Multifield electrostatic separator

Apparatus for separating or removing particles according to their polarizability which comprises

• an electrically nonconductive smooth first surface having a plurality of closely spaced and adjacent elongated conductors embedded beneath said surface and extending generally parallel to each other;
• means for continuously moving said first surface from a first zone into a second zone;
• means for simultaneously applying a charge to said first surface in said first zone and an opposite charge to said first surface in said second zone while said first surface is moving;
• means for passing in close proximity to and beneath said first zone particles on a second surface to be separated or removed from said second surface for causing the more polarizable particles to be attracted to said first surface;
• and
• said more polarizable particles being repelled by and from said first surface when said first surface moves adjacent said oppositely charged second zone and means for collecting said polarizable particles.