WO2006111636A1

WO2006111636A1 - Magnetic separator of non-ferrous metal elements and selective sorting installation comprising such separators

Info

Publication number: WO2006111636A1
Application number: PCT/FR2006/000807
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eric Chappard
Original assignee: Magpro
Priority date: 2005-04-21
Filing date: 2006-04-12
Publication date: 2006-10-26
Also published as: EP1879700A1; DE602006012959D1; ES2342616T3; FR2884735B1; FR2884735A1; EP1879700B1; ATE460991T1

Abstract

The invention concerns a magnetic separator (10) of non-ferrous metal conductive elements comprising a first field winding (18) integral with a vertically arranged axis of rotation (20). The rotation of the first field winding (18) in a substantially horizontal plane generates variation of a magnetic field created by the magnets of the first field winding (18). The magnetic separator (10) comprises a dielectric material sorting tray (26) extending parallel to the first field winding (18). The variation of the magnetic field generates the creation of induced currents in the elements passing on the sorting tray (26) and the gliding of the elements on the sorting tray (26) according to trajectories dependent on the interaction of the conductive elements with the induced currents circulating through them. Such a magnetic separator (10) can in particular be used in a selective sorting installation comprising a plurality of magnetic separators (10) arranged in rows and/or columns.

Description

Magnetic separator of non-ferrous metal conductive elements and selective sorting plant comprising such separators

Technical field of the invention

The invention relates to a magnetic separator for sorting non-ferrous metal conductive elements comprising:

at least one first inductor, shaped as a disk provided with a plurality of magnetic elements distributed on its periphery and intended to generate a magnetic field, and comprising a vertical axis of rotation,

means for rotating the first inductor in a horizontal plane, generating a variation of the magnetic field in the gap in the vicinity of the first inductor,

a sorting plate of dielectric material, extending parallel to the first inductor and comprising guiding and evacuation means corresponding to the trajectories of the elements to be sorted, the variation of the magnetic field in the air gap generating currents induced in the elements; conductors and causing their sliding on the sorting tray, according to trajectories dependent on their interaction with said induced currents.

The invention also relates to a selective sorting installation comprising such magnetic separators.

State of the art

An eddy current type magnetic separator is conventionally used in all known sorting installations, to separate the non-ferrous conductive metal products of inert products such as cardboard, plastic, ceramic. Such a magnetic separator can also be used to sort products with low and high electrical conductivity.

In Figure 1, a magnetic separator 10, the eddy current type, typically comprises a feed belt 11, which are routed products 12 to sort. The belt 11 is stretched over at least two cylinders, an inlet cylinder (not shown) and an output cylinder 13, equipped with a pole wheel 14, acting as a field inductor generating a magnetic field. The pole wheel 14 is provided with a succession of permanent magnets 15 on its periphery and rotates at high speed inside the non-metallic cylinder 13, for example clockwise along the arrow R1. The magnets 15 are arranged successively with alternating polarity. This results in variations of the magnetic field above the belt 11, in the vicinity of the output cylinder 13.

During the passage of the products 12 on the belt 11, above the outlet cylinder 13, the products 12 are subject to variations in the magnetic field, which causes the products 12 to repel under the effect of induced eddy currents, when they are non-ferrous metals. This difference in behavior between the different kinds of products 12 is used to separate the inert, nonmetallic metals which fall naturally at the exit of the carpet 11, non-ferrous metals which, because of the repulsion, are projected well into the beyond the exit of the carpet 11.

As shown in FIG. 1, the inert products 12 fall between the arrows F1 and F2 at the exit of the belt 11, the weakly conductive products 12 are projected, according to the arrow F3, in a more distant zone and the products 12 strongly. conductors are projected beyond a deflector 16, according to the arrow F4. The sorting of the products 12 is thus carried out according to a principle of projection of the products 12, according to their distinct trajectories. depending on the intrinsic characteristics of the products 12 and their interaction with the induced currents flowing through them.

EP-A-0579966 describes an example of a magnetic separator for sorting non-ferrous conductive metal products in a flow of any products, according to the general principle of sorting described above. The magnetic separator comprises two parallel pole wheels mounted on a same axis of rotation inside an output cylinder, causing the conveyance of a conveyor belt on which the products to be sorted circulate. As described above, the products are projected forward out of the carpet, under the effect of the repulsion due to the magnetic field created between the pole wheels. The trajectories of the products are different according to the intrinsic characteristics of the products and their level of electrical conductivity.

