MIXTURE SEPARATION METHOD AND SEPARATION DEVICE

摘要

Provided are a mixture separation method and a separation apparatus in which processes are performed efficiently in a short time compared to conventional methods with a low load on the apparatus configuration compared to conventional methods. The present invention is a mixture separation method or a mixture separation apparatus for separating, by applying a gradient magnetic field to a paramagnetic supporting liquid containing a mixture of first particles and second particles, the mixture by particle type. A magnetic susceptibility of the first particles is lower than a magnetic susceptibility of the supporting liquid, and a magnetic susceptibility of the second particles is higher than the magnetic susceptibility of the supporting liquid. A gradient magnetic field is applied to the supporting liquid in the separation tank (7) provided with a magnetic filter means (9) using a magnetic field generating means (11), and the supporting liquid is stirred. The first particles float in the supporting liquid by a magneto-Archimedes effect. A horizontal magnetic force acts on the first particles by the gradient magnetic field, so that the first particles travel to a region lateral to or outward from the magnetic filter means (9) and are gathered in the region. The magnetic filter means (9) is excited by the gradient magnetic field to catch the second particles.