Method and apparatus for cleaning a matrix of a magnetic separator

摘要

A method and apparatus is disclosed for cleaning magnetic material attracted to a ferromagnetic matrix within a separating chamber of a magnetic separator. The magnetic material retained by the matrix is cleaned in a high pressure cleaning stage in which both a liquid medium and a gaseous medium are provided under pressure to clean the magnetic material. As the gaseous medium passes through the matrix, it does so with a pressure drop which is substantially lower than that of the liquid passing through the matrix. Consequently, as the gaseous medium expands, it transfers a portion of its kinetic energy to the liquid which provides improved and more rapid cleaning effects than known rinsing steps.