Moving matrix magnetic separator

Claim 2

A MOVING MATRIX MAGNETIC SEPARATOR COMPRISING: A MAGNETIC POLE UNIT INCLUDING A FIRST FERROMAGNETIC POLE MEMBER; A SECOND FERROMAGNETIC POLE MEMBER ALIGNED WITH AND SPACED FROM SAID FIRST POLE MEMBER; AND A WORKING MAGNETIC FIELD VOLUME FORMED BY THE SPACE BETWEEN SAID FIRST AND SECOND POLE MEMBERS; ELECTROMAGNETIC COIL MEANS ENCIRCLING SAID POLE UNIT IMMEDIATELY ADJACENT SAID FIRST AND SECOND POLE MEMBERS COMPLETELY COVERING SAID MAGNETIC FIELD VOLUME FOR PRODUCING A MAGNETIC FIELD PROXIMATE SAID FIELD VOLUME EXTENDING IN A FIRST DIRECTION THROUGH SAID WORKING MAGNETIC FIELD VOLUME BETWEEN SAID POLE MEMBERS; A MOVEABLE MATRIX MEMBER MOVEABLE THROUGH SAID WORKING MAGNETIC FIELD VOLUME BETWEEN SAID FIRST AND SECOND POLE MEMBERS IN A SECOND DIRECTION TRANSVERSE TO SAID FIRST DIRECTION; AND INLET MEANS IN SAID POLE UNIT PROXIMATE ONE OF SAID POLE MEMBERS FOR INTRODUCING, IN SAID FIRST DIRECTION, BETWEEN SAID POLE MEMBERS, FLUID CONTAINING MAGNETICALLY SUSCEPTIBLE AND NON-MAGNETICALLY SUSCEPTIBLE PARTICLES THROUGH THE PORTION OF SAID MATRIX MEMBER BETWEEN SAID POLE MEMBERS IN SAID WORKING MAGNETIC FIELD VOLUME, AND OUTLET MEANS PROXIMATE THE OTHER OF SAID POLE MEMBERS FOR REMOVING CONTAINING FLUID NON-MAGNETICALLY SUSCEPTIBLE PARTICLES FROM SAID MATRIX MEMBER IN SAID WORKING MAGNETIC FIELD VOLUME.

Claim 3

The magnetic separator of claim 1 in which said electromagnetic coil means includes first and second electromagnetic coils each encircling one of said pole members.

Claim 4

The magnetic separator of claim 1 in which said electromagnetic coil means includes at least one electromagnetic coil including four interconnected elements.

Claim 5

The magnetic separator of claim 3 in which all of said elements are in the same plane, and all of said elements are proximate one of said pole members.

Claim 6

The magnetic separator of claim 1 in which said inlet means includes a plurality of spaced, parallel members arranged transverse to the direction of motion of said matrix member.

Claim 7

The magnetic separator of claim 1 in which said outlet means includes a plurality of spaced, parallel members arranged transverse to the direction of motion of said matrix member.

Claim 8

The magnetic separator of claim 1 in which said inlet means includes distributor head means between said first pole member and said matrix member for introducing fluid to said matrix member.

Claim 9

The magnetic separator of claim 1 in which said outlet means includes collection head means between said second pole member and said matrix member for removing fluid from said matrix member.

Claim 10

The magnetic separator of claim 1 in which said inlet and outlet means include a feed zone having a feed inlet and feed outleT, and a seal inlet arranged adjacent at least one side of said feed inlet and outlet in the direction of motion of said matrix unit for providing a hydrostatic seal about said feed inlet and outlet.

Claim 11

The magnetic separator of claim 1 in which said inlet and outlet means include a feed zone having a feed inlet and feed outlet, and a rinse zone having a rinse inlet and rinse outlet, adjacent said feed inlet and feed outlet, respectively, in the direction of motion of said matrix member.

Claim 12

A moving matrix magnetic separator comprising: a feed station including a magnetic pole unit including a first ferromagnetic pole member; a second ferromagnetic pole member aligned with and spaced from said first pole member, and a working magnetic field volume formed by the space between said first and second pole members; electromagnetic coil means encircling said pole unit immediately adjacent said first and second pole members completely covering said magnetic field volume for producing a magnetic field proximate said field volume extending in a first direction through said working magnetic field volume between said pole members; a moveable matrix member moveable through said working magnetic field volume between said first and second pole members in a second direction transverse to said first direction; and inlet means in said pole unit proximate one of said pole members for introducing, in said first direction, between said pole members, fluid containing magnetically susceptible and non-magnetically susceptible particles through the portion of said matrix member between said pole members in said working magnetic field volume, and outlet means proximate the other of said pole members for removing fluid containing non-magnetically susceptible particles from said matrix member in said working magnetic field volume.

