Method and apparatus for separation of mixture

The present invention relates to a method and a separating device for separating a mixture containing a plurality of types of substances by using a magnetic field having a magnetic field gradient, or separating a specific type of substance from the mixture.

When recovering the metal or resin used as the material from waste such as used electrical products, various separation steps are applied to the waste or a mixture of dissimilar substances obtained by crushing a part of the waste. Is common. For example, in the recycling method disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2010-524663), shredder dust obtained from waste is put into a floating / sinking tank, and a difference in density or specific gravity is used to make a metal material. The process of separating dust and plastic material dust, the process of separating metal material dust by type using an air sorter or magnetic belt, and the process of separating plastic material dust using a temperature sorter or hydrocyclone. A process of separating by type is performed.

In the method disclosed in Patent Document 1, a plurality of sorters, tanks, and the like are used to realize the above-mentioned separation process, and the system for realizing the method is complicated and large-scale. Become. On the other hand, Patent Document 2 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-59026) discloses a method for separating a mixture using the magnetic Archimedes effect. In this method, a mixture consisting of a plurality of types of diamagnetic plastic particles is charged into a supporting liquid, and a magnetic field having a magnetic field gradient, that is, a gradient magnetic field is applied, so that the diamagnetic plastic particles of the mixture have their physical properties ( It floats at a position according to the volume magnetic susceptibility and density), and the plastic particles are sorted by type. A mixture containing a plurality of substances, such as a mixture obtained from the waste disclosed in Patent Document 1, is added to the magnetic archimedes effect (or particles in the medium) as in the invention described in Patent Document 2. If each type is separated using magnetic force or magnetic buoyancy), the separation device and separation process will be significantly simplified and streamlined.

<p><patcit num="1"><text>Special Table 2010-524663</text></patcit><patcit num="2"><text>Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-59026</text></patcit></p>

<p num="0005"> However, in the method shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 of Patent Document 2, it is difficult to perform a continuous process of collecting particles separated by type while putting the mixture into the supporting liquid. FIG. 4 of Patent Document 2 shows a method of flowing the supporting liquid and collecting the particles floated by the magnetic field using a collection net, but the flow of the supporting liquid is turbulent (turbulent flow or streamline). (Serking, etc.) may change the capture position of the particles, resulting in poor particle separation accuracy. Further, as shown in FIG. 4 of Patent Document 2, when a plurality of collection nets are arranged in series along the flow path, the collection on the downstream side is affected by the disturbance caused by the collection net on the upstream side. There is also a risk that the separation accuracy of particles in the net will deteriorate. When the metal particles having a high density are contained in the mixture, it is necessary to flush the metal particles that have settled to the bottom of the flow path, so that the above-mentioned problems are likely to occur.</p><p num="0006"> The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, and is a method and an apparatus capable of continuously and highly accurately separating a mixture containing a plurality of types of particles having different substances for each type of substance using a gradient magnetic field. I will provide a. Furthermore, the present invention provides a method and an apparatus capable of continuously and with high accuracy separating particles of a specific substance from a mixture containing a plurality of types of particles having different substances by using a gradient magnetic field.</p>

<p num="0007"> The method for separating a mixture of the present invention separates a mixture containing at least two types of particles in which one type of particles is a normal magnetic material or an antimagnetic material for each type, or separates the mixture into the above-mentioned one type of particles. A method of separating a mixture, in which a magnetic field having a magnetic field gradient of a vertical component and a horizontal component is applied to a supporting liquid stored in a separation tank, and the supporting liquid to which the magnetic field is applied is described. The mixture is put in and the magnetic field is used to move the particles of the one type in the horizontal direction so that the particles are located at a predetermined height from the bottom surface of the separation tank in the supporting liquid. The step of inducing the particles of the above, or the mixture is placed in the supporting liquid to which the magnetic field is applied, and the magnetic field is used to magnetically levitate the one type of particles on the liquid surface of the supporting liquid and horizontally. It includes a step of moving in a direction and a step of recovering the one type of particles arranged at the predetermined height or the liquid surface of the supporting liquid, and the other of the at least two types of particles. The type of particles are arranged between the bottom surface of the separation tank and the liquid level of the supporting liquid at a position different from that of the one type of particles in the vertical direction.</p><p num="0008"> The mixture separating device of the present invention separates a mixture containing at least two types of particles in which one type of particles is a normal magnetic material or an antimagnetic material for each type, or the above-mentioned one type of particles is separated from the said mixture. A separation tank for storing the supporting liquid, a magnetic field generating means for applying a magnetic field having a magnetic field gradient of a vertical component and a horizontal component to the supporting liquid, and one end side of the separation tank. It is provided in the above, and is provided with an introduction means for introducing the mixture into the support liquid, and a recovery means provided on the other end side of the separation tank for recovering the one type of particles. When the mixture is introduced into the supporting liquid to which the magnetic field is applied via the introducing means, the one type of particles is moved to the other end side of the separation tank by the magnetic field and is supported. The particles are induced to be located at a predetermined height from the bottom surface of the separation tank in the liquid, or the particles of one type are magnetically floated on the liquid surface of the supporting liquid by the magnetic field to separate the particles. Moving to the other end side of the tank, the collecting means collects the one type of particles arranged at the predetermined height or the liquid surface of the supporting liquid from the separation tank, and collects the at least two types of particles. The other type of particles in the above is arranged between the bottom surface of the separation tank and the liquid level of the supporting liquid at a position different from that of the one type of particles in the vertical direction.</p><p num="0009"> In the present invention, a substantially horizontal shelf board is arranged in the separation tank, and the particles of one of the types may descend in the supporting liquid and be placed on the shelf board. Further, in the present invention, the one type of particles may be stably magnetically levitated at the predetermined height in the supporting liquid.</p><p num="0010"> In the present invention, the magnetic field may be generated using a superconducting bulk magnet or a magnetic field generating means having a solenoid coil in which the coil central axis is tilted with respect to the vertical direction. Further, in the present invention, the magnetic field is a combination of a first magnetic field generated by the first magnetic field generating means and a second magnetic field generated by the second magnetic field generating means, and is a magnetic field of the first magnetic field. The gradient may be in the vertical direction, and the magnetic field gradient of the second magnetic field may be in the horizontal direction.</p><p num="0011"> In the present invention, the supporting liquid may be an aqueous solution containing at least one kind of paramagnetic inorganic salt. More specifically, the supporting liquid is at least one paramagnet selected from the group consisting of manganese chloride, cobalt chloride, nickel chloride, ferrous chloride, cobalt nitrate, nickel nitrate, gadolinium nitrate, disprosium nitrate and terbium nitrate. It may be an aqueous solution containing a magnetic inorganic salt.</p>

