The BOR copper mine BOR in eastern Serbia, one of the largest copper mines in Europe, has installed an Eriez Metalarm 3600 Hawk Metal Detector to protect their crushers from tramp metal. The MA3600 is the latest addition to the successful Metalarm Metal Detector Range. According to Eriez, “Its high detection sensitivity ensures that even the smallest problematic tramp metal can be detected; thus providing better protection for conveyors, crushers and other equipment along a process line.” The sensitive detectors are easily fitted to any belt conveyor and visual and audible alarms can be included if required.

For this particular application, Eriez recommended the MA3600 Hawk instead of a balanced coil due to sensitivity requirements and for decreased product effect. The Hawk picks up less signal from the conductive properties in the product, in this case the copper in the copper ore, leading to a decreased number of false trips on the metal detector. BOR installed the Eriez Hawk into their process line conveying copper ore travelling at 1.7 m/s with a burden depth of approximately 500 mm. The material passes through the MA3600 Hawk to detect 60 mm plus pieces of ferrous and non ferrous metals and stainless steel. The detected metal can then be removed from the conveyor minimising any damage to equipment. Eriez said that it worked closely with BOR via their representative in Serbia, Europeocess to solve their problem of metal contamination in their process line. They were very pleased with the installation and commented, “Eriez provided a great service and their Metal Detector has detected large pieces of metal that would have destroyed our crusher if it hadn’t been removed.” Since their first purchase, BOR has ordered a further four more MA3600 Hawk Metal Detectors.