Eddy current separator

An eddy current separator is a sorting machine used in waste recycling. This device separates non-ferrous metal packaging (e.g. aluminium, zinc, copper) from other packaging materials, including ferromagnetic packaging.

Principle of the eddy current separator

The eddy current theory, which holds that if a conductive mass is exposed to a variable magnetic field, a magnetic field will appear within this mass, is applied to magnetically separate non-ferromagnetic metallic elements.

This is how the separator generates a magnetic field within the non-ferrous metals. The field functions as a repellent, using an opposite magnetic field at the end of the waste conveyor belt. While ordinary waste falls onto a second conveyor belt through basic gravity, aluminium and other non-ferromagnetic metals are lifted and projected forwards towards a third belt.

Thus, the incoming flow of mixed waste is separated into two flows, one of which is of non-ferrous metals.