<p num="0012"> In the present invention, the magnetic field gradient of the magnetic field applied to the particles contained in the mixture and the supporting liquid has a horizontal component in addition to the vertical component. As a result, the paramagnetic or diamagnetic particles contained in the mixture are subjected to a horizontal force caused by this magnetic field, and the particles are separated while moving horizontally from the input or introduction location to the collection location. It is guided to a predetermined height from the bottom surface of the tank, or is magnetically floated on the surface of the supporting liquid, and moves horizontally from the charging location to the collecting location. Since the trajectory of the particles in the supporting liquid differs depending on the physical properties of the particles, the magnetic or diamagnetic particles contained in the mixture and the other particles are between the bottom surface of the separation tank and the liquid level of the supporting liquid. And are placed at different heights in the vertical direction.</p><p num="0013"> As described above, according to the present invention, since the particles of the mixture move by the magnetic force from the place where the mixture is put into the supporting liquid to the place where the mixture is collected, the separated particles can be recovered while introducing the mixture into the supporting liquid. Moreover, since it is not necessary to flush the supporting liquid for the movement of the particles, the mixture can be separated by type with high accuracy, or the particles of a specific type can be separated from the mixture with high accuracy.</p>

<figref num="1">It is sectional drawing which shows the outline of the mixture separating apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="2">It is sectional drawing which shows the outline of the mixture separating apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="3">It is a partially broken top view of the separation tank of the mixture separation apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="4">It is a graph which shows the magnetic field by the magnetic field generation means used by the mixture separator which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="5">It is a graph which shows the product of the magnetic field and the magnetic field gradient by the magnetic field generation means used by the mixture separator which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="6">It is sectional drawing which shows the outline of the mixture separating apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="7">It is sectional drawing which shows the outline of the mixture separating apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="8">It is a photograph which shows the pattern which the glass particle and the alumina particle were separated in the Example which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="9">Each of FIGS. 9A and 9B is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of an embodiment according to a third embodiment of the present invention.</figref><figref num="10">It is a photograph which shows the pattern which the aluminum particle and the titanium particle were suspended in the support liquid in the Example which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="11">It is a photograph which shows the pattern after the aluminum particle and the titanium particle move in the horizontal direction in the Example which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="12">In each of FIGS. 12 (a) to 12 (c), in the embodiment according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the glass particles and the alumina particles are suspended in the supporting liquid and further moved in the horizontal direction. It is a photograph showing a pattern.</figref><figref num="13">In each of FIGS. 13 (a) to 13 (c), in the embodiment according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the glass particles and the alumina particles are suspended in the supporting liquid and further moved in the horizontal direction. It is a photograph showing a pattern.</figref><figref num="14">In each of FIGS. 14 (a) to 14 (c), in the embodiment according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the glass particles and the alumina particles are suspended in the supporting liquid and further moved in the horizontal direction. It is a photograph showing a pattern.</figref><figref num="15">It is a graph which shows the distribution of the magnetic field and the magnetic field × magnetic field gradient by the superconducting bulk magnet used in the experimental example concerning this invention.</figref><figref num="16">It is a table which shows the value of the magnetic field, the magnetic field gradient, and the magnetic field × magnetic field gradient by the superconducting bulk magnet used in the experimental example which concerns on this invention.</figref><figref num="17">FIG. 5 is a photograph showing a pattern in which aluminum particles, titanium particles, alumina particles, and glass particles are suspended in a supporting liquid in an experimental example relating to the present invention.</figref>

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description and the accompanying drawings, the same or similar parts and elements are designated by the same reference numerals.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of the mixture separation device according to the separation method or the first embodiment of the separation device of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a part of the mixture separation device. The mixture separating device of the first embodiment is the magnetic field generating means of the present invention, and includes a magnet (11) for generating a gradient magnetic field and a separating tank (31) for storing a supporting liquid (21). .. The magnet (11) is a superconducting electromagnet using a solenoid coil, and is a superconducting material (Nb) constituting the magnet (11)._３The wire rod formed of (Sn, NbTi, etc.) is wound inside, for example, a cylindrical or donut-shaped container (41) made of stainless steel so as to surround the inner wall (43) of the container (41). There is. Inside the container (41), a cooling mechanism (not shown) for cooling the magnet (11) is provided. As the magnet (11), a normal conducting electromagnet may be used.

The mixture separator of the first embodiment is provided with legs (45) that support the container (41). The container (41) is fixed to the leg (45) in a state where the coil central axis A of the magnet (11) is tilted with respect to the vertical direction. 1 and 2 show a state in which the coil central axis A of the magnet (11) is tilted by approximately 30 degrees with respect to the vertical direction. The angle of inclination of the magnet (11) (and the shape of the support portion (47) described later) may be appropriately adjusted according to the mixture to be treated and the support liquid (21) to be used.

A rectangular parallelepiped or box-shaped separation tank (31) is arranged in the inner space surrounded by the inner wall (43) of the container (41). The separation tank (31) is supported by a support portion (47) fixed to an inner wall (43) of the container (41). The separation tank (31) and the support (47) are made of a non-magnetic material such as plastic or non-magnetic stainless steel. A hopper (33), which is a means for charging or introducing a mixture, is provided on one end side of the upper part of the separation tank (31), and the mixed to be treated is charged into the supporting liquid (21) in the separation tank (31). Used to do. A shelf board (37) is projected horizontally on the wall portion (35) on the opposite side of the hopper (33). FIG. 3 is a top view of the separation tank (31) in which a part is broken.

The mixture processed using the separation method or separation device of the mixture of the present invention contains a plurality of types of particles having different substances, and at least one type of particles among the plurality of types of particles is a paramagnetic material or a diamagnetic material. It is made of magnetic material. The mixture processed by the mixture separator of the first embodiment was formed of first particles (indicated by ) formed of a paramagnetic substance or a diamagnetic substance and a substance different from the substance forming the first particles. Includes second particles (indicated by ). The second kind of particles may be formed of any of paramagnetic materials, diamagnetic materials and ferromagnets.

The separation tank (31) is connected to a collection means for individually collecting the separated first particles and the second particles. In the mixture separating device of the first embodiment, a suction pipe (51) for collecting the first particles and a suction pipe (53) for collecting the second particles are provided (in FIGS. 2 and 3, the suction pipe (in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3) is provided. 51) (53) is omitted). Each of the suction pipes (51) and (53) is connected to the separation tank (31) through a hole provided in the wall portion (35) of the separation tank (31). On one end side of each of the suction pipes (51) and (53), a suction pump (not shown), a storage tank for collected particles, and the like are provided.

