Apparatus and method for continuous separation of magnetic particles from non-magnetic fluids

A magnetic separator for separating magnetic particles from a non-magnetic fluid, wherein the magnetic separator comprises:

• a separation chamber having an interior wall, an exterior wall, a top portion, a bottom portion, and an elongate portion defined between the top and bottom portion;
• a magnet having a first pole and a second pole positioned adjacent to the exterior wall of the separation chamber and with no magnetic elements built inside said separation chamber, wherein the first pole is substantially diametrically opposed to the second pole;
• a first inlet port directed into the top portion of the separation chamber, wherein the first inlet port is adapted to transfer a mixture into the separation chamber wherein said inlet port comprises at least one inlet pipe within said separation chamber, said inlet pipe being positioned adjacent the top of the separation chamber and adapted to sweep the mixture downward along the interior wall toward the bottom portion of the separation chamber;
• an underflow port in communication with the bottom portion of the separation chamber, wherein the underflow port is adapted to receive the magnetic particles;
• and an overflow port at the top of the separation chamber and in communication with the separation chamber, wherein the overflow port is adapted to receive the non-magnetic fluid.