet particles that form ore magnetic particle agglomerations with the non-magnetic ore particles are added to said pulp. The ore magnetic particle agglomerations are moved by a magnetic field into an accumulation range of the reactor, and are then discharged out of reactor range and separated into ore and magnetic particles. In a device and a method, the separated magnetic particles are treated, in particular hydrophobized, such that during a new interaction with non-magnetic ore particles, new ore magnetic particle agglomerations are formed. Accordingly, a high yield of ores can be obtained and the mine can be operated in an economical and environmentally friendly manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michael Diez, Imme Domke, Werner Hartmann, Hartmut Hibst, Wolfgang Krieglstein, Alexej Michailovski, Norbert Mronga, Michael Riebensahm, Wolfgang Schmidt, Thomas Servay
  • Patent number: 8329039
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for separating at least one first material from a mixture comprising this at least one first material and at least one second material, which comprises the steps: (A) production of a suspension of the mixture comprising at least one first material and at least one second material and at least one magnetic particle in a suitable suspension medium, (B) setting of the pH of the suspension obtained in step (A) to a value at which the at least one first material and the at least one magnetic particle bear opposite surface charges so that these agglomerate, (C) separation of the agglomerate obtained in step (B) from the suspension by application of a magnetic field and (D) dissociation of the agglomerate separated off in step (C) by setting of the pH to a value at which the at least one first material and the at least one magnetic particle bear the same surface charges in order to obtain the at least one first material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Imme Domke, Alexej Michailovski, Norbert Mronga, Hartmut Hibst
  • Patent number: 8318025
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for separating at least one first material from a mixture comprising this at least one first material and at least one second material, which comprises the following steps: (A) contacting of the mixture comprising at least one first material and at least one second material with at least one surface-active substance, if appropriate in the presence of at least one dispersant, resulting in the surface-active substance becoming attached to the at least one first material, (B) if appropriate, addition of at least one dispersant to the mixture obtained in step (A) to give a dispersion having a suitable concentration, (C) treatment of the dispersion from step (A) or (B) with at least one hydrophobic magnetic particle so that the at least one first material to which the at least one surface-active substance is bound and the at least one magnetic particle become attached to one another, (D) separation of the addition product from step (C) from the mixture by application of
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Imme Domke, Norbert Mronga, Alexej Michailovski, Hartmut Hibst, Thomas Servay, Rainer Klopsch
  • Patent number: 8292083
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously separating or concentrating particles that includes flowing two fluids in laminar flow through a magnetic field gradient which causes target particles to migrate to a waste fluid stream, and collecting each fluid stream after being flowed through the magnetic field gradient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignees: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc., Children's Medical Center Corporation
    Inventors: Mathew Varghese, Jason O. Fiering, Donald E. Ingber, Nan Xia, Mark J. Mescher, Jeffrey T. Borenstein, Chong Wing Yung
  • Patent number: 8292084
    Abstract: There are provided devices, systems and processes to treat slurries that include magnetic and nonmagnetic particles suspended in water in such a fashion as to separate certain valuable elements and/or minerals from less valuable minerals or elements. A high intensity magnetic separator includes at least one large rotatable turntable that defines at least one circular channel therethrough in which a matrix material is positioned. The turntable is configured to rotate in a generally horizontal plane about a generally vertical virtual axis, causing the at least one circular channel to rotate through a plurality of intermittent magnetic and nonmagnetic zones generated by a plurality of permanent magnet members. A treatment slurry is directed into the channel or channels in one or more of the magnetic zones as the turntable rotates. A tailings fraction passes through the channel or channels in a generally downward direction in the magnetic zones and is collected in tailings launders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Magnetation, Inc.
    Inventors: David Chappie, Martin J. Halverson, Lucas J. Lehtinen
  • Publication number: 20120234731
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are described for the discrimination of particles using sedimentation field-flow fractionation operating without the use of rotating seals. Multiple lines of fluid and electrical communication are provided through a centrifugation unit comprising a fishhook-shaped umbilical conduit traveling from a stationary frame through a rotating guide frame to the separation channel. Twisting and tangling of the umbilical conduit enclosed communication lines are prevented by rotating the guide frame and separation channel in the same direction about an axis at an angular velocity ratio of 1:2. The design eliminates maintenance problems associated with rotating seals, simplifies channel installation and adjustment, and enables the use of multiple channels and the simultaneous application of multiple modes of field-flow fractionation either in concert or in a two-dimensional format.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: FRED C. SENFTLEBER
  • Patent number: 8186515
    Abstract: Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) requires high-performing tracer materials that are highly magnetic monodispersed particles with fast remagnetization behavior. Known separation techniques only allow for fractionation of magnetic particles based on differences in magnetic volume. Proposed is a separation method, which allows for separation of magnetic particles with respect to their dynamic response onto an oscillating high gradient magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Denis Markov, Hans Marc Bert Boeve