Claim 13

A moving matrix magnetic separator comprising: a feed station including a magnetic pole unit including a first ferromagnetic pole member; a second ferromagnetic pole member aligned with and spaced from said first pole member, and a working magnetic field volume formed by the space between said first and second pole members; electromagnetic coil means encircling said pole unit immediately adjacent said first and second pole members completely covering said magnetic field volume for producing a magnetic field proximate said field volume extending in a first direction through said working magnetic field volume between said pole members; a moveable matrix member moveable through said working magnetic field volume between said first and second pole members in a second direction transverse to said first direction; and inlet means in said pole unit proximate one of said pole members for introducing, in said first direction, between said pole members, fluid containing magnetically susceptible and non-magnetically susceptible particles through the portion of said matrix member between said pole members in said working magnetic field volume, and outlet means proximate the other of said pole members for removing fluid containing non-magnetically susceptible particles from said matrix member in said working magnetic field volume.

Claim 14

A moving matrix magnetic separator comprising: a feed station including a magnetic pole unit including a first ferromagnetic pole member; a second ferromagnetic pole member aligned with and spaced from said first pole member; and a working magnetic field volume formed by the space between said first and second pole members; electromagnetic coil means encircling said pole unit immediately adjacent said first and second pole members completely covering said magnetic field volume for producing a magnetic field proximate said field volume extending in a first direction through said working magnetic field volume between said pole members; a moveable matrix member moveable through said working magnetic field volume between said first and second pole members in a second direction transverse to said first direction; inlet means in said pole unit proximate one of said pole members for introducing, in said first direction, between said pole members, fluid containing magnetically susceptible and non-magnetically susceptible particles through the portion of said matrix member between said pole members in said working magnetic field volume, and outlet means proximate the other of said pole members for removing fluid containing non-magnetically susceptible particles from said matrix member in said working magnetic field volume, said inlet and outlet means including a feed zone having a feed inlet and feed outlet, and a rinse zone having a rinse inlet and rinse outlet, adjacent said feed inlet and feed outlet, respectively, in the direction of motion of said matrix member; and a flush station remote from said magnetic field having a flush inlet and a flush outlet for removing particles retained in said matrix member subsequent to movement through said feed station.

Claim 15

A moving matrix magnetic separator comprising: a feed station including a magnetic pole unit including a first ferromagnetic pole member; a second ferromagnetic pole member aligned with and spaced from said first pole member; and a working magnetic field volume formed by the space between said first and second pole members; electromagnetic coil means encircling said pole unit immediately adjacent said first and second pole members completely covering said magnetic field volume for producing a magnetic field proximate said field volume extending in a first direction through said working magnetic field volume between said pole members; a moveable matrix member moveable through said working magnetic field volume between said first and second pole members in a second direction transverse to said first direction; inlet means in said pole unit proximate one of said pole members for introducing, in said first direction, between said pole members, fluid containing magnetically susceptible and non-magnetically susceptible particles through the portion of said matrix member between said pole members in said working magnetic field volume, and outlet means proximate the other of said pole members for removing fluid containing non-magnetically susceptible particles from said matrix member in said working magnetic field volume, said inlet and outlet means including a feed zone having a feed inlet and feed outlet, and a rinse zone having a rinse inlet and rinse outlet, adjacent said feed inlet and feed outlet, respectively, in the direction of motion of said matrix member; and a flush station remote from said magnetic field having a flush inlet and a flush outlet for removing particles retained in said matrix member subsequent to movement through said feed station.

Claim 16

A moving matrix magnetic separator comprising: a magnetic pole unit including a first ferromagnetic pole member; a second ferromagnetic pole member aligned with and spaced from said first pole member; and a working magnetic field volume formed by the space between said first and second pole members; a magnetic return frame unit interconnecting said pole memberS and producing a magnetic field extending in a first direction through said working magnetic field volume between said pole members; permanent magnet means disposed in at least one of said units; a moveable matrix member moveable through said working magnetic field volume between said first and second pole members in a second direction transverse to said first direction; and inlet means in said pole unit proximate one of said pole members for introducing, in said first direction, between said pole members, fluid containing magnetically susceptible and non-magnetically susceptible particles through the portion of said matrix member between said pole members in said working magnetic field volume, and outlet means proximate the other of said pole members for removing fluid containing said non-magnetically susceptible particles from said matrix member in said working magnetic field volume.

