Magnetic Methods for the Treatment of Minerals

Book excerpt: This book treats magnetic separation from the point of view of both the engineer in the field who operates magnetic separators and the research scientist in the laboratory. It emphasizes those aspects of magnetic separation where lack of support in fundamental research is most evident. The intention is to bring the engineer and the scientist closer together, to promote the application of basic physical phenomena in engineering practice, and to gain the acceptance of the industry. The book presents a fairly broad survey of magnetic separation as applied to and practised primarily by the mineral-processing industries, although its use in other industries is reviewed briefly. It includes information on the physical principles of magnetic separation, magnetic properties of minerals and their measurement, the generation of magnetic field, theoretical and practical problems of magnetic separation, and experience gained in the design and operation of magnetic-separation systems. In detail, the book consists of six chapters dealing with the following topics: The Physical Properties of Magnetic Separation, Review of Magnetic Separation Techniques, Theory of High-gradient Magnetic Separation, Practical Aspects of Magnetic Separation, Industrial Applications of High-gradient Magnetic Separation, and The Economics of Magnetic Separation. The six appendices deal with symbols, abbreviations, values of physical constants, conversions from one unit to another, definitions of derived units, and a list of selected equipment manufacturers. There is a comprehensive bibliography (almost 600 items) and a subject index. The book should be of value to engineers and consulting metallurgists, as well as to students who want to learn more about this branch of technology. It attempts to meet the needs of the growing number of engineers, technologists, and applied physicists who are engaged in the practical exploitation of magnetic separation.