When the solenoid coil of the magnet (11) is fed, a magnetic field is generated along the coil central axis A of the magnet (11), as is well known. FIG. 4 shows the magnetic field B generated by the magnet (11) with respect to the distance h from the center O of the magnet (11) along the central axis A of the magnet (11) (the upward direction is positive along the coil central axis A). Shows a change in. At h = 0, that is, at the center O of the magnet (11), the magnitude B of the magnetic field takes the maximum value Bmax and decreases monotonically as the distance h increases. The magnitude B of the magnetic field is substantially constant in the plane orthogonal to the coil central axis A. Hereinafter, it will be described that the magnet (11) generates a downward magnetic field along the coil central axis A, but the magnet (11) may generate an upward magnetic field along the coil central axis A.

FIG. 5 shows the change in the product (that is, B × B / h) of the magnitude B of the magnetic field generated by the magnet (11) and the magnetic field gradient B / h with respect to the distance h. Since the magnitude B of the magnetic field decreases as the distance h increases, the magnetic field gradient B / h becomes negative, and B × B / h also becomes negative. At h = 0, that is, at the center O of the magnet (11), B × B / h is zero, and as h = 0 increases, it decreases and increases once. The separation tank (31) is preferably arranged away from the center O of the magnet (11) by a distance h where B × B / h takes a minimum value.

The magnetic field generated by the magnet (11) has a vertical component (Bz) and a horizontal component (Bx) because the coil central axis A of the magnet (11) is tilted with respect to the vertical direction. In the following description, as shown in FIG. 2, the vertical direction is the z-axis, and the axis along the horizontal component of the magnetic field is the x-axis. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the y-axis is taken (the same coordinate system is adopted for FIGS. 6 and 7 described later).

The following forces act on the first and second particles in the supporting liquid (21) per unit volume due to the magnetic field generated by the magnet (11).<maths num="1"><img id="000002" he="9" wi="134" file="0005403306.tif" img-format="tif" img-content="drawing" /></maths>Where μ_０Is the magnetic permeability in vacuum, χ_iIs the volume magnetic susceptibility of the first or second particle (i is 1 or 2), χ_０Is the volume magnetic susceptibility of the supporting liquid (21). The force F and the magnetic field B in this equation are vectors.

Since the coil central axis A of the magnet (11) is tilted with respect to the vertical direction, the magnetic field generated by the magnet (11) is in the horizontal direction, that is, x, in addition to the magnetic field gradient in the vertical direction, that is, the z-axis direction. It has an axial magnetic field gradient. In other words, the magnetic field gradient of the magnetic field generated by the magnet (11) has a vertical component and a horizontal component, that is, a z-direction component and an x-direction component. Therefore, considering the effect of gravity, the force Fx in the x direction and the force Fz in the z direction acting on the first particle or the second particle in the supporting liquid (21) are as follows.<maths num="2"><img id="000003" he="21" wi="134" file="0005403306.tif" img-format="tif" img-content="drawing" /></maths>Here, g is the gravitational acceleration, and ρ_iIs the density (specific gravity) of the first particle or the second particle (i is 1 or 2), and ρ_０Is the density (specific gravity) of the supporting liquid.

As shown in FIG. 2, the z component Bz and the x component Bx of the magnetic field are negative. In addition, the x component of the magnetic field increases monotonically in the positive direction of the Bx axis (Bx / x is positive) and monotonically increases in the positive direction of the z axis (Bx / z is positive). Therefore, since [(B · ) B] x in Fx of the above equation is negative, (χ) for both the first particle and the second particle._iχ_０By selecting the supporting liquid (21) such that) &lt;0, the first particle and the second particle can be moved in the positive direction of the x-axis. That is, the first particles and the second particles charged or introduced into the supporting liquid (21) via the hopper (33) are transferred from the hopper (33) to the wall portion (35) or the suction pipe (51) of the separation tank (31). ) Can be moved towards (53).

Furthermore, for both the first and second particles, (χ)_iχ_０) &lt;0, plus (ρ_iΡ_０)&gt; 0, select the supporting liquid (21). According to Fz in the above equation, (ρ_iΡ_０) G&gt; (χ_iχ_０) [(B ) B] z / μ_０In the case of, a force acts on the first particle or the second particle in the negative direction of the z-axis, that is, vertically downward. Also, (ρ_iΡ_０) G &lt;(χ)_iχ_０) [(B ) B] z / μ_０In the case of, a vertically upward force acts on the first particle or the second particle. (ρ_iΡ_０) G = (χ_iχ_０) [(B ) B] z / μ_０In this case, the vertical force applied to the first particle or the second particle becomes 0, and the first particle or the second particle is in a floating state due to the so-called magnetic Archimedes effect.

The first or second particles placed in the supporting liquid (21) move or move in the supporting liquid (21) so as to obtain or maintain a floating state (Fz = 0) due to the magnetic Archimedes effect. Therefore, each of the first particles introduced through the hopper (33) follows a substantially similar trajectory in the supporting liquid (21) and moves toward the wall portion (35) of the separation tank (31). To do. Each of the second particles introduced through the hopper (33) also follows a substantially similar trajectory in the supporting liquid (21) and moves toward the wall portion (35). Since the trajectories of the first and second particles in the supporting liquid (21) are different due to the difference in the density and volume magnetic susceptibility of the first and second particles, the first in the supporting liquid (21). The particle and the second particle are finally guided to different heights, positions, or locations in the z direction while moving in the x direction.

That is, for both the first and second particles, (χ_iχ_０) &lt;0, plus (ρ_iΡ_０)&gt; 0, and by appropriately adjusting the magnetic field generated by the magnet (11) or the magnitude of the current flowing through the magnet (11), FIGS. 1 to 3 As illustrated in the above, the first particles and the second particles can be moved in the x direction in the supporting liquid (21), and these particles can be separated in the z direction.

In order to obtain a magnetic archimedes floating state for the first and second particles, it is preferable to use a paramagnetic liquid having a large absolute value of volume magnetic susceptibility as the supporting liquid (21). Such paramagnetic liquids include aqueous solutions of paramagnetic inorganic salts such as manganese chloride, cobalt chloride, nickel chloride, ferrous chloride, cobalt nitrate, nickel nitrate, gadolinium nitrate, dysprosium nitrate and terbium nitrate. The supporting liquid may be an aqueous solution containing a plurality of types of paramagnetic inorganic salts. By adjusting the concentration of the paramagnetic inorganic salt contained in the aqueous solution, the trajectories of the first particles and the second particles in the supporting liquid (21) can be controlled or adjusted.

In the example drawn in FIGS. 1 to 3, each of the first particles introduced via the hopper (33) descends while moving in the x direction in the supporting liquid (21), and the wall portion (35). It reaches the shelf board (37) protruding horizontally, and then moves on the shelf board (37) toward the wall part (35). The shelves (37) limit or regulate the movement of the first particle in the z direction. The length of the shelf board (37) in the x direction is appropriately determined in consideration of the trajectory of the first particle in the supporting liquid (21). The end of the suction tube (51) is arranged close to the upper surface of the shelf board (37), and the first particles on the shelf board (37) are collected by the suction tube (51) for collecting the first particles. , Taken out of the separation tank (31). The supporting liquid (21) sucked into the suction tube (51) together with the first particles is preferably returned to the separation tank (31) after being separated from the first particles. The shelves (37) may be arranged substantially horizontally, for example, may be arranged at a slight inclination so as to rise or fall toward the wall portion (35).

