Eddy current separators (R-SPM)

The Eddy Current Separator (R-SPM) manages to separate non-ferrous metals from the rest of the materials thanks to its well-designed magnetic assembly called the induction drum, which rotates at high speed. When a non-ferrous metal crosses the induced magnetic field, it experiences a repulsion effect and jumps a certain distance ahead of the Eddy Current drum and away from the rest of the materials.

Aware of the serious environmental problem, we have developed a complete range of equipment for the separation and recycling of non-ferrous metals by eddy currents (R-SPM). This is aimed at recovering non-ferrous metals and thus significantly reducing the final disposal of products. Metals, both ferrous and non-ferrous, form one of the material groups to be most considered in waste reduction, as they represent a high value. As the most important non-ferrous metal, we should consider aluminum, which plays a significant role in our daily lives (cans, cartons, coffee makers, automobiles, etc.) and can be reprocessed countless times.

The physical principle of eddy currents is based on an alternating magnetic field, that is, a magnetic field where the North and South poles change alternately. Let's consider a simple magnet. The lines of force that generate the magnetic field close from one magnetic pole to the other (N-S). If we place a ferrous metal within the lines of force, they will attract it towards the magnet. On the contrary, if we place a non-ferrous metal within the lines of force, they do not produce any effect on the non-ferrous metal. However, if the non-ferrous metal is subjected to an alternating magnetic field, internal currents called Eddy Currents will be created. These Eddy Currents generate a magnetic field opposite to the magnetic field generated by the magnet. This strong opposition of magnetic fields causes a repulsion between them, and therefore, the non-ferrous metal will literally be expelled from its natural trajectory, separating it from the rest of the materials.

In the attached figure of the R-SPM equipment, the behavior of the different materials in the eddy current separator can be observed.

The Eddy Current Separator (R-SPM) has a belt conveyor that allows high volumes of processed material. A robust metallic structure supports two rollers: the drive roller, a motor drum that moves the belt at the appropriate speed according to the material being processed, and the head roller, or Induction Drum, responsible for generating the Eddy Currents. To achieve a high alternation of magnetic poles, the drum rotates at high speed. We have equipment with an admissible rotation speed of more than 3,000 rpm.

The induction drum is formed by two drums, where the inner drum is the actual generator of the Eddy Currents, and an outer drum, which rotates at the speed of transmission of the conveyor belt. The outer drum is made of material completely transparent to magnetic and induction fields, avoiding screen and dispersion effects. In this way, IR2 losses are reduced to zero.

We offer Eddy Current Separators with very different configurations (R-SPM, R-SPM/AD, R-SPM/AF, R-SPM/AM…) and effective working widths of up to 2,000 mm, adapted to the materials that need to be processed. That is why there are devices working in sectors as diverse as MSW, WEEE, ELV, wood, glass, plastic, etc.

We can create a custom Eddy Current Separator. The parameters corresponding to the material's particle size, its circulation speed, the effective working width, the Induction Drum, its rotation speed, etc., are interrelated parameters. Through the optimal adjustment of these parameters, we will obtain the best result and the best separation. In addition, the equipment is adjusted to the customer's needs: legs, motor side, color, etc.