A novel formula for calculating repulsive forces in horizontally aligned nonferrous cylindrical particles within an Eddy current separator

• Published in: Powder technology 2024-12, Vol.448, p.120300, Article 120300
• Main Authors: Bendimerad, Salah-Eddine, Ayad, Abdelghani, Bettache, Abderrahmane, Baghli, Selma, Ayad, Ahmed N.E.I.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Eddy current separation; Electromagnetic repulsive force; electronic wastes; magnetic fields; mathematical models; Nonferrous particle; Numerical simulation; Particles trajectories; technology
• ISSN: 0032-5910
• DOI: 10.1016/j.powtec.2024.120300

Eddy Current Separation (ECS) stands as a highly efficient recycling technology crucial for separating nonferrous particles from waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). This process relies on repulsive forces induced by eddy currents as particles traverse the variable magnetic field of a rotating magnetic drum. Achieving optimal separation in this multifaceted process demands a careful selection of magnetic drum parameters. This study focuses on modeling the repulsive forces acting on diverse nonferrous particle shapes, with a particular emphasis on horizontally oriented cylindrical particles, and exploring their trajectories under various adjustable parameters. The effectiveness of the separator is intimately governed by these repellent magnetic forces. Our numerical model comprehensively accounts for the key magnetic and mechanical forces shaping particle movement. Through a dedicated Matlab program, simulations of trajectories are conducted, dissecting the influence of parameters such as separation angle, number of poles, electromagnetic drum velocity, and particle sizes. The findings, elucidated in detailed diagrams, offer a profound understanding of each parameter's impact, crucial for optimizing ECS processes. Optimizing Eddy Current Separation (ECS) through Repulsive Force Modeling The ECS process relies on repulsive forces created by eddy currents as particles pass through a rotating magnetic drum's variable magnetic field. This study models the repulsive forces on horizontally oriented cylindrical nonferrous particles and examines their trajectories under various parameters, including separation angle, number of poles, drum velocity, and particle size. Using a numerical model and Matlab simulations, we explore the effects of these parameters on particle trajectories and separator effectiveness. The study also compares models of particles with different shapes but the same volume to understand the impact of shape on repulsive forces. The results, depicted in detailed diagrams, provide critical insights for optimizing ECS processes. Fig: Eddy current in horizontally oriented cylindrical nonferrous particles. [Display omitted] •New formula, on horizontally oriented cylindrical particles.•Exploring particles trajectories in eddy current separator.•For different nonferrous particles.•Comparison for different shapes of particles.