Further, in the examples drawn in FIGS. 1 to 3, each of the second particles charged through the hopper (33) also descends while moving in the x direction in the supporting liquid (21), and the separation tank (separation tank (33). It reaches the bottom surface (39) of 31), and then moves on the bottom surface (39) of the separation tank (31) toward the wall portion (35). The bottom surface (39) limits the movement of the second particle in the z direction. The bottom surface (39) may be arranged substantially horizontally, for example, may be arranged slightly inclined so as to rise or fall toward the wall portion (35). The end of the suction tube (53) is arranged close to the bottom surface (39) of the separation tank (31), and the second particle on the bottom surface (39) is the suction tube (53) for collecting the second particle. ) Takes out from the separation tank (31). The supporting liquid (21) sucked into the suction tube (53) together with the second particles is preferably returned to the separation tank (31) after being separated from the second particles. A shelf may be added below the shelf (37) to move the second particle horizontally on the shelf.

In the mixture separator according to the first embodiment, the gradient magnetic field and / or the volume magnetic susceptibility and density of the supporting liquid (21) (when a paramagnetic inorganic salt aqueous solution is used for the supporting liquid (21), its concentration) are adjusted. By doing so, the first particle may move in the horizontal direction and descend to reach the wall portion (35), where the magnetic archimedes may be suspended. When a magnetic Archimedes floating state is obtained for the first particle that has reached the wall portion (35), Fz = 0 is set in the supporting liquid (21) without providing the shelf plate (37) as described above. The first particles stably suspended at the given position on the z-axis can be recovered. Even in this case, in order to improve the separation accuracy of the first particle and the second particle, a shelf board (37) is provided (slightly below the position) in accordance with the floating position due to the magnetic Archimedes effect. You may. Further, the second particle may also move in the horizontal direction and descend to reach the wall portion (35), where the second particle may be placed in a magnetic Archimedes floating state at a height different from that of the first particle.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of a mixture separation device according to a second embodiment of the separation method or separation device of the present invention. In the mixture separating device according to the second embodiment, the first magnet (13) that gives floating or floating force to the particles of the mixture in the supporting liquid (21) and the particles of the mixture are horizontally arranged in the supporting liquid (21). A second magnet (15) for moving in a direction is provided, and the gradient magnetic field applied to the supporting liquid (21) combines the gradient magnetic field of the first magnet (13) and the gradient magnetic field of the second magnet (15). It is generated by doing. The first magnet (13) is arranged under the substantially rectangular parallelepiped or box-shaped separation tank (31) in which the supporting liquid (21) is stored, and the size decreases monotonically upward in the vertical direction. A gradient magnetic field is applied to the supporting liquid (21) in the separation tank (31). The gradient magnetic field generated by the first magnet (13) is uniform or almost uniform along the horizontal direction in the separation tank (31). The second magnet (15) is arranged on one end side of the separation tank (31), and a horizontal gradient magnetic field whose magnitude decreases monotonically toward the other end side of the separation tank (31) is applied to the separation tank (15). Apply to the supporting liquid (21) in 31). The gradient magnetic field generated by the second magnet (15) is uniform or almost uniform along the vertical direction in the separation tank (31). For the first magnet (13) and the second magnet (15), for example, a superconducting electromagnet using a solenoid coil is used, but a normal conducting electromagnet may be used. The description of the configuration for arranging the separation tank (31), the first magnet (13), and the second magnet (15) as shown in FIG. 6 will be omitted.

A hopper (33) for charging the mixture is provided on one end side of the upper portion of the separation tank (31), that is, on the second magnet (15) side. An example shows that a mixture consisting of particles (indicated by ) and second particles (indicated by ) is charged into the supporting liquid (21). As before, for both the first and second particles, (χ)_iχ_０) &lt;0, plus (ρ_iΡ_０)&gt; 0, the supporting liquid (21) is selected. By adjusting the magnitude of the gradient magnetic field generated by the magnets (13) and (15) or the current flowing through these magnets (13) and (15), in the supporting liquid (21) as in the first embodiment of the present invention. The first particle and the second particle descend while moving in the horizontal direction (x direction). In the example shown in FIG. 6, the first particle and the second particle are in a magnetic Archimedes floating state near the wall portion (35), and the first particle is suspended near the upper surface of the shelf board (37). The second particle is suspended near the bottom surface (39) of the separation tank (31). As before, the floated first and second particles are individually recovered from the separation tank (31) using the suction tubes (51) and (53) as before.

In the mixture separator of the first embodiment, when the current flowing through the magnet (11) is adjusted, both the z-direction force and the x-direction force applied to the first particle and the second particle in the supporting liquid (21) change. However, in the mixture separating apparatus according to the second embodiment, the force applied to the first particle and the second particle in the z direction can be adjusted by adjusting the value of the current flowing through the first magnet (13), and the second By adjusting the value of the current flowing through the magnet (15), the force applied to the first particle and the second particle in the x direction can be adjusted. By intermittently flowing the current flowing through the second magnet (15), for example, in a pulse shape, a force in the x direction may be intermittently applied to the first particle and the second particle.

In the first and second embodiments of the present invention, the gradient magnetic field applied to the particles of the mixture is generated by using an electromagnet, but the present invention can also be carried out by using a superconducting bulk magnet or a permanent magnet. Is. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of the mixture separating device according to the third embodiment of the separating method or the separating device of the present invention. In the mixture separating apparatus according to the third embodiment, a gradient magnetic field for separating the particles of the mixture by type while moving them in the horizontal direction is generated by using a superconducting bulk magnet (17).

The superconducting bulk magnet (17) is formed in a columnar shape, and a substantially rectangular parallelepiped or box-shaped separation tank (31) is arranged on the end face of the circular magnetic pole. The separation tank (31) is arranged so that its longitudinal direction is along the radial direction of the magnetic pole end face of the magnet (17), and one end of the separation tank (31) is the central axis C of the superconducting bulk magnet (17). In the vicinity, the other end (wall portion (35)) of the separation tank (31) is arranged near the outer edge of the superconducting bulk magnet (17). The position of the separation tank (31) with respect to the superconducting bulk magnet (17) may be adjusted or changed as appropriate.

A hopper (33) for charging the mixture is provided on one end side of the upper part of the separation tank (31), that is, on the central axis C side of the superconducting bulk magnet (17). Similarly, a pattern in which a mixture consisting of the first particle (indicated by ) and the second particle (indicated by ) is charged into the supporting liquid (21) is illustrated. As with the first and second embodiments, for both the first and second particles, (χ)_iχ_０) &lt;0, plus (ρ_iΡ_０)&gt; 0, the supporting liquid (21) is selected.