However, such a magnetic separator 10 is effective only if a certain speed is given to the products to be sorted. The exact determination of the product projection trajectories is difficult because the resulting force of the eddy currents, which will initiate a change of trajectory, varies according to the electrical conductivity of the material, its size, its shape, its density and the level of magnetic induction to which it has been subjected. There is no single and precise trajectory for products of different density, shape and mass.

On the other hand, since the pole wheels 14 generally rotate at a high speed, it is necessary to use a hoop 17 (FIG. 1) to fix the magnets 15 and to counter the centrifugal forces resulting from the rotation. The higher the speed of rotation of the pole wheels 14, the greater the mechanics against the centrifugal forces is imposing. The products to be treated are then very far from the magnetic poles and the precision mechanics of the separator 10 is in great demand. Such a magnetic separator is therefore mechanically and magnetically complex and difficult to implement and implement. The costs of producing, producing and maintaining such a magnetic separator are relatively high.

Furthermore, DE 197 37 161 discloses a magnetic separator with induced eddy currents, comprising an inductor with a vertical axis of rotation and a sorting plate parallel to the inductor. The parts to be sorted are oriented on the sorting tray according to their trajectory induced by the eddy currents. The sorting tray has patterns on its upper surface and includes a first end located towards the center of the inductor and a second end extending radially outwardly of the inductor. However, such a configuration of the separator does not allow optimal sorting and the effectiveness of such a plate, associated with the inductor, remains less.

Object of the invention

The object of the invention is to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks and to provide a magnetic separator of the eddy current type which is reliable, easy to implement and offers optimum quality and efficiency of sorting.

The invention also relates to the realization of a selective sorting installation comprising such magnetic separators and to obtain significant gains in terms of productivity and efficiency of sorting.

These objects of the invention are achieved by the appended claims. The magnetic separator according to the invention is more particularly characterized in that the sorting plate is of substantially circular shape and has an axis of rotation eccentric with respect to the axis of rotation of the first inductor, the sorting plate being rotatably mounted in the opposite direction to the direction of rotation of the first inductor.

The sorting installation according to the invention is more particularly characterized in that the magnetic separators are arranged in a plurality of rows and / or columns.

Brief description of the drawings

Other advantages and features will emerge more clearly from the following description of particular embodiments of the invention given by way of non-limiting example and represented in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 schematically shows a front view of a magnetic separator, according to the prior art. FIG. 2 represents a perspective view of a particular embodiment of a magnetic separator.

FIG. 3 is a partial top view in section of the magnetic separator according to FIG. 2.

Figures 4 and 5 show in perspective, respectively seen from above and from below, another embodiment of a magnetic separator.

FIG. 6 diagrammatically represents an alternative embodiment of a magnetic separator according to FIGS. 4 and 5.

Figure 7 schematically shows another embodiment of a magnetic separator. Figures 8 and 9 show, respectively a top view and a front view, of a particular embodiment of a magnetic separator according to the invention.

Figure 10 shows schematically a sorting installation according to the invention.

Description of particular embodiments

In FIGS. 2 and 3, the magnetic separator 10, of the eddy current type, comprises a first inductor 18 in the form of a disc provided with a plurality of magnetic elements, preferably permanent magnets 19, distributed at the periphery of its upper face (Figure 3). The first inductor 18 comprises an even number of magnets 19, arranged with alternating polarity on the periphery of the disc. The first inductor 18 is integral with a central axis of rotation 20 (FIG. 2) protruding from both sides of the disc and intended to be rotated to vary the magnetic field created by the magnets 19 of the first inductor. 18.

In FIG. 2, the axis of rotation 20 of the first inductor 18 is mounted vertically in rotation, for example, on a support frame 21, having a base 22 and an arch 23, between which the axis of rotation 20 is mounted. of the first inductor 18. An actuating motor 24 is arranged on the base 22 of the frame 21 and comprises an axis of rotation (not shown) connected to the axis of rotation 20 of the first inductor 18 via, for example, a transmission belt 25 (Figure 5). The rotational drive of the axis 20 integral with the first inductor 18, in the clockwise and / or anti-clockwise direction, thus causes the variation of the magnetic field created by the plurality of magnets 19, in the air gap above of the upper face of the first inductor 18. This results in currents induced in the elements to be sorted passing over the first inductor 18. The magnetic separator 10 comprises a sorting plate 26, preferably made of dielectric material, extending parallel to the first inductor 18 above it, in order to cover the first inductor 18 (FIG. 3). The magnets 19 are arranged on the open upper face of the first inductor 18, to be located closer to the sorting plate 26 and create a strong magnetic field at the level of the entire sorting plate 26.

