Transport Model for Magnetic Particles in Aqueous Solutions

Despite the recent advances in the theoretical modeling and experimental development of magnetic separation systems for micrometer and sub-micrometer size particles, the separation of metal ions in aqueous is poorly understood. In this presentation, we develop a mathematical model based on the fluid dynamics of aqueous solutions (described in terms of the Navier-Stokes equations), drift-diffusion of magnetic particles, and the interaction between the magnetic particles and the fluid to understand the magnetic separation process. Then, we use this model to study the limitation of metal ion separation in high gradient magnetic separation systems. Simulation results and predictions will be provided in the full presentation.