The electromagnetic separator is a machine used to separate metals – magnetic and non magnetic – from each other and from any other non – metallic material they might be mixed up with. The inductor works on two principles:
-
When ferrous or magnetic material is passed near a direct current electromagnet, it is attracted.
-
When non ferrous metals are passed over an alternating current electromagnet, eddy currents are produced. This results in the material being repelled by the field, as a consequence of Lenz's law. Non Metallic materials fall to the floor.
By applying first 1 then 2, magnetic, non magnetic and non metallic materials can all be separated.