Goudsmit Magnetic Systems from Waalre, Netherlands (booth E117) will showcase its recently upgraded eddy current non-ferrous separator at Recycling in Gorinchem. The upgrade means the control unit can be expanded with an IOT (Internet of Things) module. This makes the machine suitable for almost all product streams. The module sends all important data to a dashboard via the internet. This allows operators to see the machine's performance at a glance. How fast is the rotor spinning? What is the current vibration level? What is the belt speed? All these questions are displayed graphically in real time.

Remote assistance function of the goudsmit intelligent non-ferrous metal separator

The internet connection also provides remote assistance options. The Goudsmit service team can access the system online to monitor, resolve all faults, and perform software updates. This saves considerable time, thereby increasing the uptime of the eddy current separator. Connection to Profinet also allows integration of the non-ferrous separator into the machine production line. In this way, everything works together, and the production line can be controlled centrally.

goudsmitIntelligent non-ferrous metal separatorModular design

Mechanical upgrades have also been implemented. For example, the distance between the EddyXpert and EddyFines machine lines has been reduced to enable module interchangeability. For companies wishing to expand their systems in the future with drum magnets or other separation systems, modules can be easily replaced or swapped for others.

goudsmitApplications of the intelligent non-ferrous metal separator:Glass or wood

Practical examples demonstrate the advantages of intelligent module combinations and show that eddy current separators can be cleverly combined for each product flow and requirement. For glass recycling, for instance, the company offers manganese steel wear plates for the vibrating chute, drum magnet, and/or separation plate of the eddy current separator. Combined with a wear-resistant rubber conveyor belt, this is an ideal combination for glass recycling.

goudsmitIntelligent non-ferrous metal separatorBottom ash recycling

For small-scale bottom ash recycling, Goudsmit uses the 38HI magnetic rotor in combination with an infeed belt separator instead of a vibrating chute. This helps prevent cement-like materials from clumping and achieves the target separation effect.

For recycling coarse wood chips, an eddy current separator with a 12-pole magnetic rotor is recommended, as it generates a very deep and powerful magnetic field. To provide sufficient space for large pieces, Goudsmit recommends installing an oversized chute and a separation device.

Introduction to the goudsmit intelligent non-ferrous metal separator

The goudsmit intelligent non-ferrous metal separator cleans bulk material streams and/or separates non-ferrous metals for reuse. Eddy current separators have many applications. They can handle high capacities because the conveyor belt continuously and fully automatically separates and removes non-ferrous metals. An important factor for good separation is uniform material flow, provided for example by a vibrating feeder or conveyor belt. This results in even distribution across the entire belt, allowing the material to arrive in a single layer. This means the layer thickness is approximately equal to the thickness of the largest lump, so no piece lies on top of another. This is especially important for smaller fraction sizes. The Goudsmit separator is robust and durable, enabling day-and-night operation even in the most demanding applications, such as post-processing of incinerator slag. Applications of the EddyFines38HI include: recovering fine non-ferrous metals from incinerator bottom ash; metals in scrap or e-waste; recovering casting residues in the metal casting industry; removing fine aluminum for the glass recycling industry; and removing impurities from recycled plastic streams to protect injection molding machines.

goudsmit intelligent separator for metal separation

Material: Some non-ferrous metals are easier to separate than others. This relates to physical properties. The table below lists non-ferrous metals classified according to three factors. The first column shows the electrical conductivity of the material: a measure of how easily the material conducts electricity. The second column indicates the density of the material. This is important for the effect of gravity on the ejected metal pieces. After all, the eddy current force generated by the eddy current magnetic roller must overcome these forces. The last column shows the ratio between these two factors. The higher the conductivity and the lower the density, the better the material can be separated using eddy current technology.

Size and shape: The size of the fraction (i.e., the particle size in the material stream) is also a very important factor for achieving good separation. Eddy currents generate a repulsive force in a piece of metal, causing it to be ejected along a certain trajectory. As a result, the ejection trajectory of non-ferrous metals differs from that of other residues and inert materials in the product stream. This ultimately leads to a 'trajectory range' for inert and non-ferrous materials. The larger the volume, the wider the ejection trajectories of large inert materials and non-ferrous objects of the same volume. This is why aluminum cans are easier to separate than small copper wires.

Size and shape are equally important. For example, spheres have less air resistance than tangled copper wires or bent sheet metal parts.

goudsmit intelligent separator design

Conveyor belt: We equip the EddyFines separator with a PU conveyor belt that is only 2.4 mm thin. Compared to the less durable (cheaper) PVC conveyor belts often used by our competitors, they have a longer service life.

Slide plate: Separation performance is better when non-ferrous metals are placed at the separation point of the eddy current magnetic roller. Therefore, the conveyor belt is supported by stainless steel slide plates, ensuring smooth and steady material transport. Competitors use conveyor belt support rollers, which cause material to bounce, negatively affecting separation. They also add extra maintenance to the machine, as the bearings of the support rollers need to be replaced.

Integrated drum motor: An integrated drum motor provides drive for the conveyor belt. This offers a compact design, as no motor protrudes from the rear of the machine. The electric drum has an ingress protection rating of IP66, providing excellent protection against dust and moisture. This means the motor is virtually maintenance-free, contributing to a robust and user-friendly machine. Your operators will certainly appreciate this fact.

goudsmit intelligent separator eddy current working principle

The conveyor belt system of the eddy current separator ends with a high-speed magnetic rotor. The rotation speed of the magnets generates an induced field, creating a rapidly changing magnetic field (see animation). Separation is based on the following principle: every conductive particle located in the alternating magnetic field is temporarily magnetized.

In short: for a moment, all metals passing through the eddy current magnetic roller are magnetized by themselves and thus ejected. This enables us to separate large quantities of non-ferrous metals and their alloys, including aluminum, copper, and brass.