Abstract:
A magnetic field system for producing an interruptible geometrically patterned magnetic field at a surface, including a surface member including a surface, a magnetic member situated exterior to the surface member, including a geometrically patterned array of magnets, the magnetic member being reversibly mounted in sufficient proximity to the surface member to produce a corresponding geometrically patterned magnetic field extending through the surface, the geometrically patterned array of magnets including magnets selected form the group consisting of permanent magnets, electromagnets, and a combination thereof, the geometrically patterned magnetic field being interruptible by the removal of the magnetic member to a location sufficiently distant from the surface member to withdraw the geometrically patterned magnetic field from the surface, or by the depowering of the powered electromagnets. A gravity separation system for separating and recovering metal particles from a liquid stream of suspended particles to be separated. A method for the gravity separation and recovery of metal particles from a liquid stream with a gravity recovery system.