A numerical model for magnetic chromatography

In this paper, we present details of a mathematical model for magnetic chromatography (MC) systems where strong distorted magnetic fields are used to separate particles from a colloidal mixture. The model simulates the effect of magnetic field gradients on particle motion, and includes calculation of the fluid flow, magnetic field, and particle concentration field. It is based on the finite-volume method (FVM) and uses an expanding-grid technique to handle domains with large aspect ratios. The model has been validated against the results from an analytical model. The numerical model has been used to simulate the performance of a real MC system under various operating conditions. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science Inc.