Eddy Current Separators

An eddy current separator is a recycling machine that uses a high-speed magnetic rotor to separate conductive non-ferrous metals such as aluminum, copper, and zinc from non-conductive material. It is often installed after a drum magnet or another separator that removes ferrous metal.

Bunting offers four main eddy current separator configurations:

• High-Frequency Eccentric (HIFE) for very fine particles down to 1 mm
• High-Intensity Eccentric (HIE) for fines down to 3 mm
• High-Intensity Concentric (HIC) for mixed recyclables and particles 10 mm (16/64") and larger
• Eco Concentric (ECO) for general household recycling, non-ferrous metals above 25mm (1")

An eddy current separator uses a high-speed magnetic rotor below a conveyor belt to create a rapidly changing magnetic field. When conductive non-ferrous metal passes over the rotor, the field induces an electrical current in the metal, producing a repulsive force that projects it forward.

Non-conductive material follows its normal trajectory. An adjustable splitter divides the two streams. Belt speed, rotor speed, and splitter position can be tuned for the feed.

The HIE, HIC, and R-Type models use a cantilever jacking system below the hinged frame. One technician can lift the conveyor from one side and replace the main belt without removing the rotor, which reduces downtime and simplifies maintenance.

Eddy current separators are used in metal recycling, glass processing, plastics recycling, wood processing, and waste-to-energy operations. They recover non-ferrous metals from shredded vehicles, aluminum cans, electronic waste, and other mixed streams, and they remove conductive contaminants from glass cullet, plastic, and wood.