Claim 17

A moving matrix magnetic separator comprising: a magnetic pole unit including a first ferromagnetic pole member; a second ferromagnetic pole member aligned with and spaced from said first pole member; and a working magnetic field volume formed by the space between said first and second pole members; a magnetic return frame unit interconnecting said pole memberS and producing a magnetic field extending in a first direction through said working magnetic field volume between said pole members; permanent magnet means disposed in at least one of said units; a moveable matrix member moveable through said working magnetic field volume between said first and second pole members in a second direction transverse to said first direction; and inlet means in said pole unit proximate one of said pole members for introducing, in said first direction, between said pole members, fluid containing magnetically susceptible and non-magnetically susceptible particles through the portion of said matrix member between said pole members in said working magnetic field volume, and outlet means proximate the other of said pole members for removing fluid containing said non-magnetically susceptible particles from said matrix member in said working magnetic field volume.

Claim 18

The magnetic separator of claim 13 in which said inlet means passes through one of said pole members.

Claim 19

The magnetic separator of claim 13 in which said outlet means passes through one of said pole members.

Claim 20

The magnetic separator of claim 13 in which said inlet means includes a plurality of spaced, parallel members arranged transverse to the direction of motion of said matrix member.

Claim 21

The magnetic separator of claim 13 in which said outlet means includes a plurality of spaced, parallel members arranged transverse to the direction of motion of said matrix member.

Claim 22

The magnetic separator of claim 13 in which said inlet and outlet means includes a feed zone having a feed inlet and feed outlet, and a seal inlet arranged adjacent at least one side of said feed inlet and outlet in the direction of motion of said matrix member for providing a hydrostatic seal about said feed inlet and outlet.

Claim 23

The magnetic separator of claim 13 in which said inlet and outlet means include a feed zone having a feed inlet and feed outlet, and a rinse zone having a rinse inlet and rinse outlet, adjacent said feed inlet and feed outlet, respectively, in the direction of motion of said matrix member.

Claim 24

A moving matrix magnetic separator comprising: a magnetic pole unit including a first ferromagnetic pole member; a second ferromagnetic pole member aligned with and spaced from said first pole member; and a working magnetic field volume formed by the space between said first and second pole members; electromagnetic coil means encircling said pole unit producing a magnetic field extending in a first direction through said working magnetic field volume between said pole members; said electromagnetic coil means including at least one electromagnetic coil having four interconnected elements, said first and second elements are in a first plane and proximate one of said pole members and said third and fourth elements interconnect said first and second elements, are in a second plane and are proximate and completely covering said working magnetic field volume; a moveable matrix member moveable through said working magnetic field volume between said first and second pole members in a second direction transverse to the first direction; and inlet means proximate one of said pole members for directing fluid containing magnetically susceptible and non-magnetically susceptible particles through said matrix member in said working magnetic field volume in said first direction, and outlet means proximate the other of said pole members for removing fluid containing said non-magnetically susceptible particles from said matrix member in said working magnetic field volume.

Claim 25

A moving matrix magnetic separator comprising: a magnetic pole unit including a first ferromagnetic pole member; a second ferromagnetic pole member aligned with and spaced from said first pole member; and a working magnetic field volume formed by the space between said first and second pole members; electromagnetic coil means encircling said pole unit producing a magnetic field extending in a first direction through said working magnetic field volume between said pole members; said electromagnetic coil means including at least one electromagnetic coil having four interconnected elements, said first and second elements are in a first plane and proximate one of said pole members and said third and fourth elements interconnect said first and second elements, are in a second plane and are proximate and completely covering said working magnetic field volume; a moveable matrix member moveable through said working magnetic field volume between said first and second pole members in a second direction transverse to the first direction; and inlet means proximate one of said pole members for directing fluid containing magnetically susceptible and non-magnetically susceptible particles through said matrix member in said working magnetic field volume in said first direction, and outlet means proximate the other of said pole members for removing fluid containing said non-magnetically susceptible particles from said matrix member in said working magnetic field volume.

