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Floating Diamonds with Nanomagnetic Particles |
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| Authors: | Laura L Vatta |
| Institution: | Nano Group, Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa
Research Group, TSS Technology, De Beers Consolidated Mines (Pty) Ltd, P. O. Box 82851, Southdale, 2135, South Africa |
| Abstract: | In the diamond industry, ferrofluids are used in ferrohydrostatic separators for the density separation of diamonds from gangue material. The size of the magnetic core of the coated particles forming the ferrofluid suspension is vital in ensuring the stability of the fluid. The particle size must be small enough such that sedimentation does not occur in a magnetic field gradient and under the influence of a gravitational field and such that magnetic agglomeration can be overcome. This paper discusses the particle size requirements for fluid stability under the influence of these effects. |
| Keywords: | gravitational field magnetic agglomeration magnetic field gradient magnetic nanoparticle stability |