The superconducting bulk magnet (17) generates an axisymmetric magnetic field with respect to its central axis C. The magnitude of the magnetic field decreases as the distance from the magnetic pole end face of the magnet (17) in the vertical direction or as the distance from the central axis C of the magnet (17) in the horizontal direction (diameter direction). Therefore, the superconducting bulk magnet (17) is applied to the first and second particles in the supporting liquid (21) by the force Fx in the horizontal direction (x direction) and the force in the vertical direction (z direction) shown by the above equation. Fz is given. Similar to the first and second embodiments, the first particle and the second particle are moved down in the supporting liquid (21) while being moved in the horizontal direction (x direction), and the position in the vertical direction (z direction) is set. These particles can be separated so that the first particle and the second particle are different.

As in the first embodiment, the first particles are collected on the shelf plate (37) and collected from the separation tank (31) using the suction tube (51). In addition, the second particles are collected on the bottom surface (39) of the separation tank (31) and collected from the separation tank (31) using the suction pipe (53). Also in the mixture separator according to the third embodiment, the first particle reaches the wall portion (35) and floats in magnetic Archimedes by adjusting the gradient magnetic field and / or the volume magnetic susceptibility and density of the supporting liquid (21). It may be put into a state. The second particle may also reach the wall (35) and be placed in a magnetic Archimedes floating state.

The separation tank (31) of the mixture separation device of the third embodiment is formed in a cylindrical shape, the hopper (33) is arranged at the center of the circular upper surface portion thereof, and the center of the separation tank (31) or the hopper (33). The separation tank (31) may be placed on the superconducting bulk magnet (17) so that the axis overlaps the central axis C of the superconducting bulk magnet (17). In this case, the annular shelf plate (37) is projected inward from the wall portion of the separation tank (31). In the mixture separating apparatus of the third embodiment in which such deformation is performed, the first particles and the second particles charged into the supporting liquid (21) via the hopper (33) are in the supporting liquid (21). In the direction perpendicular to the central axis C (that is, in the radial direction of the magnetic pole end face of the magnet (17)), the magnet (17) descends while moving. That is, the first particles and the second particles of the mixture continuously charged into the supporting liquid (21) are diffused radially from the central axis C of the magnet (17).

In the trajectories of the first particle and the second particle which have been exemplified with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, 6 and 7 with respect to the first to third embodiments, the second particle is finally the first particle. It is located on the lower side. However, for example, when the density of the second particle is very low ((ρ)₂Ρ_０) &lt;0), the second particle moves toward the wall portion (35) while floating on the liquid surface of the supporting liquid (21).

In the trajectories of the first particle and the second particle, which are exemplified with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, 6 and 7 with respect to the first to third embodiments, the first particle moves in the horizontal direction. It descends to a predetermined height in the supporting liquid (21) to the shelf (37) or from the bottom surface (39) of the separation tank (31). However, the first particles charged from the hopper (33) may move horizontally to the wall portion (35) of the separation tank (31) in a state of being magnetically levitated on the liquid surface of the supporting liquid (21). .. For example, in the first embodiment, the trajectories as illustrated in the figure are obtained for the first particle and the second particle, and further, the first particle is in a magnetic Archimedes floating state in the vicinity of the wall portion (35). Suppose that it is. In such a case, when the liquid level of the supporting liquid (21) is set to the magnetic levitation position of the first particle or lower than that, the first particle charged from the hopper (33) becomes the supporting liquid (21). ), It moves horizontally toward the wall (35) while being magnetically floated on the liquid surface.

The first to third embodiments have been described as an example of a mixture containing two types of particles having different substances, but if at least one type of particles is a paramagnetic material or a diamagnetic material, it is treated in the present invention. The type of particles contained in the mixture and the number of types are not limited. In the first to third embodiments, the shelves (37) and suction tubes (51) (53) are added according to the types of particles contained in the mixture, and are arranged in consideration of the trajectories of the particles. To. As described above, the particles separated by type may stably float in the separation tank (31) by the magnetic Archimedes effect without using a shelf board.

When ferromagnet particles and paramagnetic or diamagnetic particles are contained in the mixture, the ferromagnet particles are placed on the bottom surface of the separation tank (31) under the hopper (33). accumulate. The paramagnetic or diamagnetic particles move as described above to reach the shelf board (37) (or stably levitate at the wall (35) due to the magnetic Archimedes effect), so even in such a case, The present invention can be used to separate the mixture by particle type.

In the present invention, the size of the particles contained in the mixture is not limited in principle. However, if it is too large, it is inconvenient to handle and adversely affects the separation accuracy, which is not preferable. The particle size will preferably be a few millimeters or less. Further, the particles contained in the mixture may be powder or crushed material, and the shape of the particles contained in the mixture is not limited. For example, the mixture processed using the present invention may be produced by crushing or crushing a waste containing a paramagnetic or diamagnetic metal. The mixture treated using the present invention may be obtained by treating a slurry produced by machining such as polishing or cutting.

In the first to third embodiments, the mixture is charged or introduced into the separation tank (31) using the hopper (33), but in the present invention, the means for introducing the mixture into the separation tank (31) is particularly limited. Not done. For example, the mixture may be introduced into the separation tank (31) by intermittently pouring the supporting liquid (21) in which the mixture is suspended into the separation tank (31). In the present invention, depending on the position where the mixture is charged or introduced into the separation tank (31), it is possible that the particles once rise and then fall while moving in the horizontal direction.

In the first to third embodiments, the particles are collected from the separation tank (31) by type using the suction tubes (51) and (53), but in the present invention, the means for collecting the separated particles is particularly limited. Not done. For example, a collection net as shown in FIG. 4 of Patent Document 2 may be used. Further, the particles separated by using a scraper or the like may be scraped out from the separation tank (31).

In the first to third embodiments, a magnet that applies a force in the y direction to the particles may be added to control the movement of the particles more precisely. In carrying out the present invention, the direction of the applied gradient magnetic field may be appropriately selected.

As described above, the present invention can be used to separate a mixture containing a plurality of types of particles having different substances by type. However, as can be easily understood from the above description, the present invention aims to separate specific types of particles formed of paramagnetic or diamagnetic materials from a mixture containing a plurality of types of particles having different substances. Can also be used. It is clear that the mixture separators of the first to third embodiments can be used to separate and recover only the first particles from the mixture. When the present invention is used in such an application, the types of particles other than the particles to be separated and recovered do not have to be separated by type. For example, in the first to third embodiments, when the mixture contains the first particle and the second particle in addition to the third particle which is different from these particles, the third particle is referred to as the second particle. Similarly, it descends while moving horizontally in the supporting liquid (21) to reach the bottom surface (39) of the separation tank (31), and then the wall portion is placed on the bottom surface (39) of the separation tank (31). It may move towards (35) (the third particle is then collected in the suction tube (53) along with the second particle).

