What is Magnetic Filtration?

Magnetic filtration is a method that removes iron particles from products that are in liquid or slurry
form. It’s a method that can be used in nearly any environment where ferrous, para-magnetic, and
grinding medium contamination is an issue. Magnetic filters make this type of filtration easy and
effective. In fact, when the filters become full, they can simply be cleaned and reused.

How Do Magnetic Filters Work?

Magnetic filters work with the use of high-intensity filter magnets. The filter is installed in the desired
location along the path of the liquid or slurry. The flow is directed around the magnetic field created
by the high-intensity filter magnets and any ferrous particles are captured in a magnetic trap. The
filter can then be removed, the captured particles washed away from the filter, and the filter reused.

There are many configurations of magnetic filters for the use in process
industries. These filters may come in the form of a magnetic plug (such as with the use in Spears Y
strainers such as these) for quick flushing. Another common form of a magnetic filter is the flow-
through configuration, in which particles flow through specific slots that are magnetized so regular
flow is not interrupted. Our LOFPLEAT filter cartridges (here) use flow-through magnetic filtration. A
third common type of magnetic filtration is the rod magnet, which extends down into tanks and filter
canisters to remove metallic particles.

Advantages of Magnetic Filtration

Using magnetic filtration is an environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and efficient way for various
industries to ensure that ferrous particles are removed from important fluids. Let’s take a look at
some of the advantages that you’ll experience when using a magnetic filter.

Environmentally Friendly
Magnetic filters are not only effective at filtering out ferrous particles, but they do so while being good
for the environment. The contamination that is collected in the magnetic trap is easily recycled as a
single material. That means that none of the contaminated material will end up in a landfill. Further,
the liquid that is being filtered retains its essential properties providing a longer lasting fluid life.

No Disposal Costs
Once you have a magnetic filter installed, there are no other expenses to incur over the lifetime of
your filter. But not only will you save on future expenses, you will also save on disposal costs. The
collected contamination is completely recyclable.

Minimal Running Costs

Magnetic filters have minimal running costs. You have the option of using manually cleaned filters or
self-cleaning filters. If you choose the latter, there is no extra power required, and self-cleaning
magnetic filters only need a small amount of power for cleaning.
Doesn’t Hinder Productivity
Magnetic filters don’t hinder productivity in any way. In fact, because fluid doesn’t flow through any
filter media, the flow is never interrupted. That means that the flow rate isn’t affected by your filter,
rather it’s determined by the requirements of your process. Even if the magnetic filter becomes full of
contaminates, there isn’t a risk of back pressure drop or burst filters.

It is also important to mention that magnetic filters are able to remove particles that are smaller than
one micron in size. Barrier filters leave particles that are smaller than five microns in the fluid. Even
at that tiny size, those particles can negatively affect the performance of the fluid and lead to
bacterial buildup.

Uses of Magnetic Filters

Magnetic filters and filtration systems are used in many different industries and applications. You will
find magnetic filters in the following products and applications:

       •Hydraulic oils
       •Liquid chemicals
       •Manual and CNC machinery
       •Slurries
       •Liquid pharmaceutical products
       •Transmission
       •Lubricants
       •Liquid food products
       •Lapping and milling operations
       •Pump protection
       •Laser cutting operations
       •Coolants
       •Ceramics

This isn’t an exhaustive list. Magnetic filtration is a method that can be used in nearly any
environment where ferrous is an issue.

Use Magnetic Filtration for Liquid-Based Systems

Filtration is an essential component of the above products and processes, as well as many other
liquid-based systems. The process of removing contaminants or impurities from your media is vital to
preventing negative consequences from occurring in your products or processes. For any system
where ferrous particles are a risk to your liquids or slurries, magnetic filtration is an ideal solution. It’s
low-cost, environmentally friendly, and efficient for industrial uses and processes.