Magnetic Separators in the Laboratory Setting

S.G. Frantz Co. Inc., a pioneer in the development of magnetic separators since 1935, has a long-standing commitment to providing quality systems for the most diverse industrial applications. Its units have been widely used in geological and mineralogical facilities worldwide, improving separation quality, providing better particle feed and travel systems, and diminishing processing times. An S.G. Frantz Co. Inc. laboratory magnetic separator was used to analyze mineralogical samples from the moon.

The company’s specialized products, such as the patented Frantz^® Magnetic Barrier Laboratory Separator (Model LB-1) and the Low Field Control accessory (Model LFC-3), cater to the demanding needs of researchers and mineralogists working worldwide. Their products are found in every country allowed by US Export Laws and Regulations.

In the mid-1970s, it was apparent that the geological and mineralogical industries needed better magnetic separation capabilities. S.G. Frantz Co. Inc. developed a magnetic separator specifically to meet these needs, culminating in the creation of the Barrier Separator This device was conceived to generate a magnetic energy gradient or force on particles of various susceptibilities.

With the capacity to apply thrice the force of the Isodynamic^® Laboratory Separator, the Barrier Separator enabled cleaner separations overall and separations of minerals with significantly weaker susceptibilities. Following its initial application within a governmental geological laboratory, the Barrier Separator has found widespread use across global geological and mineralogical laboratories, signifying its acceptance and utility in these sectors.

Magnetic separation plays a crucial role by enabling the purification and separation of magnetic minerals and particles from complex geological samples in both geological and geochemical laboratories.

The behavior of mineral particles within a convergent external magnetic field, determined by their mass magnetic susceptibility, becomes the key factor in separation processes. This approach allows for the concentration of desired minerals from a bulk mineral assemblage, employing devices like the Frantz LB-1 Separator. The applications of a magnetic separator for laboratory use extend across various fields. For example:

Testing Magnetism of Different Materials

Laboratories utilize magnetic fields of varying strengths, configurations and orientations to categorize materials according to their magnetic susceptibility. This differentiation is important for material science, waste management, and the recycling industry to ensure materials are efficiently sorted and processed.

Mineral Classification

Geologists use laboratory magnetic separators in order to understand mineral composition and distribution.

Furthermore, magnetic separation methods may be used in the discovery of ore deposits rich in magnetic minerals like magnetite, hematite and other heavy minerals. These devices help in mapping subsurface mineral deposits and geological structures, facilitating the extraction and processing of these valuable resources.

Geo-Chronological Studies

Magnetic separation is widely utilized in geo-chronological studies to isolate, purify, and analyze magnetic minerals from geological samples. Laboratory magnetic separators can be used by geologists to study the magnetic properties of rocks and understand the historical magnetic field changes of the Earth. This discipline is called paleomagnetism. It facilitates paleomagnetic dating, magnetic stratigraphy, environmental magnetism, and mineralogical/petrological studies, contributing to our understanding of Earth’s magnetic field, geological history, and environmental changes over time.

Biomedical Research

Magnetic separation technology is capable of removing impurities and contaminants from complex biological samples, ensuring high-quality data and accurate results in protein, DNA, and RNA analysis. Its utility in isolating and characterizing target molecules can likewise accelerate the drug development process and identify potential therapeutic candidates more efficiently.

Environmental Analysis

Our magnetic separators for laboratory use may also help detect and quantify magnetic pollutants in various ecosystems, contributing to the assessment and management of pollution risks. This information is important for preserving biodiversity and restoring contaminated areas.

Material Science

The separation of magnetic nanoparticles enhances their properties for use in advanced applications, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents and spintronics. This work drives progress in electronics, nanotechnology and other fields.

With over 85 years of expertise in the field of laboratory magnetic separators, S.G. Frantz Co. Inc. is dedicated to enhancing your operational processes. For industries ranging from mining and mineral processing to pharmaceuticals and environmental management, our products attest to our commitment to enduring quality and innovation.

We provide a suite of laboratory magnetic separator solutions to help with the challenges faced by researchers, mineralogists, and others. For particles suspended in fluids, also known as slurries, the Frantz Canister Separator (Model L-1CN) is designed to improve separation efficiency, purity, and accuracy, you can expect to streamline your magnetic separation processes rapidly and efficiently.

Connect with us today and ensure the integrity of your results. Experience competitive pricing with strict quality control and comprehensive support by working with S.G. Frantz Co. Inc.