The sorting plate 26 is integral with either the support frame 21 or another separate frame (not shown), to be completely independent of the rotation of the first inductor 18. The first inductor 18 and the sorting tray 26 are arranged on the support frame 21, so that the first inductor 18 and the sorting plate 26 remain parallel to the substantially horizontal plane of rotation of the first inductor 18 (Figure 3). The sorting plate 26 and the first inductor 18 are then arranged horizontally and connected to the outlet, for example, of a conveyor belt of conductive elements made of non-ferrous metal, intended to be separated from a flow of elements. inert and / or ferromagnetic.

In FIGS. 2 and 3, the sorting plate 26 has an inlet groove 27 made in the thickness of the sorting plate 26, through which the elements to be sorted arrive. The inlet groove 27 opens onto a sliding path 28, made in the thickness of the sorting plate 26 and delimiting, for example, four outlet grooves 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d, also produced in the thickness of the plate The output grooves 28a to 28d are connected, for example, to separate collection bins via conduits (not shown).

For example, the sorting tray 26 is of substantially rectangular shape. The first exit groove 28a is formed on a lateral edge of the sorting plate 26 (FIG. 3) and corresponds to the evacuation of the inert elements. The second exit groove 28b is formed on the other lateral edge, and corresponds to the evacuation of the ferromagnetic elements. The third exit groove 28c is formed on the edge of the sorting plate 26 opposite the edge of the inlet groove 27 and corresponds to the evacuation of the inert elements having been accidentally driven by the non-ferrous conductive elements. The fourth exit groove 28d is formed on the same edge as the third exit groove 28c and corresponds to the output of the non-ferrous conductive elements.

The first inductor 18 is rotated, for example clockwise along the arrow R2 (Figure 3), before the arrival of the elements to be sorted. The rotation of the magnets 19 causes the variation of the magnetic field above the inductor 18, at the level of the sorting tray 26. The elements are then subjected to the induced currents (eddy currents), when they arrive on the path of sliding 28 of the sorting tray 26. The completely inert elements, are not influenced by the induced currents that pass through them and are directed directly to the first output groove 28a, after abutting against an edge of a central stud 29a of the tray sorting 26. The elements thus recovered are then evacuated according to the arrow S1.

The other metallic elements traversed by the induced currents, possibly accompanied by a few ferromagnetic elements which have not been evacuated beforehand, are constrained to follow the path of the sliding path 28. The ferromagnetic elements are positioned at the level of the magnets 19 during their sliding on the sliding path 28 and abut with a projecting wall 29b of the sorting tray 26, defining the exit groove 28b. The ferromagnetic elements are then discharged along the arrow S2 through the exit groove 28b.

The metal elements continue to slide along the sliding path 28 and the inert elements are still accidentally in the stream of conductive elements exit through the exit groove 28c and are discharged along the arrow S3. Finally, the conductive elements, separated from all the other ferromagnetic and / or inert elements, complete their sliding on the sliding path 28 and come into contact with the opposite edge of the central stud 29a. They are then evacuated along the arrow S4 through the last exit groove 28d.

In the above example, the magnetic separator 10 applies to the separation of the non-ferrous conductive elements from the ferromagnetic or inert elements. The magnetic separator 10 can also be applied to the separation of weakly or strongly conductive elements, in particular by acting on the gap between the first inductor 18 and the sorting plate 26 or the magnetic frequency of the magnets 19. The operation of the separator The magnetic circuit 10 is identical to the operation described above and the elements having the highest electrical conductivity level are discharged through the last output groove 28d.

