Enabling High-Field, Cost-Effective Separation
Conventional Systems
Superconducting magnetic separators using NbTi operating at 4 Kelvin in liquid helium have been commercially available since the early 1980s. The primary application of superconducting magnetic separators is removing iron from kaolin clay. These systems typically operate in the 2 Tesla range. Experimental systems have also been built for various wastewater treatment demonstration projects.
The Need for Higher-Field Systems
Higher field systems in the 2 to 5 Tesla range have been suggested for certain magnetic separation systems. Because these systems are typically large diameter bore magnets (i.e., 1 to 2 meters), they require a large amount of superconducting wire. This necessitates a low cost superconducting wire in order to be cost effective.
The Solution
MgB2 superconductor is a low cost wire with a wide operating temperature margin that can enable large conduction cooled magnets that operate in the 10 to 25 Kelvin range.
Enabling High-Field, Cost-Effective Magnetic Separators
Conventional Systems
Superconducting magnetic separators using NbTi operating at 4 Kelvin in liquid helium have been commercially available since the early 1980s. The primary application of superconducting magnetic separators is removing iron from kaolin clay. These systems typically operate in the 2 Tesla range. Experimental systems have also been built for various wastewater treatment demonstration projects.
The Need for Higher-Field Systems
Higher field systems in the 2 to 5 Tesla range have been suggested for certain magnetic separation systems. Because these systems are typically large diameter bore magnets (i.e., 1 to 2 meters), they require a large amount of superconducting wire. This necessitates a low cost superconducting wire in order to be cost effective.
The Solution
MgB2 superconductor is a low cost wire with a wide operating temperature margin that can enable large conduction cooled magnets that operate in the 10 to 25 Kelvin range.
