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 an 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 increase 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. © 1994.