Maintenance and inspection of a magnetic separator (gauss audit)

In brief

• Magnetic separator maintenance covers three areas: removal of the captured metals, mechanical inspection (belt, motor, rollers) and verification of magnet strength in gauss.
• The gauss is the unit of surface magnetic flux density (1 tesla = 10 000 gauss); it is used to verify the effectiveness of magnetic bars or plates.
• Lenoir-MEC offers an annual preventive maintenance contract or an on-demand audit, with an assessment report and recommendations, on magnetic equipment of all brands.

Why inspect a magnetic separator

A magnetic separator protects downstream machinery and product quality. Regular inspections prevent unplanned shutdowns, extend equipment service life and reduce the risk of accidents. Regular gauss checks are essential to ensure that installations comply with audit standards.

Magnetic strength inspection (gauss audit)

The gauss measures the surface “strength” of a magnet. The values stated in our data sheets serve as a reference, for example:

• Magnetic filter FM: neodymium bars up to 12 000 gauss.
• Grate magnet SGCM: N55 neodymium bars (Br = 9 000 gauss).
• High-intensity separator SLT: neodymium up to 6 500 gauss.
• Plate magnet separator SPM: ferrite or neodymium up to 6 000 gauss.

During an audit and inspection of magnetic separators, our teams assess the condition of your equipment and provide you with a report including a diagnosis, maintenance recommendations and the corrective actions to consider.

The maintenance plan

1. Remove the captured metals: on a manual cleaning grate magnet or filter, remove the ferromagnetic particles retained on the bars during production stops; on an electromagnetic overband magnet, periodically remove metal build-up.
2. Inspect the mechanical parts: regularly check the belt, motor and rollers of overband magnets; maintain the rotor and drive system of eddy current separators.
3. Inspect self-cleaning units too: periodic inspection is still recommended on a permanent magnet overband to maintain long-term performance.
4. Test the metal detectors: carry out daily sensitivity tests and adjust the sensitivity if necessary.
5. Check the electrical cabinet: visual check of the display, cleanliness of the ventilation grilles, emergency stop test, retightening of connections, verification of drive (VFD) parameters.
6. Have the magnetic strength measured: periodic gauss audit, under an annual contract or on demand.

Annual contract or on-demand audit

• Annual preventive maintenance contract: scheduled periodic inspection visits, preferential prices on spare parts, assessment report at each visit.
• On-demand audit: a complete inspection on the date of your choice, with a detailed report.
• Repair: our after-sales service repairs equipment of all brands in our workshop in Cosnes-et-Romain, whether permanent magnets or electromagnets with copper or aluminium coils, and also works on site.

See also: removing metals from a material flow, choosing an overband magnet, eddy current separator. Sectors: food processing, recycling, mining and quarrying.

Frequently asked questions

What is a gauss audit?

It is the measurement of the surface magnetic flux density of magnetic bars or plates, expressed in gauss, to verify their effectiveness. Lenoir-MEC carries it out during its audits and inspections of magnetic separators.

What is the difference between gauss and tesla?

Both are units of magnetic flux density: 1 tesla = 10 000 gauss. The tesla is better suited to describing very strong fields.

Does Lenoir-MEC inspect separators from other brands?

Yes: audits and repairs cover magnetic equipment of all brands, whether eddy current separators, permanent magnets or magnetic filters.

Schedule an inspection

Annual contract or one-off inspection: tell us about your equipment and your site, and we will organise the audit. Contact us