The Elctromagnetic Separator

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:

  1. When ferrous or magnetic material is passed near a direct current electromagnet, it is attracted.

  1. 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.