Magnetic Systems And Methods For Oxygen Separation And Purification From Fluids

A system for extracting oxygen from a fluid, comprising:

• a separator stage comprising:
• a separator tube having an interior portion defining a fluid flow path from a first end of the separator tube to a second end of the separator tube;
• and
• at least one magnet positioned proximal the separator tube between the first end and the second end to establish a magnetic field gradient in the interior portion,
• wherein a magnitude of the magnetic field gradient is greater on a first lateral side of the interior portion as compared to a second lateral side of the interior portion;
• and
• a flow director stage comprising:
• a flow divider positioned inside a portion of the separator tube proximal the second end to divide the fluid flow path into a first flow path and a second flow path;
• a first exit tube in flow communication with the second end for carrying the first flow path downstream of the separator tube;
• and
• a second exit tube in flow communication with the second end for carrying the second flow path downstream of the separator tube.

An oxygen separation method, comprising:

• establishing a magnetic field gradient in a tube having a first end in flow communication with a source of a fluid containing oxygen;
• and
• flowing the fluid through the tube,
• wherein the magnetic field gradient causes oxygen to be enriched in the fluid on a first interior side of the tube as compared to a second interior side of the tube.