Effective separation of magnetite nanoparticles within an industrial-scale pipeline reactor

Within the field of wastewater treatment, nano-adsorbents are a significant emerging technology; however, separation of the nano-scale particles after loading has proved to be an impediment to widespread industrial implementation. Magnetic collection of nanoparticles is a potential strategy for effective separation. Nano-scale magnetite is an effective adsorbent, is sufficiently magnetically susceptible, and is superparamagnetic, allowing re-dispersion following magnetic collection. In this work, an in-line, water-cooled magnetic collection module was developed with collection efficiencies regularly exceeding 98%. Models were developed over various flow regimes. The role of cooperative magnetophoresis was demonstrated and a physical model has been proposed for adsorption upon particle agglomerations about magnetic core wires.