Industrial magnetic separators are essential for protecting equipment, maintaining product quality, and keeping production lines running smoothly. These systems remove magnetic particles from liquids, slurries, gases, and dry powders. By capturing metal contaminants before they reach pumps, valves, or conveyors, they prevent damage, reduce downtime, and extend the life of critical machinery.
S. G. Frantz Co., Inc. has over 80 years of experience in magnetic separation technology. The company provides both electromagnetic separators and permanent magnetic separators, each engineered to perform reliably under industrial conditions. These separators are available in multiple configurations, capacities, and materials to suit fluids, dry powders, and full-flow protective filtration.
Electromagnetic Separators
S. G. Frantz Electromagnetic Separators use electric currents through wire coils in iron housings to create adjustable magnetic fields that efficiently separate ferrous materials from liquids, slurries, gases, and powders. Material passes through specially designed grids or matrices, where magnetic particles are captured with precision. These separators are available in gravity, underfeed, and pipeline models, providing versatile solutions for industries including ceramics, chemicals, coal, glass, metalworking, and recycling.
Electromagnetic separators offer several distinct advantages. Field strength can be matched to separation requirements, ranging from 1 to 2.5 kilogauss, ensuring precise capture of ferrous contaminants. Large magnetized matrix volumes handle substantial flows and hold significant quantities of magnetic material. The magnetic field can be turned off to simplify cleaning, allowing automated maintenance cycles. Units are built to endure high temperatures, high pressures, and corrosive or hazardous environments. Separating spaces can be filled with a wide variety of matrix elements to meet unique processing needs.
S.G. Frantz provides multiple series to fit different processing conditions. Series F1 offers economical, efficient separation for general applications (~1,000 gauss). Series F1E handles more challenging conditions (~1,500 gauss). Series F2 is designed for the toughest applications (~2,500 gauss). Custom-engineered separators accommodate high-temperature, high-pressure, and hazardous operations, including ASME code-stamped vessels and specialized voltages, ensuring reliable performance across industrial processes.
Permanent Magnetic Separators
S.G. Frantz Permanent magnetic separators use a stack of stainless steel grids magnetized by permanent magnets to capture even the finest ferrous particles. Unlike conventional filters or strainers, hundreds or thousands of grid edges divide and redirect the material stream, forcing all particles through successive, strongly convergent magnetic fields. Series PQ FerroFilter® Permanent Magnet Separators are rated at 100 psi working pressure and often installed on the suction side to protect pumps from abrasion, thanks to their low-pressure drop.
These separators perform reliably across a wide range of applications. They protect heavy equipment from abrasive wear, safeguard hydraulic systems by removing rust and scale, and improve coolant systems for better tool life and finish. They filter volatile liquids like fuels, paints, and solvents safely, shield meters, controls, and test stands from fine particles, and reduce rust and scale in boilers and steam systems. They also extend the life of conventional filtration systems.
Permanent magnetic separators offer fine particle removal, low maintenance, long service life, full-flow operation, and easy cleaning. All models are demagnetized when removed for simple maintenance. Cleaning frequency depends on application, from weekly for lubrication systems to per shift for coolant filtration. Series PQ models range from PQ3 to PQ6, ensuring the right separator for any operation.
Choosing the Right Separator
When selecting the right industrial magnetic separator, it is important to consider the type of magnetic field and the specific application. Electromagnetic separators offer adjustable fields, making them ideal for high-capacity operations, variable materials, or tough separation requirements, while permanent magnetic separators provide continuous, low-maintenance filtration that protects equipment and maintains system efficiency.
For series selection, the F1 models deliver general-purpose, reliable separation, the F1E models provide higher magnetic strength for tougher conditions or finer particles, and the F2 models are designed for high-intensity, demanding separation applications. The PQ permanent magnetic series ensures continuous protection with low-pressure drop, ideal for full-flow systems.
Installation considerations include whether the system operates as an open gravity flow or within a closed pipeline, the need for cooling in electromagnetic models, and environmental factors such as corrosive conditions, high temperatures, or hazardous locations. Evaluating these factors carefully ensures the selected separator matches the operational demands and delivers optimal performance.
Keep Magnetic Materials Out, Productivity Up
Don’t let stray magnetic impurities slow down your operation or damage your equipment. S. G. Frantz magnetic separators catch contaminants before they become costly problems. From adjustable electromagnetic units to low-maintenance permanent magnetic models, we have the right solution for your process. Our team can help you choose, operate and maintain a separator that maximizes efficiency and protects your investment. Reach out today and see how effortless separation can keep your production running clean and smooth.