Importance

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Abstract

Continuous removal of particulate surface contaminants, for example, from flat-rolled steel work product, is achieved free of unscheduled interruption by continuing control of surface cleaning liquid characteristics which enables continuing recycling. A major portion of the cleaning liquid of a large capacity tank is continuously circulated between surface treatment of the work product and a continuous in-line type cyclone filtering apparatus, with continuous return of filtrate to surface cleansing. A minor portion (about ten percent) of the cleaning liquid capacity is used to concentrate contaminants by continuously purging the filtering apparatus. Concentrated contaminants are directed to a non-magnetic tank structure with sources of magnetic flux mounted along its external surface such that penetrating magnetic flux acts internally to separate and retain contaminants. Decontaminated liquid is returned for continuing surface cleansing. Separated and retained contaminants are periodically discharged from portions of the separator tank structure so as to maintain purity level of iron-containing particulate, in such returning liquid and in such circulating liquid, at a desired purity level.

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First Claim