Application of High-Gradient Magnetic Separation for the Recovery of Super-Paramagnetic Polymer Adsorbent Used in Adsorption and Desorption Processes

Abstract

This study examined the application of high-gradient magnetic separation (HGMS) for recycling of super-paramagnetic polymer adsorbent (MPA), namely, polyvinyl acetate-iminodiacetic acid. The HGMS can be incorporated with the adsorption and desorption processes (ADPs) with fresh or regenerated desorbed MPAs and exhausted adsorbed MPAs, respectively. This combines the permanent magnet’s advantage of low running costs with the easy operation using the solenoid to flush the filter in place. The effects of the inlet concentration of MPA in solution (CLF,i) and the fluid velocity (v0) or volumetric flow rate (QLF) on the performance of the recovery of MPA via HGMS were assessed. The results indicated that the separation efficiency (η or P0), breakthrough time (tB) and exhaustion time (tE) of HGMS reduce as CLF,i, as well as v0, increases. Further, the filter saturated capture capacity (σS) of HGMS also decreases with increasing v0. The effect of v0 on tB proportional to 1/v02 is more significant than that on σS proportional to 1/v0. A kinetic model of HGMS shows good agreements for the experimental and predicted breakthrough results, with determination coefficients of 0.985–0.995. The information obtained in this study is useful for the rational design and proper operation of a HGMS system for the recycling and reuse of MPA in ADPs.