Modeling and Simulation of Nonconductive Particles Trajectories in a Multifunctional Electrostatic Separator

Electrostatic separation is a technique based on the electric field forces acting on small charged or polarized particles. Several electrostatic machines have been developed over past decades, operating with different principles and treating various mixture types. The multifunctional electrostatic separator is one of the most efficient installations for the treatment of micronized materials. This paper aims to numerically simulate the dynamic behavior of micronized insulating particles in this type of separator. The numerical model of the electrostatic field calculated by COMSOL is used in a MATLAB program to simulate particle trajectories under the effect of electrical and mechanical forces. The numerical simulation implemented takes into account the impact of the particles with the rotating electrode. The intensity and direction of the forces exerted on the particles in the high-intensity electric field area determine their behavior, and thus, the quality of the separation.