Claim 26

A moving matrix magnetic separator comprising: a magnetic pole unit including a first ferromagnetic pole member; a second ferromagnetic pole member aligned with and spaced from said first pole member; and a working magnetic field volume formed by the space between said first and second pole members; electromagnetic coil means encircling said pole unit for producing a magnetiC field extending in a first direction through said working magnetic field volume between said pole members; said electromagnetic coil means including at least one electromagnetic coil having four interconnected elements, a first and a second element being in a first plane and proximate one of said pole members and a third and a fourth element interconnecting said first and second elements and being in a second plane and proximate and completely covering said working magnetic field volume; a second electromagnetic coil having four interconnected elements, a first and a second element being in a first plane and proximate the other of said pole members and having a third and a fourth element interconnecting said first and second elements and being in a second plane and proximate said working magnetic field volume; a moveable matrix member moveable through said working magnetic field volume between said first and second pole members in a second direction transverse to the first direction; and inlet means proximate one of said pole members for directing fluid containing magnetically susceptible and non-magnetically susceptible particles through said matrix member in said working magnetic field volume in said first direction, and outlet means proximate the other of said pole members for removing fluid containing said non-magnetically susceptible particles from said matrix member in said working magnetic field volume.

Claim 27

A moving matrix magnetic separator comprising: a magnetic pole unit including a first ferromagnetic pole member; a second ferromagnetic pole member aligned with and spaced from said first pole member; and a working magnetic field volume formed by the space between said first and second pole members; electromagnetic coil means encircling said pole unit for producing a magnetiC field extending in a first direction through said working magnetic field volume between said pole members; said electromagnetic coil means including at least one electromagnetic coil having four interconnected elements, a first and a second element being in a first plane and proximate one of said pole members and a third and a fourth element interconnecting said first and second elements and being in a second plane and proximate and completely covering said working magnetic field volume; a second electromagnetic coil having four interconnected elements, a first and a second element being in a first plane and proximate the other of said pole members and having a third and a fourth element interconnecting said first and second elements and being in a second plane and proximate said working magnetic field volume; a moveable matrix member moveable through said working magnetic field volume between said first and second pole members in a second direction transverse to the first direction; and inlet means proximate one of said pole members for directing fluid containing magnetically susceptible and non-magnetically susceptible particles through said matrix member in said working magnetic field volume in said first direction, and outlet means proximate the other of said pole members for removing fluid containing said non-magnetically susceptible particles from said matrix member in said working magnetic field volume.

Claim 28

A moving matrix magnetic separator comprising: a magnetic pole unit including a first ferromagnetic pole member; a second ferromagnetic pole member aligned with and spaced from said first pole member; and a working magnetic field volume formed by the space between said first and second pole members; electromagnetic coil means encircling said pole unit for producing a magnetic field proximate said working magnetic field volume extending in a first direction through said working magnetic field volume between said pole members; said electromagnetic coil means including at least one electromagnetic coil having four interconnected elements, all of said elements being in the same plane, and all of said elements being proximate and a completely covering one of said pole members; a moveable matrix member moveable through said working magnetic field volume between said first and second pole members in a second direction transverse to the first direction; and inlet means in said pole unit proximate one of said pole members for introducing, in said first direction, between said pole members, fluid containing magnetically susceptible and non-magnetically susceptible particles through the portion of said matrix member between said pole members in said working magnetic field volume, and outlet means proximate the other of said pole members for removing fluid containing said non-magnetically susceptible particles from said matrix member in said working magnetic field volume.

Claim 29

A moving matrix magnetic separator comprising: a magnetic pole unit including a first ferromagnetic pole member; a second ferromagnetic pole member aligned with and spaced from said first pole member; and a working magnetic field volume formed by the space between said first and second pole members; electromagnetic coil means encircling said pole unit for producing a magnetic field proximate said working magnetic field volume extending in a first direction through said working magnetic field volume between said pole members; said electromagnetic coil means including at least one electromagnetic coil having four interconnected elements, all of said elements being in the same plane, and all of said elements being proximate and a completely covering one of said pole members; a moveable matrix member moveable through said working magnetic field volume between said first and second pole members in a second direction transverse to the first direction; and inlet means in said pole unit proximate one of said pole members for introducing, in said first direction, between said pole members, fluid containing magnetically susceptible and non-magnetically susceptible particles through the portion of said matrix member between said pole members in said working magnetic field volume, and outlet means proximate the other of said pole members for removing fluid containing said non-magnetically susceptible particles from said matrix member in said working magnetic field volume.