<p> Hereinafter, specific examples of the present invention and experimental examples performed in connection with the present invention will be described.</p><p>[Example 1] A superconducting magnet using a solenoid coil with a bore diameter of 100 mm is placed in a state where the central axis of the coil is tilted by 30 degrees with respect to the vertical direction, and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the inner space of the superconducting magnet. , A separation tank in which a 50 wt% manganese chloride aqueous solution was stored as a supporting liquid was arranged. The separation tank was formed of transparent carbonate and had a shape as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. The width of the separation tank was 40 mm, the length was 40 mm, the height was 50 mm, and a shelf board having a width of 15 mm was projected at a position 25 mm in height from the bottom surface.</p><p> A mixture consisting of glass (silica) particles (diamagnetic material) and alumina particles (diamagnetic material) was prepared (see Table 1 for the density and volume magnetic susceptibility of glass (silica) and alumina), and the above superconducting After feeding the magnet to generate a magnetic field downward, it was dropped into the separation tank from the opposite side of the shelf board. Both the glass particles and the alumina particles were spherical, and the particle size of these particles was approximately 1.5 mm. The maximum value of the magnetic field is 4T at the center of the coil or magnet, and the magnitude of the magnetic field in the x direction is located closest to the center of the coil in the separation tank (corresponding to the right corner of the separation tank (31) shown in FIG. 2). Was 1T, and the magnitude of the magnetic field in the z direction was 2T.</p><p> The particles of the charged mixture descend in the supporting liquid while moving toward the wall on which the shelf board is projected, and as shown in the photograph of FIG. 8, the glass particles (glass particles) (in the vicinity of the wall). The shining particles in FIG. 8) were accumulated on the shelf board, and the alumina particles (white particles in FIG. 8) were accumulated on the bottom surface of the separation tank. As described above, it was actually confirmed that the mixture composed of glass particles and alumina particles can be separated for each type of particles by using the present invention. It can also be easily understood from the results of Example 1 that the present invention can be used to separate glass particles or alumina particles from a mixture containing glass particles or alumina particles.</p><p>[Example 2] 9 (a) and 9 (b) are explanatory views schematically explaining the outline of the second embodiment corresponding to the third embodiment described above. A separation tank (71) having a substantially U-shaped outer shape was prepared using transparent carbonate as a material. The separation tank (71) had a length of 70 mm, a height of 60 mm, and a width of 2 mm, and a horizontal shelf board (73) was provided at a position 10 mm in height from the bottom surface. The upper ends of the extension portions (75a) (75b) at both ends of the separation tank (71) are open, and in one of the extension portions (75b), there is a partition plate (77) connected to the shelf plate (73). It was installed vertically. A 50 wt% manganese chloride aqueous solution was placed as a supporting liquid (79) in the separation tank (71).</p><p> A mixture of aluminum particles (paramagnetic material) and titanium particles (paramagnetic material) was prepared (see Table 1 for the density and volume magnetic susceptibility of aluminum and titanium), as shown in FIG. 9 (a). It was put into the separation tank (71) arranged on the superconducting bulk magnet (81) through the opening of the extension portion (75a). The aluminum particles were produced by crushing aluminum ingots, and the titanium particles were produced by crushing titanium ingots, and their size was about 1 mm.</p><p> The superconducting bulk magnet (81) was columnar and had a diameter of 60 mm. The superconducting bulk magnet (81) was magnetized using a solenoid type superconducting magnet, and the magnitude of the magnetic field at the center of the magnetic pole end face was approximately 3T. The separation tank (71) was arranged on the magnetic pole end face of the superconducting bulk magnet (81) so that its longitudinal direction was along the radial direction of the superconducting bulk magnet (81). Further, the superconducting bulk magnet (81) is separated so that the central axis C of the superconducting bulk magnet (81) passes through the separation tank (71) at a slight distance from the inner wall of the extending portion (75a) of the separation tank (71) (about several mm). The tank (71) was positioned relative to the superconducting bulk magnet (81).</p><p> The aluminum particles and titanium particles placed in the separation tank (71) have different heights on the inner wall of the extending portion (75a) due to the magnetic Archimedes effect, as schematically shown in FIG. 9 (a). Stable floating and accumulated. The floating height of the aluminum particles was higher than the height of the titanium particles. The photograph of FIG. 10 is a photograph of this state. From this state, as shown in FIG. 9B, the separation tank (71) was slightly horizontally moved outward along the radial direction of the superconducting bulk magnet (81). The central axis C of the superconducting bulk magnet (81) was moved to the outside of the separation tank (71) and arranged so as to be separated from the outer surface of the separation tank (71) by about several mm.</p><p> When the separation tank (71) moved, the aluminum particles and the titanium particles in the supporting liquid (79) descended while moving toward the extending portion (75b), as schematically shown in FIG. 9 (b). Then, as shown in the photograph of FIG. 11, the aluminum particles were placed on the shelf plate (73), and the titanium particles were placed on the bottom surface of the separation tank (71) almost below the aluminum particles. As described above, it was actually confirmed that the mixture composed of aluminum particles and titanium particles can be separated for each type using the present invention. It can also be easily understood from the results of Example 2 that the present invention can be used to separate aluminum particles or titanium particles from a mixture containing aluminum particles or titanium particles.</p><p>[Example 3] The same treatment as in Example 2 was carried out except that the mixture of glass particles and alumina particles used in Example 1 was used and a 15 wt% aqueous solution of cobalt chloride was used as the supporting liquid (79). .. The glass particles and the alumina particles float magnetically at different heights as shown in FIG. 9A, and then descend in the supporting liquid (79) as shown in FIG. 9B in the horizontal direction (as shown in FIG. 9B). After moving in the radial direction), the glass particles were placed on the shelf plate (73) and the alumina particles were placed on the bottom surface of the separation tank (71), as shown in the photograph of FIG. 12 (a).</p><p>[Example 4] The same treatment as in Example 3 was carried out except that a 15 wt% aqueous solution of cobalt nitrate was used as the supporting liquid (79). The glass particles and the alumina particles float magnetically at different heights as shown in FIG. 9 (a), and then descend in the supporting liquid (79) in the horizontal direction as shown in FIG. 9 (b). After moving, the glass particles were placed on the shelf plate (73) and the alumina particles were placed on the bottom surface of the separation tank (71), as shown in the photograph of FIG. 12 (b).</p><p>[Example 5] The same treatment as in Example 3 was carried out except that a 20 wt% aqueous solution of nickel chloride was used as the supporting liquid (79). The glass particles and the alumina particles float magnetically at different heights as shown in FIG. 9 (a), and then descend in the supporting liquid (79) in the horizontal direction as shown in FIG. 9 (b). After moving, the glass particles were placed on the shelf plate (73) and the alumina particles were placed on the bottom surface of the separation tank (71), as shown in the photograph of FIG. 12 (c).