Félectrique = q EF: N; q: C; E: V/m.
Use when: Force on a charge in an electric field.
Electrostatic mineral separation
Understand the action of an electric field on particles and the role of conductivity.
What is happening?
Particles can be charged or respond differently to an electric field. In some roller separators, the conductors discharge their charge more quickly than the insulators, which modifies their trajectories.
Size, humidity and surface condition influence the charge and its maintenance. Electrostatic separation should not be confused with magnetic separation based on response to a magnetic field.
The formulas, with their conditions.
a = Frésultante / ma: m/s²; m: kg.
Use when: The real trajectory combines electrical forces, gravity and mechanical contacts.
Where is this principle used?
Mineral sand plant
Separate minerals with different electrical properties.
Recycling center
Separate certain conductive and insulating fractions.
What to observe in the experiment
Compare the trajectories of two materials by changing only their conductivity or their humidity scenario.
References and readings
This sheet explains the principles and their assumptions. Educational simulation can simplify the process; an industrial model requires suitable data and validation.
Have you understood the essentials?
Only one correct answer per question. Answer all three questions, then view the answer key.
Intu Lab · Understanding sheet · Kimba Christian