Getting the metals, and so much more

Material recovery facility (MRFs) operators and other waste stream processors appreciate that some of the most valuable commodities hitting their tipping floors are metals. With meaningful volumes of ferrous and nonferrous, maximizing recovery and purity can add significantly to bottom-line profitability. Today, more than ever, recovery does not stop with metals.

Getting the ferrous

Generally, the job of recovering ferrous metals lies with overhead belt magnets, which are designed to extract the metal as it passes beneath the magnet. However, not all overhead magnets are created equal.

Often, plant operators find that the magnetic field is restricted to a “donut” in the center of the magnet’s surface area. Generally, this is because the underlying magnet is circular. In oil-cooled models, this effect is amplified over time as unmaintained oil becomes less effective at cooling the electromagnet, restricting the magnetic field.

STEINERT engineers solved these problems, increasing ferrous recovery and maintaining it throughout the life of the equipment. Our magnets are air-cooled and do not require an oil bath to dissipate internal heat, ensuring no degradation of the magnetic field over time. Also, STEINERT coils are rectangular and available in a range of widths to match underlying conveyors. This ensures edge-to-edge coverage for the magnetic field, maximizing recovery.

Processors benefit from STEINERT magnets’ deep-reaching magnetic field that delivers maximum recovery and exceptionally long life—some have been in service more than 20 years. This combination delivers maximum return on investment.

Nonferrous recovery

Nonferrous recovery is a specialty for STEINERT. As the inventor of eccentric eddy current separators, our engineers have developed some of the most-advanced units in the world. Through wide application experience, with more than 4,000 units deployed globally, STEINERT has learned that a one-size fits all approach does not work.

STEINERT offers five core eddy current configurations. This allows the proper unit to be matched to the application’s material size and volume, delivering superior materials recovery and cleanliness.

Our units’ powerful fields deliver a long-throw recovery that cleanly separates used beverage cans, or UBCs, and other nonferrous metals. The unique designs allow superior results in applications as challenging as fine materials recovery from incinerator bottom ash and the recovery of extremely fine foils from plastics recycling streams.

In all applications, STEINERT has learned the importance of presenting the materials stream to our eddy current units. Spreading the stream for even feeding, typically with a vibratory unit, helps to ensure consistently reliable results.

Going beyond the metals fraction

As demand for recycled polymers grows, STEINERT has evolved to meet the needs of its customers. The STEINERT UniSort family of sensor sorters benefits from STEINERT’s more than 130 years of separation experience.

UniSorts leverage state-of-the-art hyperspectral imaging (HSI) sensor technology that allows exacting materials identification based upon the smallest differences in chemical composition. As reclaimers work to produce exceptionally pure material that can meet the most-exasting specifications, UniSort delivers, achieving those specifications at high production rates.

The UniSort range of plastic sorters can detect even the smallest differences in the chemical composition of plastics. From bulk material sorting to flake sorting, we ensure accuracy, productivity and reliability.

As one of the world’s leading experts in sensor sorting and magnetic separation, STEINERT delivers proven solutions. With customers throughout the world, STEINERT has a demonstrated track record. Contact us today to learn how we can assist with your operation.