Importance

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Abstract

A method of separating solids, the method comprising: •adding said solids to a suspension of particulate material comprising magnetic, or magnetized, particles in a liquid, •locating the combined solids and suspension in a separation vessel such that rotation is imparted to the combined solids and suspension around a space bounded by an outer wall of the vessel to impart a centrifugal force on the solids; and •applying, during operation of said separation vessel, a magnetic field to said combined solids and suspension in said separation vessel to impart a magnetic biasing force on the particles of said particulate material in an inwards direction away from the outer wall of the vessel at least in a lower region of the vessel, •wherein said particulate material has a coarseness (particle size) that is determined by at least one of the size of said separation vessel, the particulate material shape and type, the solids particle size and type, the feed pressure of the combined solids and suspension, and a desired specific gravity of said suspension, and wherein said method further comprises: •causing said particulate material to be relatively coarser (larger) than a nominal coarseness that is determined by at least one of the size of said separation vessel, the particulate material shape and type, the solids particle size and type, the feed pressure of the combined solids and suspension, and a desired specific gravity of said suspension in the absence of said magnetic field.

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First Claim