Master Magnets has manufactured and despatched a Disc Magnetic Separator to Nigeria for use in the processing of coltan.

The magnetic separator is used in a process to extract primarily tantalum from coltan, which is a combination of columbite and tantalite.

For this new project, tests were undertaken in the Master Magnet test facility in Redditch, England. The tests confirmed the level of separation, capacity and the magnetic separator configuration.

Once completed, the samples were returned to the client in Nigeria for analysis. On receiving confirmation the separation matched their processing requirements, an order was placed.

The origins of the Disc Magnetic Separator date back to the early 1900s. Although manufacturing techniques have significantly changed and more advanced machines have been incorporated, the basic function design remains virtually the same. The separator is widely used to ensure an accurate separation of dry minerals that have varied magnetic susceptibilities.

Typically, a Disc Magnetic Separator features up to three high-intensity electromagnetic discs, each set at a different height from a feed conveyor:

•  Disc one – this will be set the furthest from the feed material. The objective is to extract only the most magnetically susceptible particles;
• Discs two and three – the second and third discs are set at lower gaps. This increases the magnetic force at each disc and enables the separation of different grades of magnetic material.

The magnetic intensity can be further adjusted by varying the current of each coil. This allows each disc separator to be designed and set-up for an individual mineral ore.

For this latest project, the test work recommended a model MDS3-375 Disc Magnetic Separator. This featured three high-intensity electromagnetic discs, (with six electromagnetic coils) each set at a different height from a 380 mm wide feed conveyor.

The tests had determined the MDS3-375 Disc Magnetic Separator could process between 500 kg/h and 600 kg/h.

Master Magnets says it is one of the world’s leading designers and manufacturers of magnetic separators for the mineral processing sector. The company’s manufacturing and test facilities are based in Redditch, UK.

Over several decades, it has developed an extensive portfolio of high intensity magnetic separator for purifying and concentrating minerals. Laboratory-sized versions of many of the designs are found in their Technical Test Facility.