The Halbach and alternating polarity linear magnets array are designed for microparticle separation, based on magnetophoresis

Abstract Particle separation using magnetophoresis requires an inhomogeneous magnetic field which affects the microparticle. The more changes in the magnetic field, the greater the magnetic force. The changes could exist in various ways. In this article, the change to produce a more intensive inhomogeneous magnetic field is generated by rotating the magnets to a specific degree. The analyses are done for three-state magnet arrays. For this purpose, a device is fabricated and the mentioned arrays are embedded in it. First, the results are simulated. The mathematical piecewise algorithm is used to validate the simulation. By examining the states in the fabricated device the experimental results are extracted. Overall, the results demonstrated that the Halbach and alternating polarity linear arrays (both 90, and 180 degrees) have better efficiency and throughput than the regular design array (without magnet rotating). The Halbach designs are illustrated with approximately the same results. However, in alternating polarity linear array, 180 degrees the particle capturing rate stood in a better place than the other design.