Goudsmit Magnetics’ high gradient magnetic separator

Goudsmit Magnetics received a request from a  chocolate garnish producer. Chocolate chips and granules can possibly contain tiny pieces of metal less than <1 mm in diameter, and Goudsmit Magnetics can help detect and remove such fragments.

Metal fragments are a common problem in chocolate and food production. Goudsmit Magnetics were asked if they could filter the pieces containing metal out of the product flow, without loss of product.

High gradient magnetic separator

To achieve this, the company developed a high gradient separator with a strong magnetic conveyor roller, specifically for the food industry. This system achieves exceptionally high separation efficiency, not just for iron particles, but also for weakly magnetic stainless steel particles, such as AISI 304 and AISI 316.

The high gradient separator is more effective than a free-fall magnetic separator, because with the latter you have to slow down the metal particle before you can capture it. In addition to chocolate, the magnetic separator is also suitable for other dry, granular products, such as herbs and spices.

The process itself is simple: A vibrating chute feeds the chocolate flakes and pellets onto the conveyor belt and distributes the products in a single layer over the belt. The conveyor belt turns around the magnetic roller that captures and carries away the metal-containing product. The clean product falls directly into the packaging machine.

Hygiene is of the utmost importance to the food industry. This is something Goudsmit Magnetics considered carefully while designing the HG separator. A quick release system makes removal and replacement of the conveyor belt quick and easy. The special open construction and covers that easily swing out of the way make the system easy to clean.