The operation of the magnetic separator 10 thus solicits the resultant force of the eddy currents only on sliding, thanks to the rotation of the first inductor 18 in a horizontal plane parallel to the scrolling of the elements and the sliding of the elements on the sorting plate 26. The path slip 28 corresponds substantially to the position of the magnets 19 during the rotation of the first inductor 18 (Figure 3). The trajectory of the elements on the sliding path 28 and the evacuation of the elements according to the different output grooves 28a to 28d are dependent on the interaction of the elements with said induced currents. The direct contact of the elements to be sorted with the magnetic field optimizes the sorting efficiency.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5, the magnetic separator 10 comprises a second inductor 30, arranged parallel to the sorting plate 26 and to the first inductor 18. The second inductor 30, preferably arranged under the arch 23 of the support frame 21, is integral with the axis of rotation 20 of the first inductor 18. The distance of the gap between the second inductor 30 and the sorting plate 26 is preferably identical to the distance of the gap between the sorting plate 26 and the first inductor 18. The sorting plate 26 is disposed substantially in the center of the magnetic separator 10, between the first 18 and second 30 inductors, so as to optimize the volume of passage for the elements to sort. The second inductor 30 is identical to the first inductor 18 and arranged symmetrically with respect to the sorting plate 26, so that its magnetized surface is disposed just above the sorting plate 26, facing the magnetized surface of the first inductor 18.

By way of example, the magnetic separator 10 comprises means for adjusting the gap between the first inductor 18 and the second inductor 30. The adjustment means may comprise, for example, a set of spacers positioned between the inductors 18 and 30 and the sorting plate 26. Such adjustment means make it possible to adjust and adjust the value of the magnetic field at the level of the sorting plate 26, in order to optimize the sorting of the elements, in particular in the case of elements to be sorted with high particle size or in the case of sorting by electrical conductivity level.

In the case of a magnetic separator 10 provided with two inductors 18 and 30, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the magnetic separator 10 advantageously comprises an angular offset system (not shown) for modifying and adjusting the angular position. magnets 19 of the second inductor 30 relative to the magnets 19 of the first inductor 18, in three characteristic positions.

The first position consists in having the magnets 19 facing each other in the same polarity, namely a north pole N of the first inductor 18 opposite a north pole N of the second inductor 30. The second position consists in having the magnets facing each other. 19 of opposite polarities, namely a pole south S of the first inductor 18 facing a north pole N of the second inductor 30. The third position is to arrange the magnets 19 of the first inductor 18 opposite the intervals between the magnets 19 of the second inductor 30. Such a shift system angular allows in particular to obtain different induction values and orientations of magnetic field lines, depending on the elements to be sorted and applications, for optimal sorting efficiency.

In the embodiment of Figure 6, the magnetic separator 10 is shown schematically with the sorting plate 26 between the first inductor 18 and the second inductor 30. The axis of rotation 20 of the first 18 and second 30 inductors protrudes from inductors 18 and 30 and constitutes the reference axis of the magnetic separator 10. The magnetic separator 10 comprises means for adjusting an angle X of inclination of the axis of rotation 20 relative to the vertical.

By way of example, the magnetic separator 10 comprises a pivoting system connected to the axis of rotation 20, or to the support frame 21, in order to incline the magnetic separator 10 by an angle X, for example between 0 ° and 20 °. Whatever the adjustment means employed, the magnetic separator 10 thus inclined makes it possible to adjust the flow of elements to be sorted and to optimize the sliding of the elements to be sorted on the sorting plate 26, in particular as a function of the particle size, moisture content and fluidity of the elements.

In Figure 6, the magnetic separator 10 may also include a vibrating system 31, for example of the oscillating spring type, preferably connected to another support frame 32, separate from the support frame 21 of the first 18 and second 30 inductors. The vibrating system 31 is connected only to the sorting plate 26, so that the rotation of the inductors 18 and 30 is not disturbed by the vibrations of the sorting plate 26. In particular, the vibrator 31 facilitates the sliding of the elements on the sorting plate 26 and can be used irrespective of the number of inductors and regardless of the angle of inclination of the magnetic separator 10 with respect to the vertical.

In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the magnetic separator 10 comprises a plurality of additional inductors 33, arranged in the air gap of the two inductors 18 and 30. Each additional inductor 33 is designed as a disk provided with magnets 19 distributed over the periphery of its upper and lower faces. The additional inductors 33 are all integral with the same axis of rotation 20 as the inductors 18 and 30. A sorting plate 26 (not shown in FIG. 7 for the sake of clarity) is disposed in each interval of two inductors 18, 30, 33 successive. Thus, the magnetic separator 10 comprises a sorting plate 26 between the first inductor 18 and the additional inductor 33 disposed just above, a sorting plate 26 between each additional inductor 33 and a sorting plate 26 between the second inductor 30. and the additional inductor 33 disposed just below. Moreover, a vibrating system 31 can be associated with each sorting tray 26.

