FIELD: electrostatic separation of high concentrations of conducting materials. SUBSTANCE: separation of mixture of particles including conducting particles is effected with the aid of belt-type counterflow separator and unit for forming the electric field potential gradient. This unit consists of many conducting elements located between many dielectric elements. Conducting elements are connected with respective points of voltage drop circuit used for dividing voltage between electrodes at high potential of electrostatic separator and reference potential, thus making it possible to limit voltage potential between any adjacent conducting elements to maximum potential and consequently to avoid sparking. EFFECT: separation of conducting materials without impairment of parameters due to conductivity of particles. 32 cl, 8 dwg
