Separation of small nonferrous particles using a two successive steps eddy-current separator with permanent magnets

The paper presents a method for separating the small metallic nonferrous particles from two component metallic nonferrous mixtures using a new type of dynamic eddy-current separator with permanent magnets. The so-called two successive steps eddy-current separator (TSECS) consists of a horizontal rotary drum covered with permanent magnets, alternately N–S and S–N oriented. The separation process takes place in two stages, first the strongly conducting particles are separated on the upper part of the drum, and then the remaining undecided and poorly conducting particles are separated at the lower part of the magnetic drum. The experimental results and comments regarding the values obtained for separation efficiency, grade and recovery for wastes consisting in Cu–Pb and Cu–Al mixtures are given. The obtained results are in good agreement with the theoretical analysis.