Claim 30

A moving matrix magnetic separator comprising: a magnetic pole unit including a first ferromagnetic pole member; a second ferromagnetic pole member aligned with and spaced from said first pole member; and a working magnetic field volume formed by the space between said first and second pole members; electromagnetic coil means encircling said pole unit immediately adjacent said first and second pole members completely covering said magnetic field volume for producing a magnetic field proximate said field volume extending in a first direction through said working magnetic field volume between said pole members; a moveable horizontal matrix member moveable through said working magnetic field volume between said first and second pole members in a second direction transverse to said first direction; and inlet means in said pole unit proximate one of said pole members for introducing, in said first direction, between said pole members, fluid containing magnetically susceptible and non-magnetically susceptible particles through the portion of said matrix member between said pole members in said working magnetic field volume, and outlet means proximate the other of said pole members for removing fluid containing non-magnetically susceptible particles from said matrix member in said working magnetic field volume.

Claim 31

A moving matrix magnetic separator comprising: a magnetic pole unit including a first ferromagnetic pole member; a second ferromagnetic pole member aligned with and spaced from said first pole member; and a working magnetic field volume formed by the space between said first and second pole members; electromagnetic coil means encircling said pole unit immediately adjacent said first and second pole members completely covering said magnetic field volume for producing a magnetic field proximate said field volume extending in a first direction through said working magnetic field volume between said pole members; a moveable horizontal matrix member moveable through said working magnetic field volume between said first and second pole members in a second direction transverse to said first direction; and inlet means in said pole unit proximate one of said pole members for introducing, in said first direction, between said pole members, fluid containing magnetically susceptible and non-magnetically susceptible particles through the portion of said matrix member between said pole members in said working magnetic field volume, and outlet means proximate the other of said pole members for removing fluid containing non-magnetically susceptible particles from said matrix member in said working magnetic field volume.

Claim 32

A moving matrix magnetic separator comprising: a magnetic pole unit including a first ferromagnetic pole member; a second ferromagnetic pole member aligned with and spaced from said first pole member; and a working magnetic field volume formed by the space between said first and second pole members; electromagnetic coil means encircling said pole unit immediately adjacent said first and second pole members completely covering said magnetic field volume for producing a magnetic field proximate said field volume extending in a first direction through said working magnetic field volume between said pole members, each element of said electromagnetic coil means producing a positive direct field contribution to the magnetic field extending in said first direction through said working magnetic field volume; a moveable matrix member moveable through said working magnetic field volume between said first and second pole members in a second direction transverse to said first direction; and inlet means in said pole unit proximate one of said pole members for introducing, in said first direction, between said pole members, fluid containing magnetically susceptible and non-magnetically susceptible particles through the portion of said matrix member between said pole members in said working magnetic field volume, and outlet means proximate the other of said pole members for removing fluid containing non-magnetically susceptible particles from said matrix member in said working magnetic field volume.

Claim 33

A moving matrix magnetic separator comprising: a magnetic pole unit including a first ferromagnetic pole member; a second ferromagnetic pole member aligned with and spaced from said first pole member; and a working magnetic field volume formed by the space between said first and second pole members; electromagnetic coil means encircling said pole unit immediately adjacent said first and second pole members completely covering said magnetic field volume for producing a magnetic field proximate said field volume extending in a first direction through said working magnetic field volume between said pole members, each element of said electromagnetic coil means producing a positive direct field contribution to the magnetic field extending in said first direction through said working magnetic field volume; a moveable matrix member moveable through said working magnetic field volume between said first and second pole members in a second direction transverse to said first direction; and inlet means in said pole unit proximate one of said pole members for introducing, in said first direction, between said pole members, fluid containing magnetically susceptible and non-magnetically susceptible particles through the portion of said matrix member between said pole members in said working magnetic field volume, and outlet means proximate the other of said pole members for removing fluid containing non-magnetically susceptible particles from said matrix member in said working magnetic field volume.

