Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1325722
January 2021 / 55 This real-time monitoring also allows operators to tend to a problem as soon as they're made aware of it. Monitoring a material's cleanliness from the time the material enters the plant until the time it leaves and meticulous record keeping of this monitoring are vital to a successful operation. This continual data logging is imperative for both auditing and corrective actions should contaminants happen to be found in your mate- rial at any point but especially after your end product has left the plant. Additional support Magnetic separation and metal detection equipment manufacturers can help bulk solids processors with their toughest metal contamination challenges. A number of manufacturers are on the frontline when serious metal fines problems appear. Many times, as part of the magnetic separation system purchase, customers not only receive high-performance mag- netic separators and metal detectors, they also have access to food safety training. Training takes a num- ber of forms, including in-plant training, webinars, and mobile training units. Many manufacturers also provide tutorial videos, case studies, equipment liter- ature, installation and operation manuals, and startup installation support. Leading manufacturers work with customers to understand their goals. These companies will likely ask questions such as what the particular application is, what size metal needs to be removed, and if the process has a grinder or mill. For larger tramp iron pieces, a large ceramic magnet might work fine to separate the pieces from the material stream. In other cases, depend- ing on the contaminants, a different solution, such as electromagnets or alnico magnets, may be in order. Please note that magnet positioning is also import- ant and something that manufacturers will want you to consider. For example, a rare earth magnet should be placed ahead of the mill. But on the other side of the mill, near the grinder, another rare earth magnet should be installed to remove the fine particles that may have escaped the first magnet. Magnetic separator manufacturers must ask the right questions to make sure customers get what they need for their application. Customers can sometimes lack understanding or have serious misconceptions about metal removal and detection, which is why training is so important. Conclusion There are many reasons why new high-powered rare earth magnetic separators, metal detectors, and smart manufacturing techniques have raised the bar for ensuring the cleanliness of the material and equipment protection. Each day, diligent companies avoid recalls and damaged reputations by making product purity a priority. Management must look at the best performing technology for their application to be certain they're achieving the highest product purity possible. Proper support and training enhances value beyond the price of the purchased magnetic sepa- ration and detection equipment for years to come. Investing in metal detection equipment can reduce the chance for tramp metal contamination and improve the material's cleanliness. Educating employees and following these recommendations will help proces- sors avoid material recalls, damaged equipment, and lost productivity. PBE References 1. To download the full Penn State performance report, visit https://www.eriez.com//RE7PennStatePerformance.pdf. For further reading Find more information on this topic in articles listed under "Metal detection/separation" in the article archive on PBE's website, www.powderbulk.com. Eric J. Confer (eriez@eriez.com, 814-835-6000) is the light industry market manager for Eriez. He's respon- sible for growing the company's product lines sold to the food, pharmaceutical, chemical, plastics, wood, glass, rubber, tobacco, cannabis, and textile markets. He earned his bachelor's degree in international business and marketing from Penn State University and an MBA from the University of Liverpool. Eriez Erie, PA 814-835-6000 www.eriez.com