Magnetic Separation Services

Magnetic separation is the process of separating components of mixtures by using magnets to attract magnetic materials. The process that is used for magnetic separation separates non-magnetic materials from those that are magnetic.

What’s the Difference Between Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metal?

The difference between ferrous and non-ferrous metals is their properties. These properties are the determining factor for which applications they are best suited.

Ferrous metals are more vulnerable to rust when exposed to moisture due to their high iron content. There are two exceptions: stainless steel is protected from rust by the presence of chromium. Wrought iron resists rusting due to its purity.

Non-ferrous metals have an advantage over ferrous metals because of their malleability. They have a higher resistance to rust and corrosion because of their lack of iron content. Non-ferrous materials make them perfect for gutters, roofing, outdoor signage, gutters and other applications. Lastly, they are non-magnetic which is important for wiring and many other electronic applications.

Elcan’s Experience Removing Ferrous Contamination

Elcan works closely with companies to remove ferrous metal contamination from their product using a high-powered electromagnetic equipment to create iron-free product from material that was contaminated. Elcan has successfully passed truckloads of material through our powerful magnet and achieved very low ppm finished product.

Elcan’s electromagnet equipment consists of a solenoid coil encased in a steel housing. A high-intensity uniform magnetic field is generated in the bore of the coil. Within the bore is a canister, packed with filter elements, which are referred to as the matrix. The matrix consists of a stack of expanded steel plates arranged with staggered openings to accommodate the material flow. The matrix amplifies the externally applied magnetic field, produces regions of extremely high gradient and provides collection sites for the capture of ferrous contaminants.

Elcan feeds the feed material through the magnetized matrix; the iron-bearing contaminants are captured and held, resulting in a high-purity product. The non‑magnetic product flows freely through the canister, aided by the matrix vibration.