Sepor WHIMS Laboratory Wet High Intensity Magnetic Separator
| Origin | USA |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | Sepor WHIMS |
| Pricing | Available Upon Request |
Overview
The Sepor WHIMS Laboratory Wet High Intensity Magnetic Separator is an engineered benchtop system designed for precise, reproducible separation of weakly paramagnetic minerals from non-magnetic gangue in aqueous suspension. Operating on the principle of high-gradient magnetic separation (HGMS), it generates controlled magnetic fields—up to 15,000 Gauss (1.5 T) at the pole surface—via a water-cooled electromagnetic coil. Magnetic force is amplified by ferromagnetic matrix media (e.g., stainless steel wool or soft iron spheres) placed within the separation chamber, creating localized field gradients exceeding 100 T/m. This enables selective capture of fine-grained paramagnetic particles (e.g., hematite, ilmenite, chromite, goethite) while allowing diamagnetic and non-magnetic fractions (e.g., quartz, feldspar, kaolinite) to pass through under laminar flow conditions. The system supports batch-mode operation with full manual control over slurry feed rate, solids concentration, magnetic field intensity, and rinse protocol—critical for method development, process simulation, and metallurgical testing under laboratory-scale constraints.
Key Features
- Water-cooled electromagnetic coil with adjustable DC current (0–10 A), enabling continuous, stable field generation without thermal drift
- Modular separation chamber accommodating interchangeable matrix media: 3 standard sphere sizes (1.5 mm, 3 mm, 6 mm) plus optional stainless steel wool packs for ultra-fine particle recovery
- Reproducible slurry handling: feed solids mass range 10–200 g (dry basis), solids concentration adjustable from 15–60 wt% in deionized or process water
- Integrated product collection system with dual receptacles—one for non-magnetic overflow, one for magnetic concentrate post-flush
- Robust stainless-steel construction compliant with ISO 9001-certified manufacturing practices; fully CE-marked for laboratory use
- No moving parts in the separation zone—eliminates mechanical wear and ensures long-term calibration stability
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Sepor WHIMS accommodates slurries with particle size distributions from 1 µm to 2 mm, provided feed material is fully dispersed and free of agglomerates or fibrous contaminants that could clog the matrix. It is routinely employed in mineralogical laboratories conducting ASTM D3877 (Standard Test Methods for Magnetic Susceptibility of Minerals) and ISO 11247 (Iron Ores — Determination of Magnetic Fraction). All operational parameters—including coil current, feed volume, and flush duration—are manually recorded per GLP-compliant test logs. While not inherently 21 CFR Part 11-enabled, the system supports integration with external data acquisition hardware for audit-trail-capable documentation in GMP-aligned R&D environments.
Software & Data Management
The Sepor WHIMS operates as a manually controlled instrument with no embedded microprocessor or proprietary software. Field intensity is monitored via calibrated analog ammeter and verified using traceable Hall-effect gaussmeter probes (NIST-traceable calibration recommended annually). Users maintain full procedural transparency by documenting all variables—feed mass, water volume, current setting, rinse time—in standardized lab notebooks or LIMS-integrated electronic records. This design aligns with ISO/IEC 17025 requirements for method validation, where operator-defined protocols—not automated sequences—constitute the core analytical procedure.
Applications
- Iron ore characterization: quantification of magnetically recoverable hematite and martite fractions in exploration drill cores and pilot plant feeds
- Clay processing: removal of Fe/Ti-bearing impurities (e.g., anatase, leucoxene) to improve brightness and whiteness in kaolin and bentonite products
- Titanium mineral beneficiation: separation of ilmenite from rutile and zircon in heavy mineral sands circuits
- Chromite upgrading: rejection of serpentine and talc gangue prior to ferrochrome smelting
- Uranium and rare earth element (REE) research: concentration of monazite, xenotime, and pyrochlore from low-grade residues
- Gold tailings reprocessing: recovery of magnetite-associated refractory gold carriers in carbon-in-leach (CIL) circuit residuals
FAQ
What is the maximum magnetic field strength achievable with the standard Sepor WHIMS coil?
The water-cooled electromagnetic coil delivers up to 15,000 Gauss (1.5 Tesla) at the pole face when operated at its rated 10 A DC current.
Can the system be used with corrosive slurries such as acidic leach solutions?
Yes—provided the matrix media and chamber seals are selected for chemical compatibility (e.g., Hastelloy spheres or acid-resistant wool variants); standard stainless steel components are suitable for pH > 3.
Is automation or programmable sequence control available?
No—the Sepor WHIMS is intentionally designed as a manual, operator-driven platform to support method development flexibility and regulatory transparency in metallurgical research.
How is calibration verified?
Field intensity is validated using a NIST-traceable transverse Hall probe; matrix retention efficiency is confirmed via certified reference materials (e.g., NIST SRM 2784 for hematite recovery).
Does the unit comply with electrical safety standards for laboratory use?
Yes—it meets IEC 61010-1:2010 for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use, including protection against electric shock and overheating.
