Method and apparatus for separation of mixture

Abstract

The present invention provides a method and an apparatus capable of continuously and accurately separating, by type, a mixture containing at least two types of particles, or capable of separating specific particles from the mixture, using a gradient magnetic field. In the present invention, a mixture containing at least two types of particles, particles of one type of which are made of a paramagnetic or diamagnetic substance, is treated. A magnetic field whose magnetic field gradient has a vertical component and a horizontal component is applied to a supporting liquidstored in a separating tank. When the mixture is placed into the supporting liquid, the particles of the one type are guided such that they are positioned in the supporting liquidat a predetermined height from a bottom faceof the separating tankwhile horizontally traveling. Alternatively, the particles of the one type magnetically levitate at a liquid surface of the supporting liquidand horizontally travel. Particles of another type of the at least two types of particles are positioned at a position vertically different from that of the particles of the one type, between the bottom faceof the separating tankand the liquid surface of the supporting liquid