Since our founding in 1947, we have focused on bulk materials processing, with key areas of "conveying," "classifying," and "sorting." Since 1999, we have also been offering our customers eddy current separators that enable precise and efficient sorting of non-ferrous metals (NF metals).
Because the separation performance of these separators depends on many factors, we are continuously working on their development, also in collaboration with the Montanuniversität Leoben (Austria).
We manufacture six different types, available in various widths. These include three models with a centric pole system, two with an eccentric pole system, and one eddy current separator with an eddy current bar (see IFE Eddy Current Separator portfolio).
These technologies enable comprehensive and precise separation of various materials. They can separate particles as small as 1 mm with high precision.
The centric design
The centric arrangement of the rotor creates a wide, effective separation area compared to eccentric designs. This allows the magnetic force to act on the particles to be separated for a longer period, repelling conductive particles. However, the detachment point of the particles is not precisely defined due to the broader effective range of the magnetic field, which can affect the separation quality.
For the separation of coarser particles (approx. > 20 mm), where this rotor is typically used, the strength of the force applied is more important than an accurately defined detachment point. We therefore recommend the centric design for coarser particles. This is the case, for example, when processing aluminum cans from the yellow bin collection system.
The eccentric design
The main advantage of the eccentric design is that the detachment point of the particles to be separated can be precisely defined. This point is located where the eccentric rotor is closest to the overlying pulley.
Across the width of the belt, a linear maximum of the magnetic field is created. It is at this maximum that the particle to be separated is subjected to the greatest force.
To achieve maximum separation efficiency, the magnetic rotor can also be rotated within the drum. Different positioning options allow for maximizing the efficiency of separation. For applications requiring precise detachment points and involving particle sizes approximately under 20 mm, such as in the enrichment of non-ferrous metals from electronic waste and municipal solid waste incineration slag (MSW), we recommend the eccentric design.
The new addition to the family of eccentric eddy current separators: type NANOS
Increasing demands on plant operators, the growing need for finer material processing and limited space require flexible solutions in non-ferrous metal separation. We provide the right answer and are expanding our eddy current separator portfolio with the IFE NANOS.
It offers outstanding separation results, particularly in the fine range, with a reduced rotor diameter. This leads to an extremely compact and space-saving design and thus to cost savings. The added value can be increased both by purchasing a new IFE eddy current separator and by retrofitting existing ones.
When it comes to retrofitting: The eccentric magnetic system of the NANOS type can be installed in the same drum as our centric pole system due to its compact design. This facilitates the transition from a centric to an eccentric pole system, resulting in improved product purities for fine particle sizes. It is made possible through a rotor exchange process that can be carried out in several planned steps. The machine frame, splitter unit, and control system can be retained from the existing centric configuration, which in turn means considerable cost savings compared to a new machine.
Applications of the new solution
The eccentric design IFE NANOS is particularly used for the removal of non-ferrous metals from biomass, old wood, etc., and for generating non-ferrous metal concentrates from WEEE and MSW incineration slag. Its high separation precision is demonstrated by current sorting trials at the IFE Test Center with input materials from the Yellow Bag, waste wood, and electronic scrap.
Task I: Metals from “the Yellow Bag”, grain size: 1 – 8 mm
A high output rate from the shredded "Yellow Bag" fraction combined with high purity of the aluminum is a prerequisite for the desired value creation. The NANOS proves to be particularly efficient in this respect, as the tests impressively confirm.
Task III: Electronic scrap, grain size: 4 – 8 mm
Electronic waste holds significant potential for secondary raw materials. After screening and fractionation, the NANOS also makes an important contribution here by effectively separating non-ferrous metals, thereby adding value and supporting the circular economy.
Pole changing frequency betw. 325 and 735 Hz
Pole changing frequency betw. 325 and 735 Hz
High magnetic flux density 325 to 370 mT
High magnetic flux density 325 to 370 mT
Discharge point individually adjustable to increase the product quality
Discharge point individually adjustable to increase the product quality
Belt speed 0.9 to 3.2 m/s
Magnetic drum: horizontal, eccentric arranged with neodymium permanent magnets
Magnetic drum: horizontal, eccentric arranged with neodymium permanent magnets
"The first NANOS is already in production for a customer in Poland. It is expected to be used in October for the separation of waste wood from contained non-ferrous metals (e.g., fittings and other non-ferrous contaminants) in the grain size range of 2 – 5 mm. I am confident that the new upgrade offering will also be an interesting option for many of our existing customers. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or send us your material for testing."
Florian Rappersberger, Head of Sales at IFE