Self-Cleaning Magnetic Separator (SGA)
Self-cleaning magnetic separator: removes metal contaminants in the food processing, chemical, plastics and other industries.

In brief
- The self-cleaning magnetic separator (SGA) retains ferromagnetic particles on a grate of magnetic bars through which the bulk materials flow.
- It is used in food processing, plastics, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and ceramics.
- A self-cleaning mechanism discharges the particles; of the 3 rows of bars, only one is cleaned at a time to ensure continuous filtration.
- Fields of application
- Operating principles
- Operating recommendations
- General characteristics
- Case studies
Fields of application


Self-cleaning magnetic separators are used in various industries, including:
- Food processing: to remove metal contaminants from bulk products such as cereals, sugar or flour.
- Plastics: to purify plastic granules before processing.
- Chemicals: to remove ferrous particles from chemical powders and granules.
- Pharmaceuticals: to ensure the purity of drug ingredients.
- Ceramics: to remove ferrous impurities from raw materials.
Operating principles
Operating principle of the Lenoir-Mec self-cleaning magnetic separator:
- The bulk materials pass through a grate made up of powerful magnetic bars.
- Ferromagnetic particles are attracted and retained by the magnetic bars.
- Non-magnetic materials continue through the grate.
- A self-cleaning mechanism is activated periodically.
- This mechanism discharges the collected ferromagnetic particles into a collection bin or a chute.
- The bars are then automatically reinserted into the flow to carry out the separation.
- Of the 3 rows of bars, only one row is cleaned at a time to ensure continuous filtration
Operating recommendations
To optimise the efficiency of a self-cleaning magnetic separator, we recommend the following:
- Cleaning frequency: Adjust the frequency of the automatic cleaning cycle according to the quantity of metal contaminants in your materials.
- Material throughput: Adjust and spread the material flow to ensure optimal contact with the magnetic bars without overloading the system.
- Preventive maintenance: Regularly inspect the magnetic bars and the cleaning mechanism for any signs of saturation or wear.
- Temperature control: Monitor the operating temperature, as excessive temperatures can irreversibly degrade magnetic performance.
- Staff training: Make sure that operators fully understand how the system works and the associated safety procedures.
General characteristics
The self-cleaning magnetic separator has several distinctive characteristics:
- High efficiency: Effectively removes ferromagnetic particles, even very small ones (>60µm)
- Self-cleaning: Eliminates downtime and manual intervention.
- Continuous operation: Allows uninterrupted processing of materials, thereby increasing productivity.
- Adaptability: Available in different sizes and configurations to suit various industrial processes.
- Fault prediction: incorporates advanced features to facilitate fault diagnosis before failures occur.
- Improved safety: incorporates features to minimise handling.
Advantages
- Proven magnetic performance
- Self-cleaning
- Improved accessibility for quick maintenance
Services
- Industrial commissioning assistance
- Spare parts stock
- Fast after-sales service response
- Installed base monitoring and periodic performance checks
Frequently asked questions
In which industries is the SGA self-cleaning separator used?
It is used in food processing (cereals, sugar, flour), plastics processing (granules), chemicals (powders and granules), pharmaceuticals and ceramics. It removes ferrous particles from bulk products.
How does the SGA self-cleaning system work?
The materials pass through a grate of magnetic bars that retain the ferromagnetic particles. Periodically, a mechanism discharges these particles into a collection bin or a chute, then reinserts the bars into the flow.
Does the SGA operate continuously during cleaning?
Yes, of the 3 rows of bars, only one row is cleaned at a time to ensure continuous filtration. Self-cleaning eliminates downtime and manual intervention.
What particle size can the SGA remove?
It effectively removes ferromagnetic particles, even very small ones (larger than 60 µm). It is available in different sizes and configurations to suit industrial processes.
How can the use and maintenance of the SGA be optimised?
Adjust the cleaning cycle frequency according to the quantity of contaminants and set the throughput to avoid overloading. Regular inspection of the bars and the cleaning mechanism is recommended, as well as monitoring of the operating temperature.
Technical data
| Model | Product passage (mm) | Weight (kg) | Length L (mm) | Width I (mm) | Volume flow (m³/h)* | Mass flow (t/h)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SGA 250 | 250x250 | 75 | 857 | 471 | 35 | 30 |
| SGA 300 | 300x300 | 87 | 943 | 520 | 50 | 40 |
| SGA 350 | 350x350 | 109 | 1043 | 570 | 70 | 50 |
| SGA 400 | 400x400 | 120 | 1143 | 620 | 90 | 70 |
| SGA 450 | 450x450 | 141 | 1243 | 670 | 110 | 90 |
| SGA 500 | 500x500 | 162 | 1343 | 720 | 135 | 110 |
| SGA 550 | 550x550 | 182 | 1443 | 770 | 149 | 120 |
| SGA 600 | 600x600 | 202 | 1543 | 820 | 163 | 130 |
| SGA 700 | 700x700 | 242 | 1743 | 920 | 190 | 150 |
Advantages
- Proven magnetic performance
- Self-cleaning
- Improved accessibility for quick maintenance
To size your machine, have ready:
- The material handled (type, particle size, moisture, temperature)
- The throughput (t/h or m³/h) and bulk density
- The conveying: belt width or chute section, speed, burden depth
- The contaminants to remove (size and shape of ferrous or non-ferrous parts)
- Site constraints: available space, ATEX zone, hygiene standards
A photo of the installation or a drawing is enough to start: attach it to your request. Unsure about a technical term? Magnetism glossary →
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