Two-thirds of the magnetic element in a new hybrid wet drum separator from Eriez are rare-earth magnets, helping the equipment achieve markedly new levels of performance for industrial separations. Developed to enhance magnetic recovery in heavy media circuits, the hybrid element uses ceramic and high-energy rare earth magnets in the circuit to deliver 60% higher gauss in the separating zone when compared to the industry standard 950 gauss interpole magnetic circuit.
“Field results in iron ore concentration prove the superiority of these state-of-the-art separators,” says Jose Marin, director of minerals and materials processing for Eriez. “In fact,” he adds, “the increased recovery of magnetite in the rougher stage at an iron ore concentrator prompted the replacement of more than 20 48-inch diameter rougher units.”
Approximately two-thirds of the magnetic element is constructed with rare earth magnets. The remainder consists of a transition section onto a ceramic element. This advanced design allows these stronger drums to properly discharge magnetite or ferro-silicon onto the concentrate launder without flow interference. Furthermore, the high-capacity design accommodates surges and fluctuations in the feed rate.
Optimizing magnetite recovery in the heavy media circuit requires properly sized self-leveling wet drum separators with agitating magnetic elements, including the addition of a hybrid element, according to Marin. The alternating polarity of agitating elements assists in releasing entrapped non-magnetic materials to attain maximum recovery and profitability.
“The typical recovery of magnetite in a heavy media plant using traditional technology is expected at +99%, while the anticipated recovery utilizing a hybrid wet drum separator is close to 99.99%,” Marin explains. The hybrid drum, coupled with a self-leveling tank, maintains the current layout of a standard wet drum and is identical to the company’s 950 gauss wet drum separator so upgrading of existing wet drums can be easily accomplished. For more info, see www.eriez.com.
