Advancements and applications of numerical simulation in enhancing the efficiency of low-intensity magnetic separators

Magnetite is the core of the steel industry and a pillar of economic development in resource-based regions. Low-intensity magnetic separation (LIMS) is a highly effective method for separating magnetite. However, studies on LIMS mechanism and the optimization and development of equipment have progressed slowly due to high complexity of the magnetization mechanism of magnetic ore particles during the separation process, the ambiguity of the interaction mechanism between multi-physical fields and mineral particles, and the lack of characterization and observation methods in the dynamic separation process. Recently, advancements in numerical simulation have significantly contributed to studies on prediction of separation results in dry and wet low-intensity magnetic separation, equipment optimization and development, interaction mechanisms between multi-physical fields and mineral particles in the dynamic separation process, and the interaction mechanisms between mineral particles. These studies outline the problems that constrain the application of numerical simulations in LIMS, and proposes the future research directions of numerical simulation technology in the field of weak magnetic separation.