Abstract: An improved method for separating minute, weakly magnetically susceptible particles from an aqueous clay-water slurry containing said particles in minor concentration with substantially non-magnetic minute mineral particles. In accordance with the improvement, the effects of subjecting said particles to separation in a magnetic field, are augmented by subjecting the slurry to a preliminary treatment which mechanically works the dispersed phase of the slurry as to effect release of the contaminant particles. Such working may, for example, be provided by subjecting the slurry, preferably at high solids content, to mechanical shear, to high velocity impact, or to kneading.

Abstract: Method for improving production rates during magnetic separation of magnetically attractable particles dispersed in a fluid carrier, as for example during separation of weakly magnetic discoloring contaminants dispersed in a clay slurry. The dispersion is passed through a ferromagnetic filamentatious matrix within a canister disposed in a magnetic field. The matrix is part of a magnetic separator system characterized by a separation parameter p, where p is a function of the geometry and magnetic and electrical properties of the separating apparatus; and of the rheological and magnetic properties of the dispersion. By determinatively adjusting the packing density of the matrix in the canister, and/or by utilizing appropriate solids content in the slurry, production rate is controlled or optimized for a given brightness increase in the clay.

Abstract: Apparatus for augmenting or facilitating flushing of impurities collected by a porous ferromagnetic matrix. The matrix is contained in a canister, through which an aqueous clay slurry is flowed as an applied field magnetizes the matrix to enable attraction of the discoloring magnetics. The periodic flushing of the matrix is rendered of increased efficacy, by applying auxiliary mechanical forces to dislodge the magnetics; or other disclosed means and methods may be used to facilitate the flushing operation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for augmenting or facilitating flushing of impurities collected by a porous ferromagnetic matrix. The matrix is contained in a canister, through which an aqueous clay slurry is flowed as an applied field magnetizes the matrix to enable attraction of the discoloring magnetics. The periodic flushing of the matrix is rendered of increased efficacy, by applying auxiliary mechanical forces to dislodge the magnetics; or other disclosed means and methods may be used to facilitate the flushing operation.

Abstract: Apparatus for effecting magnetic separation of magnetically attractable particles dispersed in a fluid carrier, as for example weakly magnetic discoloring contaminants dispersed in a clay slurry. The dispersion is passed through a ferromagnetic filamentatious matrix within a canister disposed in a magnetic field. The matrix is part of a magnetic separator system characterized by a separation parameter p, where p is a function of the geometry and magnetic and electrical properties of the separating apparatus; and of the rheological and magnetic properties of the dispersion. By determinately setting the controllable parameters associated with the aforementioned properties which effect p, a desired attenuation in the population of contaminant species is achieved. Optimized apparatus configurations are also disclosed, which configurations are based upon the discovered realtionships.

Abstract: A method for effecting magnetic separation of magnetically attractable particles dispersed in a fluid carrier, as for example weakly magnetic discoloring contaminants dispersed in a clay slurry. The dispersion is passed through a ferromagnetic filamentatious matrix within a canister disposed in a magnetic field. The matrix is part of a magnetic separator system characterized by a separation parameter p, where p is a function of the geometry and magnetic and electrical properties of the separating apparatus; and of the rheological and magnetic properties of the dispersion. By determinately setting the controllable parameters associated with the aforementioned properties which affect p, a desired attenuation in the population of contaminant species is achieved. Optimized apparatus configurations are also disclosed, which configurations are based upon the discovered relationships.