SELECTIVE SEPARATIONS IN ENVIRONMENTAL AND INDUSTRIAL-PROCESSES USING MAGNETIC CARRIER TECHNOLOGY

The use of magnetoprocessing techniques in conjunction with magnetic supports for selective separations of colloidal particles, macromolecules and organics, on a industrial scale is reviewed. A specific case is presented illustrating liquid phase mass transfer enhancements attainable using a novel magnetoprocessing technique, the magnetically stabilised fluidised bed reactor (MSFBR). Results showed that a more than five-fold increases in liquid throughput could be achieved when a current of 40A was applied to a bed of magnetite/carrageenan gel beads. The paper emphasises potential magnetoprocessing applications for selective separations in mineral, biological and effluent treatment processes.