Claim 34

A moving matrix magnetic separator comprising: a magnetic pole unit including a first ferromagnetic pole member; a second ferromagnetic pole member aligned with and spaced from said first pole member; and a working magnetic field volume formed by the space between said first and second pole members; electromagnetic coil means encircling said pole unit immediately adjacent said first and second pole members completely covering said magnetic field volume for producing a magnetic field proximate said field volume extending in a first direction through said working magnetic field volume between said pole membes, each element of said electromagnetic coil means producing a positive direct field contribution to the magnetic field extending in said first direction through said working magnetic field volume, the median plane of said electromagnetic coil means being generally parallel to the median plane of said working magnetic field volume; a moveable matrix member moveable through said working magnetic field volume between said first and second pole members in a second direction transverse to said first direction; and inlet means in said pole unit proximate one of said pole members for introducing, in said first direction, between said pole members, fluid containing magnetically susceptible and non-magnetically susceptible particles through the portion of said matrix member between said pole members in said working magnetic field volume, and outlet means proximate the other of said pole members for removing fluid containing non-magnetically susceptible particles from said matrix member in said working magnetic field volume.

Claim 35

A moving matrix magnetic separator comprising: a magnetic pole unit including a first ferromagnetic pole member; a second ferromagnetic pole member aligned with and spaced from said first pole member; and a working magnetic field volume formed by the space between said first and second pole members; electromagnetic coil means encircling said pole unit immediately adjacent said first and second pole members completely covering said magnetic field volume for producing a magnetic field proximate said field volume extending in a first direction through said working magnetic field volume between said pole membes, each element of said electromagnetic coil means producing a positive direct field contribution to the magnetic field extending in said first direction through said working magnetic field volume, the median plane of said electromagnetic coil means being generally parallel to the median plane of said working magnetic field volume; a moveable matrix member moveable through said working magnetic field volume between said first and second pole members in a second direction transverse to said first direction; and inlet means in said pole unit proximate one of said pole members for introducing, in said first direction, between said pole members, fluid containing magnetically susceptible and non-magnetically susceptible particles through the portion of said matrix member between said pole members in said working magnetic field volume, and outlet means proximate the other of said pole members for removing fluid containing non-magnetically susceptible particles from said matrix member in said working magnetic field volume.

Claim 36

A moving matrix magnetic separator comprising: a magnetic pole unit including a first ferromagnetic pole member; a second ferrogmanetic pole member aligned with and spaced from said first pole member; and a working magnetic field volume formed by the space between said first and second pole members; electromagnetic coil means encircling said pole unit for producing a magnetic field extending in a first direction through said working magnetic field volume between said pole members said electromagnetic coil means including at least one electromagnetIc coil including four interconnected elements, a first and a second said element are in a first plane and proximate one of said pole members and a third and a fourth element interconnect said first and second elements and are in a second plane and proximate and completely covering said working magnetic field volume; a moveable matrix member moveable through said working magnetic field volume between said first and second pole members in a second direction transverse to said first direction; and inlet means proximate one of said pole members for directing fluid containing magnetically susceptible and non-magnetically susceptible particles through said matrix member in said working magnetic field volume, in said first direction, and outlet means proximate the other of said pole members for removing fluid containing said non-magnetically susuceptible particles from said matrix member in said working magnetic field volume.

Claim 37

A moving matrix magnetic separator comprising: a magnetic pole unit including a first ferromagnetic pole member; a second ferrogmanetic pole member aligned with and spaced from said first pole member; and a working magnetic field volume formed by the space between said first and second pole members; electromagnetic coil means encircling said pole unit for producing a magnetic field extending in a first direction through said working magnetic field volume between said pole members said electromagnetic coil means including at least one electromagnetIc coil including four interconnected elements, a first and a second said element are in a first plane and proximate one of said pole members and a third and a fourth element interconnect said first and second elements and are in a second plane and proximate and completely covering said working magnetic field volume; a moveable matrix member moveable through said working magnetic field volume between said first and second pole members in a second direction transverse to said first direction; and inlet means proximate one of said pole members for directing fluid containing magnetically susceptible and non-magnetically susceptible particles through said matrix member in said working magnetic field volume, in said first direction, and outlet means proximate the other of said pole members for removing fluid containing said non-magnetically susuceptible particles from said matrix member in said working magnetic field volume.

