Whatsapp
A magnetic drawer (also called drawer-type magnetic separator or drawer-in-housing magnet) consists of a stainless steel housing that accommodates rows of magnetic tubes or grids. As the bulk material flows through, the ferrous tramp metal is attracted and held on the magnetic elements while cleaned material proceeds through the system. Core technical parameters include housing size, magnetic strength, material construction, and flow capacity.
Typical design parameters for one version of this product are shown below:
| Parameter | Typical Value / Range |
|---|---|
| Housing material | Stainless steel 304 or 316 (or 316L) |
| Magnetic strength | Up to about 12,000 Gauss for standard style ("N-style") and around 8,000 Gauss for easy-clean version ("E-style") |
| Number of magnetic tube rows | One row or multiple rows depending on application |
| Maximum working temperature | Up to about 350 °C for high-temperature version |
| Product flow capacity | Example: for opening 10×10 in, 2 rows, weight flow up to 75,000 lb/hr (approx) for 40 lb/ft³ density dry product |
| Installation form | Square or round flange, chute or pipeline mount, drawer access for cleaning |
This product is built for heavy-duty industrial use: for example in food, chemical, plastic, rubber, mining or grain processing. It is engineered to handle gravity fed or free-fall materials and to provide repeated contact between the material and the magnet tubes by designing a cascade flow path.
Improved product purity and protection of downstream equipment
By removing ferrous contaminants early in the process, the magnetic drawer helps protect downstream equipment (such as injection moulders, extruders, mixers or packaging lines) from damage, reduces spoilage, reduces downtime due to metal contamination, and ensures higher product purity. For example, in plastic injection moulding, ferrous particles can cause wear, scrap and defects.
Increased operational efficiency and cost savings
Less equipment blockage or wear, fewer maintenance interruptions and fewer rejected batches translate into cost savings. Because the design forces product into repeated contact with high-intensity magnetic fields, the magnetic drawer can achieve higher capture rates of tramp metal compared to a simple magnet bar or plate.
Customisable for various industries and conditions
Options such as different grades of stainless steel, high temperature versions, varying Gauss strength, manual or automated cleaning, and custom mounting make the magnetic drawer adaptable to a wide variety of manufacturing contexts—from food-grade sanitary applications to heavy mineral processing.
Future trend: smarter, more automated maintenance
As industry moves toward automation and Industry 4.0, magnetic separation devices such as the magnetic drawer are trending toward self-cleaning, remote monitoring and integrated sensors to reduce manual intervention. For example, some models offer automated self-clean cycling, remote control of cleaning cycles and built-in reed switches.
Selection criteria
Determine the product stream: Is the material free-flowing, granule, powdered? Is it dry or wet? The magnetic drawer is best suited to dry, free-falling, granular or powdered products.
Define contamination risk: Estimate the level and size of ferrous tramp metal in the stream. Higher contamination risk or finer particles may require higher Gauss strength and more rows of tubes.
Define installation point: Choose a location where the flow can cascade over the magnetic tubes. Confirm available space for drawer access and maintenance.
Specify sanitary or heavy-duty design: For food, dairy or pharmaceutical use, sanitary construction with FDA-approved gaskets may be required. For abrasive or high-temperature use, select appropriate materials and coatings.
Decide on cleaning method: Manual clean, quick-clean, automated self-clean or continuous cleaning models exist. Automated cleaning reduces operator intervention and risk of product flow interruption.
Installation steps
Ensure the chute or pipe section is shut off and safe to access.
Mount the housing using the specified flange (round or square) and align with upstream/downstream piping or chute.
Ensure the magnetic drawer is installed with correct orientation so that the product flows over the tubes in the cascade pattern.
Verify sealing gaskets, access mechanism (drawer handles, locks, quick release) and cleaning system if automated.
Commission the system: run material flow, confirm no bridging, monitor tramp metal capture and check that the magnetic strength is within specification using a Gauss meter if required.
Place signage or lock-out for maintenance access and safe cleaning operation.
Operation and maintenance
Regularly inspect the magnetic tubes for accumulated ferrous metal and clean at appropriate intervals. For manual models, open drawer and remove metal debris using gloves or tools.
For automated models, verify the cleaning cycle activation, the collection tray is emptied, and the system resets properly.
Monitor the flow: ensure product does not bypass the magnetic tubes, that bridging or choking does not occur, and that the product cascades correctly across rows.
Periodically measure magnetic field strength to detect demagnetisation or loss of performance.
Maintain seals, gaskets and access hardware: ensure no leakage, no foreign matter entering through access doors, and safe operation of locking clamps.
Follow manufacturer’s guidance for spare parts (e.g., magnetic tubes, gaskets, strip trays).
Consider scheduling predictive maintenance, especially for high-throughput or critical lines.
Integration into quality and safety systems
The magnetic drawer contributes to product safety (particularly in food, pharma or nutraceuticals) by preventing metal contamination. Align its installation with HACCP, ISO 9001, or other quality standards. Some models certify for direct food contact (e.g., food-grade drawer-in-housing magnets) for dairy, meat or poultry lines.
It also supports cost-of-ownership reduction and can be a key element of operational excellence programmes.
Q1: Can a magnetic drawer handle very high temperatures (e.g., above 200 °C)?
A1: Yes—certain models are designed for high-temperature applications. For example, magnetic drawers with rare-earth magnets and high-temperature housings can operate up to about 350 °C depending on material construction and magnet grade.
Q2: How often should the magnetic drawer be cleaned or maintained?
A2: The cleaning frequency depends on the contamination load, the type of material flow, and whether the unit is manual or automated. For manual units, scheduled cleaning at predefined intervals (e.g., at every shift or daily) is advisable. Automated or continuous cleaning models may clean themselves during operation, greatly reducing manual downtime. Monitoring of collected metal volume, pressure drop or product flow behaviour can guide maintenance intervals.
In summary, a magnetic drawer offers a robust, efficient solution for ferrous metal separation in dry bulk material processing. Its design—high-intensity magnetic tubes in a cascade flow housing—ensures superior contaminant capture, equipment protection and product safety. Its benefits extend across industries, from plastics and chemicals to food and mining. Proper selection, installation, operation and maintenance are key to maximising value and integrating it into broader quality and operational frameworks. Looking ahead, the trend toward automated self-cleaning systems and smart monitoring will further enhance the value proposition of magnetic drawers. For advanced industrial magnetic separation solutions from the Force brand, please explore the range and contact us for detailed guidance. Contact us for expert support, custom configurations and full service.
