APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR MAGNETIC SEPARATION FEATURING EXTERNAL MAGNETIC MEANS

摘要

Magnetic separation apparatus and method for separating colloidal magnetic particles from a non-magnetic test medium in which the magnetic test particles are suspended. The apparatus comprises a container (23) having a peripheral wall (25) with an internal surface area for receiving the non-magnetic test medium. Magnetic means (27) comprising a plurality of north magnetic poles and a plurality of south magnetic poles positioned alternatively around the periphery of said container produce a magnetic field gradient within the test medium. Accordingly to the method of the invention, a container holding the test medium is positioned adjacent to said magnets, producing a magnetic field gradiant operative to cause the magnetic particles to be attracted to the internal surface area of the wall and to adhere to said area. The non-magnetic test medium is separated from the magnetized particles, which may conveniently be washed while adhered to said internal surface area and subjected to further analysis.