The magnet technology specialist Goudsmit Magnetics received a request from a producer of chocolate garnish for cakes, biscuits and yoghurt. The garnish is in the form of chips and granules that could possibly contain tiny pieces of metal less than 1 mm in diameter. This is a common problem in the production of chocolate.

The request was whether the metal particles could be filtered out of the product flow – without any loss of product. To achieve this, Goudsmit developed a high-gradient separator with a strong magnetic conveyor roller for metal particles as small as 30 µm, specifically for the food industry.

This system achieves exceptionally high separation efficiency, not just for iron particles, but also for weakly magnetic stainless steel particles, such as AISI 304 and AISI 316. The high-gradient separator is more efficient than a free-fall magnetic separator, since with the latter the metal particle has to be slowed down before it can be captured. In addition to chocolate, the magnetic separator is also suitable for other dry, granular products, such as spices.

Hygiene is of the utmost importance, especially in the food industry. This is something the manufacturer considered carefully while designing the high gradient separator. A quick release system makes removal and replacement of the conveyor belt quick and easy. The special open construction as well as covers that easily swing out of the way make the system easy to clean.