AWH Magnetic Filters: Protecting Product Quality and Production Plants from Metal Particles
1.
What Is a Magnetic Filter?
A
magnetic filter, also known as a magnetic separator, is a 1.4404 (316L)
stainless steel component installed directly in the pipeline of a production
line. It retains magnetic metal particles in the product stream and prevents
them from getting into the end product. Magnetic filters are widely used in
industries such as food, beverage, chemical and pharmaceutical, etc.
2.
Why Use Magnetic
Filters in Production Plants?
Metal
particles typically enter a production process from two main sources:
- Incoming
raw materials:
metal particles may already be present in powdered raw materials before
they enter the production line.
- Production
equipment: Contamination
can also occur during processing in production, for example through shearing blades, rollers and cutters,
etc.
If
these particles remain in the product stream, they can compromise product
quality and put equipment at risk. The consequences can include production downtimes
and product recalls.
3. Solution of AWH Magnetic Filter
3.1. Structure of AWH Magnetic Filter
All
AWH magnetic filter bars use cylindrical neodymium magnets in the core, with
the following specifications:
|
Specification |
Value |
|
Remanence |
1.2 Tesla |
|
Maximum
operating temperature |
120°C |
|
Tube material |
Stainless steel 1.4404 (316L) |
The
magnet core is enclosed in a thin-walled metal tube, so the magnets do not come
into direct contact with the product. The thinner the tube wall, the lower the
loss of magnetic field strength.
3.2. Three AWH Magnetic Filter
Configurations
Depending
on your existing system, AWH offers three configurations: a combined strainer
and magnetic filter for angle type strainers, a magnetic filter for dirt traps,
or a magnetic filter for hygienic inline housings. All solutions can be
retrofitted (added to existing equipment) and purchased individually.
3.2.1. Existing Angle Type Strainer:
Combined Strainer and Magnetic Filter
Today,
most plants use two separate devices: a strainer to remove solid contaminants
and a magnetic filter to capture metal particles.
With the AWH solution, the angle type strainer and the magnetic filter are combined in one housing, so no separate magnetic filter needs to be added. Therefore, the configuration is more compact, saves installation space, simplifies the piping and can be integrated directly into existing equipment.
Separation takes place in 2 stages, in the filtration direction from the outside to the inside:
- Mechanical
filtration:
the sieve retains dirt and larger particles. AWH offers sieves from 0.05
mm (50 µm) to 10 mm, matched to the filtration level required for each
product.
- Magnetic
separation:
finer particles that pass through the sieve are captured by the internal
magnetic rod.
This combination offers 3 main benefits:
- Reduce quantity of components and investment costs
- Reduce dead-leg in system
- Increase of production time
View product details:
3.2.2. Existing Dirt Trap: Magnetic Insert
in Place of the Strainer
The
dirt trap (a Y-type strainer housing installed in the pipeline) magnetic filter
is particularly suitable for pump protection. AWH provides a three-bar magnet insert with the same
magnetic field strength, installed in the dirt trap housing in place of the
strainer, to retain smaller particles. The solution is available for welded,
clamp and threaded dirt traps.
View product details: NEUMO LLC. Dirt Traps
3.2.3. High Hygiene and Sterile Areas:
Hygienic Inline Housing
For
applications with high hygiene requirements, AWH has developed a three-bar
magnet for the hygienic inline housing with Type N connection. This
configuration can also be used in the sterile area of the cosmetics and
biopharmaceutical industries.
Thanks
to its standardized connection, the hygienic inline housing can also be
equipped with sight glasses, lights and sensors.
View product details: NEUMO LLC. Inline Housing
4. Where Should a Magnetic Filter Be Installed?
- After
sugar-dissolving and powder-additive mixing systems with agitators, and
after high-shear mixers.
- After
grinding and fine-milling systems.
- At
liquid raw-material inlet lines.
- After
product pumps and CIP supply centrifugal pumps.
- At
critical points before the final production stage, such as pasteurization and
sterilization.
5.
About AWH
AWH
(Armaturenwerk Hötensleben GmbH) is a subsidiary of the NEUMO Ehrenberg Group,
with its plant in Hötensleben, Germany. AWH manufactures hygienic stainless
steel fittings, including pipe fittings and hygienic connections, butterfly
valves, check valves, hygienic sampling valves, CIP spray balls, filters,
magnetic mixers and etc.
Website AWH: AWH - Your partner for your success
6. Conclusion
From
angle type strainers and dirt traps to hygienic inline housings, AWH offers
magnetic filter solutions that can be integrated into existing systems,
flexibly meeting the connection, installation and operating requirements of
each production process.
Contact NEUMO Vietnam to discuss the configuration that fits your system.