Model CDA Wet Drum Separators are powered by permanent ceramic and rare earth magnets. The strength and depth of the magnetic field is controlled by the design of the poles and pole pieces, the size and number of the magnets, and the arc covered by the magnet assembly.
OPERATING FEATURES OF WET DRUM MAGNETIC SEPARATORS
The variables affecting the collection of ferromagnetics in a wet drum magnetic separator are: 1. Magnetic field strength. The magnetic field strength must be sufficient to effectively collect ferromagnetic minerals.
2. Hydraulic capacity. Ferromagnetic recovery is directly related to the flowrate through the separator. As the flowrate increases, the slurry velocity and consequently the fluid drag force increases which tends to detach more magnetite particles from the opposing magnetic field.
3. Percent solids. The percent solids of the feed directly affects the selectivity of the separation. As the percent solids increases, the slurry becomes more viscous minimizing the effects of the fluid drag to assist in the separation of the silica.
4. Ferromagnetic content. Any given wet drum magnetic separator has the characteristic of removing a limited amount of ferromagnetics based on the diameter of the drum, peripheral speed, and the magnetic field strength. This is referred to as the “magnetic loading”. Exceeding the limits of this magnetic loading will result in increased magnetite losses.
There are two distinct applications for wet drum magnetic separators. One application is the recovery of magnetite or ferrosilicon in a heavy media process. The other is the concentration and recovery of magnetite from iron ore.