Abstract: A method of sorting particulate matter comprises creating an unconstrained monolayer feed stream of particulate matter moving with an initial first trajectory in a gaseous medium, and subjecting the monolayer feed stream while in the gaseous medium to a magnetic field of sufficient strength to influence the trajectory of at least some particles in the feed stream to cause a spread of particle trajectories from the first trajectory. The particles are subsequently sorted and/or collected on the basis of their trajectories.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus for sorting a particulate material. The apparatus comprises a receiving portion for receiving the particulate material having a particle size within a predetermined range of sizes. The apparatus also comprises a distributor for receiving the particulate material at an upper end thereof and having a sloped distribution surface along which, in use, the particulate material passes substantially by gravity. A surface area of the sloped distribution surface increases towards a lower end of the distributor to facilitate a monolayer feed stream of the particles exiting and falling from a lower end of the distributor distributed as a curtain-like stream of particles. The apparatus further comprises a magnetic element for generating a magnetic force that is directed such that the particles of the falling feed stream that exit the lower end of the distributor have pathways that depend on magnetic properties of the particles.

Abstract: A method of sorting particulate matter comprises creating an unconstrained monolayer feed stream of particulate matter moving with an initial first trajectory in a gaseous medium, and subjecting the monolayer feed stream while in the gaseous medium to a magnetic field of sufficient strength to influence the trajectory of at least some particles in the feed stream to cause a spread of particle trajectories from the first trajectory.