Abstract: The present invention is a method for applying a gradient magnetic field to a paramagnetic supporting liquid containing a mixture of first particles and second particles to separate the mixture by particle type. A magnetic susceptibility of the first particles is lower than that of the liquid, and a magnetic susceptibility of the second particles is higher than that of the liquid. A gradient magnetic field is applied to the liquid in a separation tank provided with a magnetic filter and the liquid is stirred. The first particles float in the liquid by a magneto-Archimedes effect. A horizontal magnetic force acts on the first particles by the gradient magnetic field, so that the first particles travel to a region lateral to or outward from the magnetic filter and are gathered in the region. The magnetic filter is excited by the gradient magnetic field to catch the second particles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for separating a mixture that are capable of separating a mixture containing a plurality types of particles, using a countercurrent classification technique, even when there is little difference in density and particle diameter depending on the types of particles. In the present invention, a mixture containing first particles and second particles is separated using a separation tube 13 having the inverted-conical or pyramidal shape or a substantially inverted-conical or pyramidal shape. The first particles and the second particles are made of substances having different magnetic susceptibilities. A fluid is caused to flow upward through the separation tube 13, and the flow of the fluid is used to introduce the mixture into the separation tube 13. The first particles and the second particles are held in the separation tube 13 in a mixed state.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus capable of continuously and accurately separating, by type, a mixture containing at least two types of particles, or capable of separating specific particles from the mixture, using a gradient magnetic field. In the present invention, a mixture containing at least two types of particles, particles of one type of which are made of a paramagnetic or diamagnetic substance, is treated. A magnetic field whose magnetic field gradient has a vertical component and a horizontal component is applied to a supporting liquid 21 stored in a separating tank 31. When the mixture is placed into the supporting liquid 21, the particles of the one type are guided such that they are positioned in the supporting liquid 21 at a predetermined height from a bottom face 39 of the separating tank 31 while horizontally traveling. Alternatively, the particles of the one type magnetically levitate at a liquid surface of the supporting liquid 21 and horizontally travel.

Abstract: Provided are a mixture separation method and a separation apparatus in which agglomeration of particles contained in the mixture is suppressed, energy required in distillation treatment of a supporting liquid is small in comparison with conventional methods, and particles that cannot be separated by conventional methods can be separated from a mixture containing the particles. The separation method and separation apparatus of the present invention separate, by type, a plurality of types of particles formed of mutually different materials by applying a magnetic field having a magnetic field gradient to the mixture containing the plurality of types of particles in the supporting liquid. Alternatively, the separation method and separation apparatus of the present invention separate a specific type of particle from such mixture. The supporting liquid is an organic solvent solution obtained by dissolving one or more types of paramagnetic compounds in an organic solvent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for separating a mixture that are capable of separating a mixture containing a plurality types of particles, using a countercurrent classification technique, even when there is little difference in density and particle diameter depending on the types of particles. In the present invention, a mixture containing first particles and second particles is separated using a separation tube 13 having the inverted-conical or pyramidal shape or a substantially inverted-conical or pyramidal shape. The first particles and the second particles are made of substances having different magnetic susceptibilities. A fluid is caused to flow upward through the separation tube 13, and the flow of the fluid is used to introduce the mixture into the separation tube 13. The first particles and the second particles are held in the separation tube 13 in a mixed state.

Abstract: Provided are a mixture separation method and a separation apparatus in which processes are performed efficiently in a short time compared to conventional methods with a low load on the apparatus configuration compared to conventional methods. The present invention is a mixture separation method or a mixture separation apparatus for separating, by applying a gradient magnetic field to a paramagnetic supporting liquid containing a mixture of first particles and second particles, the mixture by particle type. A magnetic susceptibility of the first particles is lower than a magnetic susceptibility of the supporting liquid, and a magnetic susceptibility of the second particles is higher than the magnetic susceptibility of the supporting liquid. A gradient magnetic field is applied to the supporting liquid in the separation tank (7) provided with a magnetic filter means (9) using a magnetic field generating means (11), and the supporting liquid is stirred.

Abstract: Provided are a mixture separation method and a separation apparatus in which agglomeration of particles contained in the mixture is suppressed, energy required in distillation treatment of a supporting liquid is small in comparison with conventional methods, and particles that cannot be separated by conventional methods can be separated from a mixture containing the particles. The separation method and separation apparatus of the present invention separate, by type, a plurality of types of particles formed of mutually different materials by applying a magnetic field having a magnetic field gradient to the mixture containing the plurality of types of particles in the supporting liquid. Alternatively, the separation method and separation apparatus of the present invention separate a specific type of particle from such mixture. The supporting liquid is an organic solvent solution obtained by dissolving one or more types of paramagnetic compounds in an organic solvent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus capable of continuously and accurately separating, by type, a mixture containing at least two types of particles, or capable of separating specific particles from the mixture, using a gradient magnetic field. In the present invention, a mixture containing at least two types of particles, particles of one type of which are made of a paramagnetic or diamagnetic substance, is treated. A magnetic field whose magnetic field gradient has a vertical component and a horizontal component is applied to a supporting liquid 21 stored in a separating tank 31. When the mixture is placed into the supporting liquid 21, the particles of the one type are guided such that they are positioned in the supporting liquid 21 at a predetermined height from a bottom face 39 of the separating tank 31 while horizontally traveling. Alternatively, the particles of the one type magnetically levitate at a liquid surface of the supporting liquid 21 and horizontally travel.