Magnetic Hydrocycloning of Weakly Magnetic Mineral Slime

The authors validate the use of magnetic hydrocycloning in extraction of weak magnetic-responsive slime particles from finely dispersed magnetic suspension. Efficiency of a lab-scale magnetic hydrocyclone with regular electromagnetic system of copper wires on the cone, without superconductive materials involved, in extraction of magnetite particles –20  \(\mu\) m in size is described. The test results prove recoverability of hematite and other weakly magnetic minerals in magnetic hydrocycloning at the required flux density of 2–10 T created by a superconductive magnetic system under conditions of cooling at the liquid nitrogen temperature, which minimizes energy intake of magnetic separation. The use of the superconductive magnetic system and high-temperature materials on the hydrocyclone cone enables efficient extraction of weakly magnetic particles, for instance, red mud –10  \(\mu\) m in size.