Simulation of coarse particle group motion characteristics in magnetic roll separator based on EDEM-Maxwell coupling

In engineering fields such as mineral processing and solid waste recycling, magnetic roll separator technology is a key method for efficiently separating magnetic and non-magnetic particles. However, a lack of quantitative studies on the motion laws of particle groups in magnetic separation processes limits process optimization and efficiency improvements. In order to investigate the motion laws and separation mechanisms of particles with different magnetic properties in magnetic roll separators. A magnetic force calculation model was established based on magnetic field gradients and specific magnetic susceptibility of particles. We realized a coupled simulation method integrating electromagnetism and particle dynamics based on the Discrete Element Method. Maxwell software was used to simulate the magnetic field distribution of the magnetic assembly. The magnetic field vector data was subsequently imported into the simulation environment through EDEM field management. To simulate particle behavior under magnetic fields, we extended EDEM functionality through secondary development based on C++ API. The simulation results indicate the effectiveness of the coupled simulation in modeling and analyzing the influence of key process parameters on particles with different magnetic properties. These key parameters include magnetic roll separator rotational speed and particle size, which affect motion trajectories and landing zone distribution. Furthermore, the coupled simulation successfully differentiates the particle dynamics between magnetic particles and non-magnetic particles during the separation process. Experimental validation substantiates that the Maxwell-EDEM coupled simulation method realistically models the magnetic separation process. This approach reveals factors affecting magnetic particle motion characteristics, providing important theoretical foundation and technical support for optimizing magnetic separation technology.