Claim 38

A moving matrix magnetic separator comprising: a magnetic pole unit including a first ferromagnetic pole member; a second ferromagnetic pole member aligned with and spaced from said first pole member; and a working magnetic field volume formed by the space between said first and second pole members; electromagnetic coil means encircling said pole unit for producing a magnetic field extending in a first direction through said working magnetic field volume between said pole members, said electromagnetic coil means including at least one electromagnetic coil including four interconnected elements, a first element being proximate one of said pole members, a second element being proximate the other of said pole members, and third and fourth elements interconnecting said first and second elements, and being proximate and completely covering said working magnetic field volume; a moveable matrix member moveable through said working magnetic field volume between said first and second pole members in a second direction transverse to said first direction; and inlet means proximate one of said pole members for directing fluid containing magnetically susceptible and non-magnetically susceptible particles through said matrix member in said working magnetic field volume, in said first direction, and outlet means proximate the other of said pole members for removing fluid containing said non-magnetically susceptible particles from said matrix member in said working magnetic field volume.

Claim 39

A moving matrix magnetic separator comprising: a magnetic pole unit including a first ferromagnetic pole member; a second ferromagnetic pole member aligned with and spaced from said first pole member; and a working magnetic field volume formed by the space between said first and second pole members; electromagnetic coil means encircling said pole unit for producing a magnetic field extending in a first direction through said working magnetic field volume between said pole members, said electromagnetic coil means including at least one electromagnetic coil including four interconnected elements, a first element being proximate one of said pole members, a second element being proximate the other of said pole members, and third and fourth elements interconnecting said first and second elements, and being proximate and completely covering said working magnetic field volume; a moveable matrix member moveable through said working magnetic field volume between said first and second pole members in a second direction transverse to said first direction; and inlet means proximate one of said pole members for directing fluid containing magnetically susceptible and non-magnetically susceptible particles through said matrix member in said working magnetic field volume, in said first direction, and outlet means proximate the other of said pole members for removing fluid containing said non-magnetically susceptible particles from said matrix member in said working magnetic field volume.

Claim 40

A moving matrix magnetic separator comprising: a feed station including a magnetic pole unit including a first ferromagnetic pole member; a second ferromagnetic pole member aligned with and spaced from said first pole member; and a working magnetic field volume formed by the space between said first and second pole members; electromagnetic coil means encircling said pole unit immediately adjacent said first and second pole members completely covering said magnetic field volume for producing a magnetic field proximate said field volume extending in a first direction through said working magnetic field volume between said pole members; a moveable matrix member moveable through said working magnetic field volume between said first and second pole members in a second direction transverse to said first direction; inlet means proximate one of said pole members for directing fluid containing magnetically susceptible and non-magnetically susceptible particles through said matrix member in said working magnetic field volume in said first direction, and outlet means proximate the other of said pole members for removing fluid containing non-magnetically susceptible particles from said matrix member in said working magnetic field volume, said inlet and outlet means including a feed zone having a feed inlet and feed outlet, and a rinse zone having a rinse inlet and rinse outlet, adjacent said feed inlet and feed outlet, respectively, in the direction of motion of said matrix member; and a flush station remote from said magnetic field having a Flush inlet and a flush outlet for removing particles retained in said matrix member subsequent to movement through said feed station, and including a shell of ferromagnetic material for shielding its interior from magnetic fields.

Claim 41

A moving matrix magnetic separator comprising: a feed station including a magnetic pole unit including a first ferromagnetic pole member; a second ferromagnetic pole member aligned with and spaced from said first pole member; and a working magnetic field volume formed by the space between said first and second pole members; electromagnetic coil means encircling said pole unit immediately adjacent said first and second pole members completely covering said magnetic field volume for producing a magnetic field proximate said field volume extending in a first direction through said working magnetic field volume between said pole members; a moveable matrix member moveable through said working magnetic field volume between said first and second pole members in a second direction transverse to said first direction; inlet means proximate one of said pole members for directing fluid containing magnetically susceptible and non-magnetically susceptible particles through said matrix member in said working magnetic field volume in said first direction, and outlet means proximate the other of said pole members for removing fluid containing non-magnetically susceptible particles from said matrix member in said working magnetic field volume, said inlet and outlet means including a feed zone having a feed inlet and feed outlet, and a rinse zone having a rinse inlet and rinse outlet, adjacent said feed inlet and feed outlet, respectively, in the direction of motion of said matrix member; and a flush station remote from said magnetic field having a Flush inlet and a flush outlet for removing particles retained in said matrix member subsequent to movement through said feed station, and including a shell of ferromagnetic material for shielding its interior from magnetic fields.