Such a magnetic separator 10, with a plurality of additional inductors 33, offers a significant gain in terms of space, especially in the case where the separator 10 is installed in a confined space. Sorting trays 26 are superimposed, which means that a single magnetic separator 10 can sort different types of elements, each sorting tray 26 corresponding to each type of elements. This also results in a significant gain in terms of manufacturing cost, because only one additional inductor 33 cooperates with two sorting trays 26, thanks to its magnetized upper and lower faces. In the particular embodiment shown in Figures 8 and 9, the magnetic separator 10 according to the invention is distinguished from the previous embodiments by the shape of the sorting tray 26 and by its operation. The first inductor 18 comprises two rows of magnets 19 disposed on its periphery. The axis of rotation 20 is rotatably mounted in the support frame 21 via, for example, an actuating motor (not shown) connected directly to the axis of rotation 20 (FIG. 9). The sorting plate 26, of substantially circular shape (FIG. 8), is arranged parallel to the first inductor 18, in the zone subjected to the magnetic field variations generated by the rotation of the first inductor 18. In FIG. 8, the sliding path 28 is substantially the periphery of the sorting plate 26 and defines the central pin 29a, also of substantially circular shape (Figure 8).

In FIG. 9, the axis of rotation A1 of the sorting plate 26 is eccentric with respect to the axis of rotation 20 of the first inductor 18 (FIG. 9), so that the magnetized surface of the first inductor 18 is arranged at at any time, only facing a portion of the sliding path 28 of the sorting plate 26.

The sorting tray 26 is rotatably mounted, for example, on a horizontal surface of the support frame 21 by means of slider elements 34. The sorting tray 26 rotates along the arrow R3 (FIG. 8), in the direction inverse to the direction of rotation R2 of the first inductor 18 (FIG. 8). For example, the sorting plate 26 is driven by a second actuating motor 35, preferably adjustable speed, secured to the support frame 21 and having a toothed wheel 36 at the free end of its axis of rotation. . The toothed wheel 36 cooperates with a circular ring 37 protruding from the sorting plate 26 and constituting the base of the sorting plate 26 (FIG. 9). The operation of the sorting plate 26 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. The first inductor 18 rotates in the direction of the arrow R2, in the counterclockwise direction, and the sorting plate 26 rotates according to the arrow R3. clockwise. The elements to be sorted arrive via a supply duct 38, the end of which extends above the sliding path 28 of the sorting plate 26, in the zone of the magnets 19 of the first inductor 18 (FIGS. 8 and 9). . The supply duct 38 may be mounted vibrating, for example by means of an oscillating spring system 39 (FIG. 9), to promote the separation of the elements and the movement of the elements in the supply duct 38.

The elements to be sorted fall on the sorting plate 26 and are subject to variations in the magnetic field generated by the rotation of the first inductor 18. The non-ferrous metal conductive elements are then traversed by the eddy currents and driven in the direction of rotation. of the first inductor 18. They then slide on the sliding path 28 of the sorting plate 26, as a function of their interaction with the induced currents, in the direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the sorting plate 26. They are then ejected at the outside of the magnetic separator 10, in a first receiving zone, after having abutted against a barrier 40, serving as a means for guiding and evacuating the conductive elements. The conductive elements are then recovered in a tray disposed just below the barrier 40 and the support frame 21 of the magnetic separator 10.

The other elements made of ferromagnetic and / or inert materials, which are not influenced by the eddy currents, do not slip on the sorting plate 26 and are driven by the sorting plate 26 in the direction of rotation R3 of the sorting plate 26. The elements are then evacuated from the sorting plate 26 via, for example, a scraper 41, actuated by a compressed air device and extending over the entire width of the sliding path 28. The scraper 41 is intended for eject the elements of the sliding path 28 in a second receiving zone disposed substantially under the scraper 41 and the frame 21.

