Magnetic filter suits wide range of applications: Magnetic fields trap sub-micron ferrous and non-ferrous materials

摘要

The filtering of contaminants is subject to many problems, particularly consumable and environmental costs. Additionally, filtering to sub-micron level increases these costs considerably. Magnetic field-effect technology filters can reduce or even eliminate the requirement for consumable filter elements and the associated disposal costs. The Magnom filter, distributed by Fluid Conditioning Systems, was designed for Formula One racing, as well as other applications where ferrous material from build or wear processes is likely to contaminate the lubricating or cooling fluid. Interestingly, PCS was alerted by one of its customers to the fact that 60% of the contamination that Magnom removed in their application was non-magnetic. Subsequently, PCS has commissioned a report from the University of Salford to explain this phenomenon, called heterocoagulation. At Magnom's core is a series of annular magnets with larger steel flux-plates shrouding them on each side. These plates, which have a series of flow channels running through them, become fully magnetized. When the fluid to be filtered runs through these plates, it is subjected to a high magnetic flux gradient, caused by the focusing of the magnetic field at the edges of the plates. The result is that any contaminant drawn into the collection areas (out of the fluid flow) between the plates is trapped and prevented from washing back into the fluid as is the case with magnetic sump plugs and other magnetic filtration devices to date. The filter operates without pressure drop, even when the filter element is full, providing benefits such as fine filtration on the suction side of the pump. Since the flow channels have an area equal to 110% of the inlet - an area greater than the inlet pipe - the viscosity of the fluid has little, if any, effect on performance.