The present invention relates to a particulate material separation assembly. It comprises a filtration membrane and an antifouling device. The antifouling device comprises one or more magnets and a plurality of magnetisable particles. The one or more magnets cause the plurality of magnetisable particles to self-assemble into dynamic bristles, thereby forming a brush. The particulate material separation assembly is particularly useful in the context of micro algae harvesting.

The present invention relates to a particulate material separation assembly. It comprises a filtration membrane and an antifouling device. The antifouling device comprises one or more magnets and a plurality of magnetisable particles. The one or more magnets cause the plurality of magnetisable particles to self-assemble into dynamic bristles, thereby forming a brush. The particulate material separation assembly is particularly useful in the context of micro algae harvesting.

A method of increasing the rate by which a dissimilar material separates from an aqueous-based fluid mixture is disclosed. The method includes the step of passing an aqueous-based fluid through a magnetically conductive conduit having magnetic energy directed along the longitudinal axis of the magnetically conductive conduit and extending through at least a portion of the aqueous-based fluid mixture thereby providing a conditioned fluid medium. The conditioned fluid medium is separated into at least two distinct phases in a ceramic membrane filtration apparatus downstream of the magnetically conductive conduit, wherein at least one dissimilar material separates from the conditioned fluid medium at an increased rate as compared to a rate of separation of at least one dissimilar material from an aqueous-based fluid mixture prior to passing through the magnetically conductive conduit.