The scraper 41 may be replaced by a rotating brush 42, or may be used in combination with the rotating brush 42, disposed in the area of the sorting tray 26 unaffected by the magnetic field of the first inductor 18 (Figure 8). The brush 42 preferably has a diameter that covers the entire width of the sliding path 28 and rotates in the same direction of rotation as the sorting plate 26 (FIG. 9).

In alternative embodiments not shown, the magnetic separator 10, according to FIGS. 8 and 9, may comprise means for adjusting the air gap between the sorting plate 26 and the first inductor 18, means for tilting the first inductor 18 and the sorting tray 26 relative to the vertical and a vibration system connected to the sorting tray 26.

Moreover, a cleaning station can be provided after the scraper 41 and / or the rotary brush 42, in order to thoroughly clean the sorting tray 26 and optimize the sliding of the elements on the sliding path 28. The magnetic separator 10 according to the FIGS. 8 and 9 may also comprise a second inductor 30 and a plurality of additional inductors 33, as described in FIGS. 4 to 7, all coaxial with the first inductor 18 and offset with respect to the axis A1 of the plate or plates of sorting 26.

The magnetic separator 10 according to FIGS. 8 and 9 is particularly intended for the treatment of compact elements, namely of pasty consistency and notably comprising elements made of ferromagnetic materials. The falling of the elements on the sorting plate 26 allows the nonferrous conductive elements to be released from the compact mass of the other non-conductive elements. The particular configuration of the magnetic separator 10, with the sorting plate 26 eccentric with respect to the first inductor 18, makes it possible to to concentrate the variations of the magnetic field at the point of fall of the elements to be sorted on the sorting plate 26 (FIGS. 8 and 9), for an optimal sorting efficiency.

In Figure 10, a selective sorting installation 43 is shown schematically and partially. It comprises, for example, a plurality of magnetic separators 10 arranged in rows and a plurality of magnetic separators 10 arranged in columns. The magnetic separators 10 arranged in lines are intended in particular to increase the productivity of the installation 43 and the sorting rates of the elements, since the installation 43 makes it possible to simultaneously sort different types of elements, with a magnetic separator 10 for each type. elements. The magnetic separators 10 arranged in columns are intended in particular to carry out a refining of the sorting of the elements. For this purpose, the installation 43 may include means 44 for transport and connection between the different magnetic separators 10 arranged in columns.

By way of example, the first magnetic separator 10 of the first column of the installation 43 made it possible to sort the conductive elements of the inert or ferromagnetic elements. These elements are evacuated by the exit groove 28d and are transported by the connecting means 44 to the supply duct 38 of the second magnetic separator 10 of the first column. The latter is precisely configured in order to sort the elements according to their level of electrical conductivity. The outgoing elements through the groove 28d of the second magnetic separator 10 of the first column thus have a higher electrical conductivity level than the conductive elements of the magnetic separator 10 which precedes it, and so on all along the first column.

The magnetic separators 10 used in such a sorting installation 43 may be those shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 and may be single inductor 18, dual inductors 18 and 30 or multiple inductors 18, 30 and 33. Each line and each column of the installation 43 may comprise the same type of magnetic separator 10 or a mixture or alternation of magnetic separators 10 according to the various embodiments described above (Figures 2 to 9).

Such a magnetic separator 10 according to the different embodiments described above has the following advantages in particular. The centrifugal forces generated by the rotation of the inductors 18, 30, 33 are perpendicular to the axis of magnetization of the magnets 19. The mechanism necessary to hold the magnets 19 does not encroach on the magnetic zone used for the sliding of the elements on the plateau. sorting 26.

The sorting tray 26 can be arranged closer to the magnetic source, thanks to the air gap adjustment means, and the magnetic field lines are adjustable, thanks to the angular position adjustment means. The sorting plate 26 is independent of the inductors 18, 30, 33 and easily removable, without touching the inductors 18, 30, 33. The mechanical assembly of the magnetic separator 10 is very simple, there is no coaxial bodies to rotate at different speeds and there is no mechanical stress.

Furthermore, the particular conformation of the sorting tray 26 and the substantially horizontal orientation of the sorting tray 26 allow a separation of the elements according to a sliding principle, offering unparalleled quality of sorting. The choice of a horizontal positioning for the inductors 18, 30, 33 and the choice of a vibrating sorting plate 26 makes it possible to reduce almost almost completely the sliding resistance of the conductive elements subjected to the eddy currents. The invention is not limited to the various embodiments described above. The magnetic separator 10 can comprise any oscillating system 31 that can cause the sorting plate 26 to vibrate, for example a pneumatic or electromagnetic system, and any adjustment system for inclining the magnetic separator 10 relative to the vertical.

