Enhancing Wood Recycling Efficiency: Drum Separator Innovates Board Production

Challenges in Wood Recycling

Currently, the factory uses approximately 50% recycled wood in its boards and aims to increase this share to 75%. Achieving this goal requires not only acquiring more recycled wood but also optimizing its cleaning process. Recycled wood often contains small stones, plastics, glass, and ferromagnetic metals, which need to be removed.

Identifying the Problem

Martijn Lambregts, a maintenance engineer, acknowledges that the presence of metallic impurities was the biggest challenge in processing wood. A magnetic block installed at the end of the recycling line revealed the extent of the problem by capturing significant amounts of wood containing nails, for example. In practice, this meant that such pieces sometimes made their way into the shredder, causing increased wear on its blades, a higher risk of sparks, and even potential fires. Furthermore, it was essential to prevent metallic particles from entering the wood chips themselves.

Collaborative Solution

To improve the efficiency and safety of the process, the plant representatives sought the expertise of specialists in magnetic technology. Together, they designed a high-performance neodymium magnetic drum separator, specifically tailored to remove ferromagnetic metal-contaminated wood.

The Neodymium Magnetic Drum Separator

Ibo Serbest, a sales manager, explains that the motor-powered magnetic drum separator consists of a static magnetic core positioned at a 180-degree angle. This configuration creates magnetic and non-magnetic sections within the drum. Rotating at approximately 35 revolutions per minute, the drum effectively captures ferromagnetic materials, such as nails. These materials adhere to the drum's surface due to the magnetic field and are successfully separated from the rest of the material as they leave the magnetic field.

Impressive Results

Despite the complexities of designing, configuring, and installing the system, the tests delivered impressive results. The new drum magnets were able to remove up to four times more metal from the material stream. However, the strong magnetic field posed certain risks during installation, requiring extra precautions. The use of metal tools was strictly prohibited to prevent potential injuries, and mechanics were instructed to avoid wearing metal items, watches, and similar objects.

The success of this project marks a significant milestone for the plant, highlighting the critical role of advanced magnetic separation technology in achieving the goals of sustainable and efficient wood recycling.