Separation of small nonferrous particles using an inclined drum eddy-current separator with permanent magnets

This paper presents a method for separating small metallic nonferrous particles from two-component nonferrous mixtures using, a new type of dynamic eddy-current separator with permanent magnets. The so-called inclined drum eddy-current separator (IDECS) consists of an inclined vertical rotary drum covered with permanent magnets, alternately N-S and S-N oriented, directly fixed on the axis of an electric engine. The particles to be separated are brought into the field on an oblique trajectory, hit the drum, and are deflected in the variable field under electrodynamic and mechanical interactions. The strongly conducting and poorly conducting particles assume different trajectories depending on their electrical conductivities, which lead to their separation. The paper presents the results of grade and recovery of wastes consisting of small particles (under 5 mm) derived from Cu-Pb and Cu-Al mixtures. The advantages of IDECS are that its efficiency is close to that of the usual dynamic eddy-current separator and its equipment cost is lower. A disadvantage is that the intermediate product must be passed again through a separation process.