Moreover, the actuating motor 24 can be replaced by any other drive system for rotating the axis 20 of the inductors 18, 30, 33 and the belt 25 can be replaced by any other means for transmitting a movement. of rotation. The actuating motor 24 can be connected directly to the axis of rotation 20 of the inductors 18, 30, 33, depending on the desired applications.

Whatever the embodiment of the magnetic separator 10 and whatever its number of inductors 18, 30, 33, they may comprise several rows of magnets 19. The size of the magnets 19 and the speed of rotation of the magnets 19. inductors 18, 30, 33 are not limited. The gap between the different inductors 18, 30, 33 and the sorting trays 26 varies according to the elements to be sorted and the desired applications. The permanent magnets 19 of the inductors 18, 30, 33 may be replaced by electromagnetic coils connected to supply rings. The sorting tray 26 may include an interchangeable wear liner.

Claims

claims

Magnetic separator (10) for sorting non-ferrous metal conductive elements comprising:

at least one first inductor (18), shaped as a disk provided with a plurality of magnetic elements (19) distributed on its periphery and intended to generate a magnetic field, and comprising a vertical axis of rotation (20), means for rotating the first inductor (18) in a horizontal plane, generating a variation of the magnetic field in the gap in the vicinity of the first inductor (18),

a sorting plate (26) of dielectric material, extending parallel to the first inductor (18) and comprising guiding and evacuation means corresponding to the trajectories of the elements to be sorted, the variation of the magnetic field in the air gap generating currents induced in the conductive elements and causing them to slide on the sorting tray (26), along paths dependent on their interaction with said induced currents, magnetic separator characterized in that the sorting tray (26) is of substantially circular shape and comprises an axis of rotation (A1) eccentric with respect to the axis of rotation (20) of the first inductor (18), the sorting plate (26) being rotatably mounted in opposite directions relative to the direction of rotation of the first inductor (18).

2. Magnetic separator according to claim 1, characterized in that said means for guiding and evacuation of the sorting tray (26) comprise a feed duct (38), through which the elements to be sorted arrive, a barrier (40). ) from which the conductive elements and auxiliary devices (41, 42) for discharging the elements are ejected. ferromagnetic and / or inert extending over the width of the slip path (28).

3. Magnetic separator according to claim 2, characterized in that said ancillary devices comprise a scraper (41) pneumatically actuated and / or a rotating brush (42).

4. Magnetic separator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the sorting tray (26) is vibratably mounted (31) relative to the first inductor (18).

5. Magnetic separator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises means for adjusting an angle (X) of inclination of the first inductor (18) and the sorting tray (26). compared to the vertical.

6. Magnetic separator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises means for adjusting the gap between the first inductor (18) and the sorting tray (26).

7. magnetic separator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the axis of rotation (20) of the first inductor (18) is mounted on a support frame (21), on which are arranged a motor actuator (24) and a transmission belt (25), connecting an axis of rotation of the motor (24) to the axis of rotation (20) of the first inductor (18).

8. magnetic separator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises a second inductor (30), identical to the first inductor (18) and arranged symmetrically with respect to the sorting tray (26), the magnetic elements (19) of the first (18) and second (30) inductors being arranged facing each other and the second inductor (30) being integral with the axis of rotation (20) of the first inductor (18).

9. Magnetic separator according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises means for adjusting the angular position of the magnetic elements (19) of the first inductor (18) relative to the magnetic elements (19) of the second inductor (30). .

10. Magnetic separator according to one of claims 8 and 9, characterized in that it comprises at least one additional inductor (33), shaped disk with magnetic elements (19) on the periphery of its upper and lower faces. and disposed between the first inductor (18) and the second inductor (30), each additional inductor (33) being integral with the axis of rotation (20) of the first (18) and second (30) inductors and a sorting tray (26) being disposed in each interval of two inductors (18, 30, 33) successive.

11. Sorting plant (43) comprising at least two magnetic separators (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the magnetic separators (10) are arranged in a plurality of lines and / or columns.