Design of a low cost magnetic separator for local beach sand separation

Abstract

Study had been carried out to identify beach sand minerals available locally. Principles, cost, and design feasibilities of industrially used magnetic separators were reviewed. As the best suit for requirements permanent drum magnetic separator was chosen. Software aided separator design was prepared based on reversed engineering concept, in the purpose of building fully functional prototype. Material selection was carried out. According to basic CAD drawing, prototype was built with necessary design adjustments. Magnetic drum is 20 cm (0) x 40 cm, which yields a magnetic force field nearly 0.1 T. Prototype proven to separate ferromagnetic minerals in beach sand. Flow rate is nearly 15 kg/hour. Recovery of magnetite in silica-magnetite mixture is about 50-60% in single batch process. Using drum direction of rotation opposite to flow direction, highly magnetic susceptible material was removed with a higher recovery.