Magnetic Length Sorting (MLS)

Sorting by length with the help of magnetism: it's possible!

When it comes to sorting by length, magnetism offers a reliable solution.
The maximum length of the product is the determining factor, regardless of shape, purity, or magnetic force.
Our approach relies on permanent magnetism: highly consistent, energy-efficient, and easily scalable.



Technique

Our sorting technique operates through a combination of conveyor belts and magnetism, providing a stable and energy-efficient process. Utilizing permanent magnets ensures simplicity and minimal energy consumption.

Here's how it works:

  1. Product Placement: The product is placed onto a conveyor belt.
  2. Transportation: The conveyor belt transports the product to the magnet zone.
  3. Magnetic Separation: When the product reaches the magnet zone, magnetizable materials (such as iron, steel, nickel, or cobalt) are attracted and placed upright.
  4. Sorting Process: Upon contact with the upper belt, the upright metal is discharged upwards. If there's no contact with the upper belt, the material continues along the conveyor.

Other features / possibilities:

  • Adjustable Separation: The distance between the two belts determines the length at which separation occurs. This distance is infinitely adjustable.
  • Scalability: Our patented technique accommodates parts ranging from 5 mm to 180 mm (and potentially larger) and is fully scalable.
  • Inline Integration: Designed for seamless integration with existing machines, facilitating a continuous process. Standalone operation is also an option.
  • Versatile Design: Simple, robust, and adjustable in length, width, and magnetic force, ensuring adaptability to various production needs.

 

Background

The initial inspiration behind this technique stemmed from the need to sort high-quality steel wires extracted from car tires by length. Efficient sorting on a large scale, classification, was essential to utilize these fibers effectively as reinforcement in concrete. Presently, no other method offers such precise and cost-effective processing capabilities for this purpose.

Applications

With minor adjustments, the technology has proven to be able to serve other markes, for example:

  • Sorting Steel Wire from Car Tires by Length (as described above).
  • Extracting Batteries (such as AA and AAA) from a flow of goods using MLS technology to prevent environmental contamination or melting. The precondition is that these batteries are sufficiently magnetic.
  • Classifying shredded material: MLS technique can extract long iron from shredded material, reducing energy consumption, machine wear, and improving shredded material quality.
  • Replacement of manual sorting.
  • Quality control for production processes.
  • Customized solutions: adaptation of MLS technology to suit specific processes and requirements.

Curious about how MLS technology can benefit your process? Contact us for more information and explore the possibilities tailored to your needs.