Patent ID: 6253924
Filing Date: 2001-07-03
Classification: B03C

Abstract:
A magnetic separator apparatus for use in separating magnetic material from a mixture of at least magnetic material and a liquid, the apparatus comprising:an endless belt defining a channel, wherein at least a portion of the endless belt is movable up an incline relative to horizontal between a first and second element through a separation zone, wherein the first and second elements include a first and second roller positioned with a fixed distance therebetween, wherein each of the first and second rollers has a longitudinal axis therethrough, wherein one of the first and second rollers is positioned at a first distance above horizontal and the other of the first and second rollers is positioned above horizontal at a second distance which is greater than the first distance, and further wherein the endless belt is positioned for movement about the first and second rollers up the incline in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the first and second rollers, wherein the endless belt includes:an endless base section having a predetermined length, andfirst and second sidewalls extending from the endless base section along the entire predetermined length thereof, wherein the endless base section and the first and second sidewalls define the channel, wherein each of the first and second sidewalls include a first proximal end sealed to the base section along the predetermined length and a second distal end, wherein the first and second sidewalls are flexible corrugated sidewalls such that the second distal end is expandable to a length that exceeds the predetermined length of the base section, and further wherein the channel receives the mixture therein;a ferromagnetic collection matrix positioned in the channel, wherein the ferromagnetic collection matrix includes a plurality of collection matrix elements provided in a predetermined pattern along the base section of the endless belt such that the collection matrix elements are in a first state when the collection matrix elements are in a position away from at least one of the first and second elements and are in a second expanded state when proximate the at least one of the first and second elements, wherein the predetermined pattern includes two or more rows of one or more collection matrix elements, each row extending in the direction of the longitudinal axes of the rollers across a width of the channel between the first and second sidewalls, wherein adjacent rows of one or more collection matrix elements have element gaps defined therebetween, and further wherein the plurality of collection matrix elements are provided by an accordion-like folded collection matrix; andone or more magnets positioned for generating a magnetic field in the separation zone, wherein the one or more magnets include a plurality of magnets such that regions of alternating magnetic field are created in the separation zone through with the ferromagnetic collection matrix is moved.