Application of magnetic microparticles in chemical engineering technology

In chemical engineering technology microparticles are used in a diversity o f fields. Particles with essential chemical characteristics and additional magnetic properties open new opportunities for developing novel processes i n many areas. Separation processes such as adsorption and chromatography as well as reactions with catalysts are especially interesting applications. A high specific surface is advantageous for most of these unit operations. Because of the small size of the particles used their handling is not trivi al. The magnetically stabilized fluidized bed (MSFB) is a promising example of a magnetically assisted process. This technology permits design of new processes whose favorable operations conditions lie outside the range of co nventional operation. Common to all applications is that the magnetic prope rties of the particles provide a new free and adjustable parameter for mana ging the process.