</p><p>[Example 6] The same treatment as in Example 3 was carried out except that a 15 wt% aqueous solution of gadolinium nitrate was used as the supporting liquid (79). The glass particles and the alumina particles float magnetically at different heights as shown in FIG. 9 (a), and then descend in the supporting liquid (79) in the horizontal direction as shown in FIG. 9 (b). After moving, the glass particles were placed on the shelf plate (73) and the alumina particles were placed on the bottom surface of the separation tank (71), as shown in the photograph of FIG. 13 (a).</p><p>[Example 7] The same treatment as in Example 3 was carried out except that a 15 wt% aqueous solution of dysprosium nitrate was used as the supporting liquid (79). The glass particles and the alumina particles float magnetically at different heights as shown in FIG. 9 (a), and then descend in the supporting liquid (79) in the horizontal direction as shown in FIG. 9 (b). After moving, the glass particles were placed on the shelf (73) and the alumina particles were placed on the bottom surface of the separation tank (71), as shown in the photo of FIG. 13 (b) (FIG. 13 (b)). Then, a thin plastic plate is inserted between the separation tank (71) and the superconducting bulk magnet (81). The same applies to FIGS. 13 (c) and 14 (c)).</p><p>[Example 8] The same treatment as in Example 3 was carried out except that a 15 wt% aqueous solution of terbium nitrate was used as the supporting liquid (79). The glass particles and the alumina particles float magnetically at different heights as shown in FIG. 9 (a), and then descend in the supporting liquid (79) in the horizontal direction as shown in FIG. 9 (b). After moving, the glass particles were placed on the shelf plate (73) and the alumina particles were placed on the bottom surface of the separation tank (71), as shown in the photograph of FIG. 13 (c).</p><p>[Example 9] The same treatment as in Example 3 was carried out except that a 20 wt% aqueous solution of nickel nitrate was used as the supporting liquid (79). The glass particles and the alumina particles float magnetically at different heights as shown in FIG. 9 (a), and then descend in the supporting liquid (79) in the horizontal direction as shown in FIG. 9 (b). After moving, the glass particles were placed on the shelf plate (73) and the alumina particles were placed on the bottom surface of the separation tank (71), as shown in the photograph of FIG. 14 (a).</p><p>[Example 10] The same treatment as in Example 3 was carried out except that a ferrous chloride 10 wt% aqueous solution was used as the supporting liquid (79). The glass particles and the alumina particles float magnetically at different heights as shown in FIG. 9 (a), and then descend in the supporting liquid (79) in the horizontal direction as shown in FIG. 9 (b). After moving, the glass particles were placed on the shelf plate (73) and the alumina particles were placed on the bottom surface of the separation tank (71), as shown in the photograph of FIG. 14 (b).</p><p>[Example 11] A point using a mixture prepared by adding red glass particles having a maximum size of about 1 mm to the mixture of glass particles and alumina particles used in Example 1, and a 15 wt% aqueous solution of manganese chloride as the supporting liquid (79). The same treatment as in Example 2 was carried out except for the point of using. The glass particles (and red glass particles) and the alumina particles float in magnetic archimedes at different heights as shown in FIG. 9 (a), and then move in the supporting liquid (79) as shown in FIG. 9 (b). It descends and moves horizontally, after which glass particles and red glass particles are placed on the shelf (73) and alumina particles in the separation tank (71), as shown in the photo of FIG. 14 (c). Placed on the bottom.</p><p> In Examples 1 and 2, an aqueous manganese chloride solution was used as the supporting liquid, but according to Examples 3 to 10, cobalt chloride, cobalt nitrate, nickel chloride, gadolinium nitrate, disprosium nitrate, terbium nitrate, nickel nitrate, Alternatively, it was actually confirmed that an aqueous solution of ferrous chloride can also be used as the supporting liquid of the present invention. The supporting liquid may be an aqueous solution containing a plurality of paramagnetic inorganic salts selected from manganese chloride, cobalt chloride, cobalt nitrate, nickel chloride, gadolinium nitrate, displosium nitrate, terbium nitrate, nickel nitrate and ferrous chloride. The good thing is that those skilled in the art can easily understand that an aqueous solution containing a paramagnetic inorganic salt (for example, gadolinium chloride) other than the paramagnetic inorganic salt used in the examples can be used as a supporting liquid. Comparing Examples 1 and 2 with Example 11, in the present invention, the paramagnetic inorganic salt in the supporting liquid depends on the mixture to be treated (the substance constituting), the applied gradient magnetic field, the shape of the separation tank, and the like. It can be understood that the concentration may be adjusted.</p><p> In Experimental Examples 1, 2, 4 and 5 described below, the particles contained in the mixture are separated for each type of substance by utilizing the magnetic archimedes effect due to the gradient magnetic field having a gradient in the vertical direction. In Experimental Examples 3 and 6, one kind of particles are stably suspended by utilizing the magnetic archimedes effect due to the gradient magnetic field having a gradient in the vertical direction. In Experimental Examples 1 to 6, the particles are not moved in the horizontal direction as in the above-mentioned Examples, but as can be easily understood from the explanations regarding the first to third embodiments, the devices adopted in Experimental Examples 1 to 6 are used. It is possible to change the configuration to give the particles a gradient magnetic field with a magnetic field gradient of the horizontal component, for example, to move the particles in the horizontal direction. Those who have ordinary knowledge in this field can easily understand that the results and findings obtained from Experimental Examples 1 to 6 can be applied to or utilized in the present invention.</p><p>[Experimental Example 1] A mixture containing aluminum particles, titanium particles, alumina particles, and glass (silica) particles was put into a 50 wt% manganese chloride aqueous solution placed in a bottomed cylindrical glass container, and a vertically upward gradient magnetic field was applied. The size of each particle was set to about 1 mm (the same applies to other experimental examples). To apply the gradient magnetic field, a columnar superconducting bulk magnet magnetized using a solenoid type superconducting magnet is used, and a glass container containing an aqueous solution of manganese chloride containing a mixture is placed in the superconducting bulk magnet. It was placed in the center of the magnetic pole end face of the magnet (see the photograph in FIG. 17, in which the glass container is placed on the superconducting bulk magnet via black paper for photography).</p><p> FIG. 15 shows the magnitude of the magnetic field applied by the superconducting bulk magnet used in Experimental Example 1 and the distribution of the product of the magnitude of the magnetic field and the magnetic field gradient in the z direction. On the magnetic pole end face of the superconducting bulk magnet (z = 0), the magnetic field was 3.2 T and decreased monotonically as it moved upward from the end face (z = 30 mm, 0.57 T). On the magnetic pole end face of the superconducting bulk magnet (z = 0), the magnetic field x magnetic field gradient is -639.3T.^２It was / m and increased monotonically as it moved upward from the magnetic pole end face (z = 27 mm, -19.8 T).^２/ m). FIG. 16 shows the distance from the end face of the superconducting bulk magnet, the magnetic field, the magnetic field gradient in the z direction, and the value of the magnetic field × magnetic field gradient.