Magnetic extraction

Magnetic extraction is not the same as magnetic sorting. It is the magnetic attraction and removal of steel from mixed unsorted mixed ‘dustbin’ waste. Magnetic extraction is used at all types of waste treatment plants (household waste transfer stations, pulverisation plants, baling plants and other waste handling plants) where collected household waste is brought for treatment or densification before being buried in landfill or incinerated. It can also be used after incineration of the waste. The technology is used to recover steel cans from the residual ash at Energy From Waste plants.

Magnetic sorting refers to the sorting of steel packaging from other collected recyclable materials, for example at a Material Reclamation Facility (MRF) after being collected from households by a kerbside or bring scheme. 

Efficient, automatic and low cost

Magnets allow efficient, automatic and low cost separation of steel from other materials. They can also be easily incorporated into most waste handling and recovery processes.

There are two types of magnetic separation:

• Permanent magnetic separators that are appropriate for stop-start systems as they do not require power or a control-gear.
• Electro-magnetic separators that use an electric current (1 to 20 kW) to modify magnetic strength and force density as required.

How we can help

We can help by:

• Identifying magnetic extraction opportunities in new and existing waste management operations by indicating likely benefits and costs. (Operators are encouraged to consult with Corus Steel Packaging Recycling at the design stage for new refuse transfer stations or other refuse handling plants.)
• Providing technical expertise on magnetic recovery and steel can scrap preparation (cleaning) systems to ensure the extracted material is suitable for use in steelmaking.
• Drawing on the expertise of Corus Research, Development and Technology to provide technical advice.