In modern wet Incineration Bottom Ash (IBA) processing, extracting bulk iron is only the first step. To produce high-quality, CE-certified secondary construction aggregates, fine ferromagnetic particles and magnetic dust must be thoroughly removed from the wet slag slurry.
The Countercurrent Wet Magnetic Separator is specifically designed for this deep purification phase. By operating directly within the wet processing loop, it efficiently recovers valuable fine ferrous metals (Fe₃O₄, Fe₂O₃, iron filings) while completely separating them from non-magnetic particles like clean slag sand, glass, and residual non-ferrous metals.
Installed seamlessly alongside our Slag Washing Machines, this separator ensures maximum resource recovery and the highest purity of your final aggregate products.
Core Working Principle: The Countercurrent Advantage
Processing fine, wet IBA slurry requires a design that prevents the magnetic particles from trapping non-magnetic dirt. The "countercurrent" tank design is the industry standard for achieving the highest recovery rates.
- Slurry Introduction: The wet bottom ash mixture (typically <3mm) enters the sorting tank evenly from the feed box.
- Magnetic Capture: As the slurry flows, the high-strength NdFeB permanent magnetic drum rotates in the opposite direction (countercurrent) to the slurry flow. Fine magnetic particles are instantly pulled out of the water and adsorbed onto the drum's surface.
- Rinsing & Purification: Because the drum moves against the water current, the captured magnetic particles undergo continuous rinsing. This tumbling and flushing action washes away mechanically entrapped non-magnetic impurities (like fine ash and mud).
- Discharge: The purified non-magnetic slag flows out the tailings port, while the concentrated ferrous metal is carried out of the magnetic field and dropped into the collection hopper.
Core Advantages for WtE Slag Processing
| Advantages |
Specific Benefits for IBA Sorting |
| ✅ Open Magnetic System Design |
Specifically addresses the sticky nature of wet IBA. The open layout ensures smooth material flow, effectively preventing the wrapping and blocking issues common in standard separators. |
| ✅ Self-Cleaning Drum Action |
As the material slides and rolls on the drum surface against the water flow, it self-cleans. This ensures the recovered iron is highly pure and the remaining slag sand is free of rust-causing ferrous dust. |
| ✅ Massive Throughput Capacity |
A single machine can process over 120 tons of raw slurry per hour. The modular design allows for parallel installation to meet the demands of even the largest municipal solid waste facilities. |
| ✅ Highly Durable Permanent Magnets |
Utilizes premium Neodymium (NdFeB) magnets that provide a stable, deep magnetic field with virtually zero degradation over years of continuous use. |
Key Application Scenarios in Resource Recovery
- ◾ IBA Fine Sand Purification: Removing fine iron dust (<3mm) from washed bottom ash to prevent rust staining and improve the quality of secondary construction aggregates.
- ◾ Pre-Conditioning for Heavy Metals: Removing magnetic interference before the fine slag is sent to Sawtooth Wave Jigs or Shaking Tables for precious metal recovery.
- ◾ Soil Remediation: Extracting ferromagnetic heavy metal particles from contaminated soil or industrial landfill sites.
Technical Specifications
| Specification Item |
Description / Value |
| Magnetic System Type |
High-performance NdFeB Permanent Magnet |
| Tank Configuration |
Countercurrent (Standard for IBA); Downstream/Semi-countercurrent optional |
| Applicable Particle Size |
0 - 3 mm (Fine and micro-fine grained materials) |
| Processing Capacity |
Up to >120 t/h (Depending on model, slurry concentration, and density) |
| Core Functions |
Iron Recovery, Slag Sand Purification, Slurry Concentration |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why is a Wet Magnetic Separator required if we already use an Overband Magnet?
A: Dry overband magnets are excellent for removing bulk iron and large scrap from dry or semi-dry conveyor belts. However, they cannot effectively extract micro-fine iron dust (<3mm) suspended in a wet slurry. The Wet Magnetic Separator is installed in the water loop to capture these fine particles, ensuring the final slag sand is pure enough for commercial concrete use without causing rust stains.
Q: Will sticky incinerator ash clog the tank?
A: No. Our units are specifically designed with an open magnetic system and a spacious countercurrent tank. This design prevents the wrapping and bridging of sticky materials, ensuring a continuous, blockage-free flow even with complex solid waste slurries.
