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[February 2006]
Eriez Magnetics Aims to be Main Attraction
For the total removal of everything from tramp iron in aggregate to micron-size paramagnetic particles, the Eriez Magnetics Europe stand (115, Hall B6) at Ceramitec (16-19 May, Munich) will feature the full range of high powered, high specification magnetic separation systems covering each part of the ceramic manufacturing process – across all sectors.The models being showcased in Munich, where the company has a 42 sq.m. corner site close to the main East Entrance, have been developed by the innovative engineering team in South Wales, UK and rigorously tested there in the recently upgraded laboratory facility, believed by Eriez to be the best in Europe.
Headlining will be the High Intensity (HI) Magnetic Filter, Model HI 25-50. The HI Filter is one of the most widely used and efficient wet separation systems available, says Eriez. Following its demonstration at Tecnargilla 2004 and Seramiktek 2005 it has been trialled by prospective customers in both Italian and Turkish markets with singular success.
The first order from a major tile manufacturer in Italy has already been secured and many more are expected to follow imminently, reports the company. With the pressure on leading tile manufacturers to find ways of lowering their manufacturing costs and with the current trend of producing tiles with a thinner layer of glaze or without any glaze whatsoever, manufacturers are trying to reduce consumption of expensive zircon. However, this means that the body of the tile needs to be iron free. Also, there is a need to increase the brightness of the body. Weakly magnetic, iron-bearing minerals, such as those naturally found in the ball clay, feldspar and other non-metallic minerals, must be removed. These developments underline the market necessity for HI Filters.
The HI Filter is completely automated with flushing of the magnetics out of the matrix conducted on a timed cycle and without interruption to the flow of the feed material, a vital feature when processing ceramic glaze or body/barbotine. One major problem in ceramic plants world-wide is the manual cleaning of RE Tubes. Automated cleaning means that the magnetic separator’s performance is maximised at all times. RE Tubes are still used in the process but their role is as a "last chance" separator at the end of the line.
Making its very first appearance in the line-up at Ceramitec will be the XtremeTM Rare Earth (RE) Tube Magnet circuit. Not only does this model have a staggering 40% more pulling strength than standard RE tube magnets on the market today, but, adds Eriez, users are likely to find it up to 300% stronger than older magnets currently struggling to keep the process flow clear of metal contamination. Watch out for the champion of this system – Captain Xtreme – who will be ‘flying in’ specially to show just how Eriez deals with enemies lurking in unseen places. Eriez believes it has added a new Superhero to the League!
The more established stars of the show also require a mention. Over the years, as Eriez has consolidated its reputation in the ceramic industry, extended its references and acquired important specialist manufacturers as customers, products have been developed to suit every type and size of operation. This will be reflected by the other exhibits planned for Ceramitec.
Take, for example, Rare Earth (RE) Magnetic Rolls. Visitors will be able to witness from the operation of a 75mm diameter lab-scale unit the dynamics of the Magnetic Roll Separation System. RE Rolls are high intensity, high gradient separators used for significantly reducing fine, weakly magnetic iron impurities in raw material minerals, such as feldspar. Unlike some of the competition, Eriez offer a full choice of diameters and feed widths to cater for different throughputs and also the improved, cantilever style quick-change belt facility.
Also in the supporting cast will be the Eriez B Trap and Glaze Trap, used for the purification of ceramic slurries, with the latter product typically applied during the final glazing process prior to spray drying. Rounding off this year’s display will be plate magnets, a spring balance and the METALARM 3500 metal detector.
ENDS