</p><p> By applying the gradient magnetic field shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 to the mixture contained in the 50 wt% manganese chloride aqueous solution, aluminum particles, titanium particles, and alumina particles are produced by the magnetic archimedes effect as shown in the photograph attached as FIG. , And the glass particles were stably suspended at different heights. Table 1 shows the densities (g / cm) for these particles.^３), Volume magnetic susceptibility (SI unit system) and floating position (distance z (mm) from the end face of the superconducting bulk magnet).</p><p><tables num="1"><img id="000004" he="35" wi="160" file="0005403306.tif" img-format="tif" img-content="drawing" /></tables></p><p> Using the present invention, it is possible to separate a mixture containing aluminum particles, titanium particles, alumina particles and glass particles according to the type of particles, and further, it is possible to separate a mixture containing antimagnetic particles and paramagnetic particles according to the type of particles. , Understood from the results of Experimental Example 1. Furthermore, the present invention can be used to separate any of these particles from a mixture containing aluminum particles, titanium particles, alumina particles and / or glass particles, and from a mixture containing antimagnetic particles and paramagnetic particles. It is understood from the results of Experimental Example 1 that either anti-magnetic particles or paramagnetic particles can be separated.</p><p>[Experimental Example 2] Copper particles (diamagnetic material), lead particles (diamagnetic material), and maghemite (γ-Fe)_２O_３) A mixture containing particles (ferromagnets) was put into a 50 wt% manganese chloride aqueous solution placed in the same glass container as in Experimental Example 1, and the same gradient magnetic field as in Experimental Example 1 was applied vertically upward. Table 2 shows the density, volume magnetic susceptibility (excluding mughemite) and floating position of these particles. Since the magnetization of the 50 wt% manganese chloride aqueous solution is very small compared to the magnetization of the ferromagnet mughemite, the mughemite particles were attracted by the superconducting bulk magnet and deposited on the bottom of the glass container. However, the copper particles and lead particles floated at different heights and separated.</p><p><tables num="2"><img id="000005" he="28" wi="160" file="0005403306.tif" img-format="tif" img-content="drawing" /></tables></p><p> Using the present invention, a mixture containing copper particles, lead particles or maghemite particles can be separated by type, a mixture containing copper particles, lead particles and maghemite particles can be separated by type, and further, a diamagnetic substance. It is understood from the results of Experimental Example 2 that a mixture containing particles and ferromagnetic particles can be separated for each type of particles. Furthermore, using the present invention, copper particles or lead particles can be separated from a mixture containing maghemite particles in addition to copper particles or lead particles, and a diamagnetic substance can be separated from a mixture containing diamagnetic particles and ferromagnetic particles. It is understood from the results of Experimental Example 2 that the particles can be separated.</p><p>[Experimental Example 3] Silver particles (diamagnetic material), gold particles (diamagnetic material) and tungsten particles (paramagnetic material) were individually charged into a 50 wt% manganese chloride aqueous solution in the same glass container as in Experimental Example 1, and Experimental Example 1 was carried out. The same gradient magnetic field as above was applied vertically upward. Table 3 shows the density, volume magnetic susceptibility, and floating position of these particles.</p><p><tables num="3"><img id="000006" he="28" wi="160" file="0005403306.tif" img-format="tif" img-content="drawing" /></tables></p><p> Using the present invention, a mixture containing tungsten particles, silver particles or gold particles can be separated for each type of particles, and a mixture containing tungsten particles, silver particles and gold particles can be separated for each type. It is understood from the results of Experimental Example 3 that the mixture containing the particles of can be separated for each type of particles. Furthermore, it is understood from the results of Experimental Example 3 that any of these particles can be separated from the mixture containing tungsten particles, silver particles or gold particles by using the present invention, and that high-density particles can be separated from the mixture. Will be done.</p><p>[Experimental Example 4] A mixture containing aluminum particles and titanium particles was put into an aqueous manganese chloride solution placed in the same glass container as in Experimental Example 1, and the same gradient magnetic field as in Experimental Example 1 was applied vertically upward. In Experimental Example 4, the floating positions of the aluminum particles and the titanium particles were changed by changing the concentration of the manganese chloride aqueous solution. Table 4 shows the concentration of the aqueous manganese chloride solution and the corresponding floating positions of the particles.</p><p><tables num="4"><img id="000007" he="23" wi="160" file="0005403306.tif" img-format="tif" img-content="drawing" /></tables></p><p> By changing the volume magnetic susceptibility and density of the supporting liquid, more specifically, by changing the concentration when an aqueous solution of a paramagnetic inorganic salt is used as the supporting liquid, in the supporting liquid in the present invention. It is understood from the results of Experimental Example 4 that the trajectory and collection location of the particles can be adjusted or controlled.</p><p>[Experimental Example 5] A mixture containing aluminum particles and titanium particles was put into a 50 wt% manganese chloride aqueous solution placed in the same glass container as in Example 1, and the same magnetic field as in Experimental Example 1 was applied vertically upward. In Experimental Example 5, the magnetic field applied to the particles and the magnetic field gradient were changed by changing the position of the glass container in the vertical direction. Table 5 shows the magnitude of the magnetic field on the bottom surface of the glass container and the floating position of the particles (from the bottom surface of the glass container) corresponding to each set of the magnetic field and the magnetic field gradient.</p><p><tables num="5"><img id="000008" he="22" wi="160" file="0005403306.tif" img-format="tif" img-content="drawing" /></tables></p><p> From the results of Experimental Example 5, in the present invention, one type of particles of the mixture are suspended or levitated at the collection site or region, while another type of particles are settled or settled, and these particles are settled at the collection location or region. It is understood that the floating height and spacing of these particles can be adjusted or controlled by controlling the applied gradient magnetic field.</p><p>[Experimental Example 6] The silica particles were put into a 25 wt% ferrous chloride aqueous solution placed in the same glass container as in Experimental Example 1, and the same gradient magnetic field as in Experimental Example 1 was applied vertically upward. In this case, the silica particles were stably levitated at a position 16 mm from the end face of the superconducting bulk magnet.</p><p> The above description is for explaining the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting or reducing the scope of the invention described in the claims. Further, the configuration of each part of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made within the technical scope described in the claims.</p>

(11) Magnet (13) First magnet (15) Second magnet (17) Superconducting bulk magnet (21) Supporting liquid (31) Separation tank (33) Hopper (37) Shelf board (39) Bottom (41) Container (51) Suction tube (53) Suction tube