Cheap magnetic separator for non-ferromagnetic materials

A cheap magnetic separator for non-ferromagnetic materials is not an oxymoron, but a real engineering problem that we solve every day. Over the past five years, in 17 mining and processing plants in the Urals and Siberia, we have replaced outdated electromagnetic drums with compact models of the seriesLJ-MSF. And each time the client asked the same question: “How is it that the separator works on quartz sand, granite chips and slag, but at the same time costs 35–40% less than its analogues?” The answer lies not in marketing, but in three physical solutions - and none of them require increased power consumption.

Why “cheap” does not mean “weak” - three technical reasons

The first is the rejection of universal solutions. Most manufacturers design separators “for everything”: from ore to table salt. We are not. Our seriesMSF (Magnetic Separator for Non-Ferrous)designed strictly for materials with zero or negligible magnetic susceptibility: quartz, feldspar, dolomite, glass waste, expanded clay, crushed granite. This made it possible to optimize the geometry of the magnetic field: we do not use a continuous ring circuit, but a point system of NdFeB magnets with an inclination angle of 62°. The field is concentrated in the area where the flow falls - and is not lost in the air. Result: the efficiency of collecting Fe₃O₄ particles with a size of 80 microns reaches 99.2%, and the power supply is only 0.75 kW/h.

The second is modular assembly without welding. Instead of cast housings, there is an anodized aluminum frame with quick-release magnetic blocks. One operator changes the entire magnetic system in 12 minutes. No cranes, no special tools. In one of the Uralasbest workshops, we recorded a 68% reduction in downtime after switching from an imported drum separator to our MSF-1200. Third is the lack of cooling. For most competitors, at a load above 4 t/h, the windings begin to overheat. We have passive heat dissipation through aluminum radiators and blowing with a flow of material. This excludes fans, thermal sensors and control boards. Simplicity = reliability = low cost of ownership.

Where “cheap” becomes a mistake - three cases when the separator fails

We do not recommend the MSF model where:

• the humidity of the material exceeds 7% - moisture creates a film that retains ferroimpurities on the surface of the particles;
• iron content is higher than 0.8% by weight - then multi-stage cleaning with preliminary sifting is required;
• the ambient temperature is below −25°C - in this case, NdFeB magnets lose up to 15% of their strength, and the calculated performance drops.

In these cases, we offer hybrid solutions: for example, a combination of MSF + air classifier LJ-AK-300 or heating of the loading tray. But this is a different budget and a different task. For standard cleaning of silica sand, recycled glass or gypsum powder, MSF remains the most economical choice.

How to choose a specific model - a checklist from practice

At the Fushun plant we tested 14 versions before launching into series. Here are four parameters that really affect price and performance - and which you should check before ordering:

1. Working area width: 600 mm - for lines up to 8 t/h; 1200 mm - for 18–22 t/h; 1800 mm - only for an individual project with calculation of the fall trajectory;
2. Mounting type: flanged (for installation in a pipeline) or cantilever (for installation above a conveyor); the latter reduces the cost by 11%;
3. Degree of protection: IP54 - basic version; IP66 - if the separator operates in rain or dusty environments; the price difference is 9%, but the service life increases by 2.3 times;
4. Control system: mechanical clogging indicator (standard) or digital magnetic induction level sensor (optional). The second one is needed only when working with variable composition of raw materials.

LONGI Corporation produces 4 basic modifications of MSF. The most popular -MSF-1200/0.75: width 1200 mm, consumption 0.75 kW, weight 215 kg, warranty 36 months. Its price is formed not according to the principle of “how much can you take”, but according to the formula: production cost + logistics to the unloading point + 12% profitability. No more, no less.

A cheap magnetic separator for non-ferromagnetic materials is not a compromise, but an informed choice

We saw how at one of the enterprises in Kazakhstan they tried to use a cheap Chinese separator without calculating the magnetic flux - after two weeks it passed 40% of iron inclusions. We have seen how the European model with “smart control” broke down due to voltage fluctuations in the network. And our MSF-1200 worked non-stop for 14 months in the conditions of Buryatia - with temperature changes from −32 to +38°C.

A cheap magnetic separator for non-ferromagnetic materials is a solution that does not hide its boundaries, does not mask weak points under a beautiful interface and does not require expensive service. This is equipment made by engineers, not sales managers. You can touch it, measure it, test it on your own material - and make a decision in a day. Detailed technical data, connection diagrams and test videos are on the websiteljmagnet.ru.