Separation of contaminants with magnetic separation systems

In many technical processes, it is very important to separate ferrous metal contaminants mixed in with the rest of products. In the food sector, the magnetic separation of certain contaminants from food products is essential, since these ferromagnetic elements could damage both the work machines and the product to be treated.

Function of magnetic separators

Magnetic separators are often designed using magnetic bars. Depending on the special conditions and the functional requirements, individual bars are used as a magnetic filter or incorporated into magnetic grids. The quantity and size of the magnetic filter rods depends on the total yield of the material to be separated.

The magnetic separators with rotating magnetic rods guarantee a high separation efficiency of magnetic particles. For free-flowing materials, a linear separator with magnetic rods is recommended. In many cases, continuous filters and separators provide high separation efficiency with high performance.

Recommended applications of magnetic separators and magnetic plates

A decisive criterion for the choice of magnets and their subsequent application is the material from which they are made. The most common magnetic materials for the production of magnetic plates and other magnetic separators are ferrite, neodymium, samarium and alnico.

Ferrite has a good price-performance ratio and can be used at working temperatures up to 250°C. Therefore, it is often used as a magnetic material because it also has a high resistance to demagnetization.

If a particularly strong magnetic field is required in a small space for the application, rare earth magnetic materials, such as neodymium and samarium are recommended. The working temperatures of neodymium are between 80°C and 250°C.

When we need higher working temperatures, samarium is available as magnetic material, which can withstand a greater temperature range between 250°C to 350°C. However, this material is characterized by its high hardness and, therefore, can only be modified with diamond tools. If even higher working temperatures occur, Alnico magnets come into play. These retain their full functionality at up to 425°C. Alnico is an aluminum alloy with other components such as nickel and cobalt. For special applications, plastic magnets made of various magnetic materials, such as ferrite, neodymium and samarium, are available. These different materials are connected together by means of thermoplastic binders and, therefore, can be geometrically adapted to the required contour for any required application. The practical methods of work for its production are injection, pressing, welding and calendering.

IMA has extensive experience in the field of magnetic separation and, therefore, can respond competently to any request in this regard and provide professional advice.

Conclusion

The need for separation of magnetic contaminants exists due to the need to protect the mechanical device and the materials to be handled. The different possibilities for magnetic separation, either through magnetic plates or magnetic separators, require specialized knowledge for each specific application, acquired only by extensive experience in the sector.

If you have to solve some magnetic separation problems, do not hesitate to contact IMA. You will be surprised by our problem solving skills, like many others before you.