Developing high gradient magnetic separators for greener production: Principles, design, and optimization

High gradient magnetic separation technology is a green production technology that has an unparalleled superiority in separating fine and weak magnetic particles. As the characteristics of poor, fine, and heterogeneous in weakly magnetic mineral resources (hematite, wolframite, rhodochrosite, etc.), the importance of developing the technology is constantly highlighted. Meanwhile, the research and development of energy-saving, high-efficiency and lightweight high gradient magnetic separators (HGMS) becomes necessary to achieve the mining industry's carbon neutrality aim. This paper systematically summarized the magnetic particle motion dynamics model and magnetic particle accumulation model based on the magnetic field distribution. The basic concepts for optimizing the sorting effect, methods for reducing power consumption and magnetic energy dissipation are also proposed. Our work proposes new theoretical frameworks and perspectives on capturing magnetic particles in HGMSs, which facilitates researchers to deepen their understanding of the mechanism of HGMSs, and is conducive to the further optimization of the design and the development of better cleaner production technologies for the sustainable development of the iron and steel industry.