Magnetic segregation behaviours of a binary mixture in fluidized beds

Abstract In industrial processes, external energy fields are used to efficiently regulate the segregation behaviours of fluidized beds containing binary mixtures. We added a magnetic field force model to the discrete element method used to numerically investigate the segregation behaviours of binary component particles in magnetic field-fluidized beds. We explored the effects of magnetic field intensity, gradient, and superficial gas velocity on the extent of segregation. Bi-dispersed particles were separated under moderate magnetic field intensities, and segregation increased as the field intensity rose. However, if the field intensity became excessive, magnetic particles tended to agglomerate, reducing segregation. Thus, control of the magnetic field gradient within a certain range is key for effective particle segregation.