Optimization of the capture element for an OGMS based on the 3D computation of the magnetic particle behavior

Abstract

In this work, we present a 3D approach for the optimization of the capture element for an open-gradient magnetic separation(OGMS) used for the purification of flowing liquids in a channel of small diameter D = 2.5 × 10^-2 m. This optimization is concerned with the research of the capture element design and the excitation current that allow the separation of ferromagnetic particles of fine size R_p = 3 × 10^-5 m. The proposed approach is based on the minimization of an objective function which is the distance between the particle capture site and the central point of the capture element assumed to be the perfect capture site. To obtain the particle capture site we have computed its behavior where the important magnetic and hydrodynamic applied forces have been taken into account. To perform the minimization of the objective function, we have applied the Tabu search method. To validate the obtained results, experiments have been performed on a flowing water containing particles of iron. Such validation has dealt with the verification of the capture site and the quantification of the volume of the separated particles buildup.