Metso to provide preselection low-intensity magnetic separator testing for the first time in Australia

Metso is now offering preselection testing to help plant designers to confidently choose the most efficient low-intensity magnetic separator (LIMS) solution for their plant. Under the new service, a trial unit is installed and run for up to four weeks. The test data from the trial is then extrapolated to accurately show the overall performance and energy efficiency that can be achieved in the plant by using a Metso high-efficiency LIMS.

Magnetic separators, which are designed to recover ferromagnetic materials from process slurries, can represent a significant investment - particularly in large concentrator operations. “While users of our magnetic separators have reported higher than expected recoveries for specific feed tonnages, we want to demonstrate to prospective customers what they can expect when a Metso system is installed,” says Charles Abela, Metso’s Regional Product Manager - Process Equipment.

“We’ve got many examples where our customers have been able to replace existing old units with far fewer Metso machines while improving both recovery and grade. This creates a smaller footprint, adds flexibility to the plant and, of course, gives significant energy and cost savings.”

Metso is now offering preselection testing for its wet low-intensity magnetic separators to demonstrate the overall plant performance and energy efficiencies that can be expected.

Metso’s WS1200 range of LIMS solutions feature a drum diameter of 1200 mm and lengths ranging from 600 mm to 3.6 m. Two different magnetic system designs and four tank styles allow the processing of a broad range of magnetic ores and particle sizes.

The efficiency of Metso separators can be attributed to a number of unique features. Units have a large number of feed tubes - up to 10 depending on the selected size - that ensure even distribution of the feed across the drum. This reduces the risk of sedimentation in the tank and provides superior efficiency as each iron particle has a better chance of being attracted by the magnet and not crowded out by other particles. The units can work at high slurry densities, which improves drum capacity while the large number of feed tubes provide a more open flow area from the feed box to the drum, which means the machines can handle higher flow rates.

The standard, high-capacity magnetic system assembly has six main poles and four intermediate poles to deliver efficient cleaning of trapped silica and other non-magnetic particles. In addition, the magnet assembly has a wide arc to provide a long recovery and washing zone to attract more material over the same diameter.

An adjustable concentrate discharge lip on the overflow weir, which can be set to optimise discharge conditions, further enhances metallurgical performance.

Metso has been involved in magnetic separation processes for more than one hundred years and is a global leader in developing high-capacity, high-performance LIMS solutions. More than 5000 Metso magnetic drums for both wet and dry processing have been installed in plants around the world.