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Description & Prices of Magnet Assemblies for Tracer Retrieval

Magnet Assemblies for Tracer Retrieval

Partition Enterprises, in a 2001 research project, pioneered the production and use of lightweight magnets for tracer retrieval from process streams in Australian coal preparation plants. The magnets allow density tracer tests to be conducted by one person in as little as one hour (longer if there are many tracers to be sorted and counted) using a range of tracer sizes down to 2mm or less with feed on, for a realistic “full load” partition curve without the need for costly loss of production.

One magnet supplier has designed magnets for this application, but some resulting installations were not satisfactory. Consequently, from 2008, Partition Enterprises manufactures and markets safe, lightweight, permanent magnets for this application for tracer retrieval.

They weigh approximately 18 kg per metre and are typically lifted into DMS drain-and-rinse screen launders, supported from the launder side walls, just out of the process stream. Tracers are added to the discharge from a feed preparation screen, and the user has about 1 minute to slide the magnets forward to intercept the streams falling from the drain-and-rinse screen lips, before the first tracers come through. The magnets are oriented to allow ore to bounce and slide off, but to capture the tracers. After about 5 minutes, the magnets are pulled back out of the process stream, ore is gently hosed off, and the tracers are picked off for sorting and counting. A set of magnets for one circuit in a plant can, in most cases, be easily moved to test other similar circuits.

Being lightweight, the magnets should not be subjected to the wear of an impacting process stream for extended periods. Further, extended periods in the process stream before a test can hinder tracer capture by allowing buildup of tramp iron, ferromagnetic ore or fine particles. An assembly can be composed from standard modules which are available in lengths of 305mm, 610mm, 915mm and 1000mm.

The length of a magnet assembly should slightly exceed the width of the screen with which it is to be used. For a 3 foot screen we would suggest a 1000mm magnet module.

The support brackets are very simple and will be suitable for many screen/launder combinations. In some plant layouts, or for very long assemblies, the client may need to design an alternative magnet support system. We can provide dimensioned drawings of the magnet modules and support brackets.

PEPL Magnet Assembly

Magnet Assembly Information

CAUTION: Strong Magnets
These units contain small permanent magnets and their magnetic field is very localised.
It is recommended that:

• The removable “keeper” plates be fitted when the magnets are not in use
• Credit cards and electronic devices should be kept at least 20cm away
• People with heart pacemakers should not approach within 1 metre

MAGNET GUARANTEE:
These units are guaranteed for 6 months against faults in materials or workmanship. The guarantee is void if they are modified in any way or exposed to severe impact or temperatures exceeding 80 degrees Celsius. They are designed to be lightweight and should not be left in abrasive process streams for more than about 5 minutes per test. They are not guaranteed to be suitable for any specific installation. The purchaser is urged to satisfy himself or herself that:

• they are capable of retrieving a satisfactory proportion of tracers without excessive interference by ferromagnetic ore particles or by tramp ferrous items in the process stream.
• the dimensions of the Magnet Assemblies and the Support Brackets are suitable for use in the particular installation.

If the Type 1 Support Brackets are unnecessarily long they may be shortened, without affecting the guarantee, by cutting an appropriate length off the lower end. If you consider the standard Support Brackets unsuitable for your installation, you may omit them from your order, and make other provisions for support of the magnet assemblies. Consideration should be given to fitting a safety wire in case an assembly is dropped, for example, into a launder.

Prices are in AUD (Australian Dollars)

Size	Description	Price
1000mm	1 metre lightweight Magnet	$5,000.00
915mm	915mm lightweight Magnet	$4,700.00
610mm	610mm lightweight Magnet	$3,600.00
305mm	305mm lightweight Magnet	$2,500.00
	Support Brackets (for one assembly)	$550.00

Prices shown are ex-works, unpacked