Application of Drum Magnetic Separator in Mineral Processing

The drum magnetic separator is a fundamental device in mineral processing, primarily employed during the roughing and cleaning stages of separation. It is specifically designed to recover or purify ferromagnetic minerals, such as magnetite and pyrrhotite, and can also effectively treat strongly paramagnetic minerals like ilmenite and hematite under higher-intensity configurations. This makes it indispensable for processing iron ores, beach sands (for titanium minerals), and in various industrial material purification flows.

It is a cornerstone equipment in iron ore beneficiation plants, commonly featured in magnetic separation circuits following crushing and grinding. Furthermore, it finds extensive application in heavy mineral sands processing lines for ilmenite recovery, and in slag recycling or waste processing plants to remove ferrous contaminants.

The working principle is based on magnetic attraction. A rotating non-magnetic drum houses a stationary magnetic system. As the feed slurry or material flows over the drum, magnetic particles are attracted and pinned to its surface, carrying them past the separation point before being discharged. Non-magnetic particles simply fall or flow away due to gravity and hydrodynamic forces.

Its key advantages and characteristics include:

• High Efficiency & Simplicity: Offers reliable, continuous separation with a straightforward operational logic.

• Low Operating Cost: Utilizing permanent magnets eliminates ongoing excitation power consumption.

• Robustness & Low Maintenance: Features a simple mechanical structure with minimal moving parts, ensuring stable operation.

• Versatility: Available in various magnetic strengths (from low to high intensity) and tank designs (concurrent, counter-rotating, counter-current) to suit different feed materials and separation duties.