THE MAGNETIC SEPARATION OF PARTICLES

摘要

A set of magnetic tracers (48) is provided for the magnetic separation of ore particles into different fractions based on the magnetic susceptibility thereof. The set comprises a plurality of tracer groups (48.1 to 48.7), with each group comprising a plurality of tracers, each of which have the same magnetic susceptibility and a common coloration (yellow, pink, green, cinnamon, orange, brown and grey) by means of which the tracers in one group can be readily distinguished over tracers in another group. Separate groups in the set cover a predetermined range or spectrum of magnetic susceptibility values. The invention extends to a method of sorting a body of particulate ore material, such as particulate diamond-containing gangue and gangue material, into at least two different fractions by determining a desired cut or split point between the two different fractions based on the magnetic properties, thereof selecting a set of magnetic tracers of the type described above, passing the tracers through a permroll having an output with an adjustable splitter for splitting the particulate ore material into the two fractions, and using the magnetic tracers heuristically to adjust the splitter to the desired cut point.