Year-end shutdowns are approaching, and across South Africa’s mining, processing and recycling sectors, maintenance teams are settling their inspection lists and service plans before the December break. Boksburg-based Mechani Mags, which manufactures conveyor magnets and magnetic separators and sells online under the African Magnets name, wants plants to look closely at one often-overlooked part of its DRY-TYPE suspended belt magnet: the monitoring designed into every unit.
The DRY-TYPE electro-magnet pulls ferrous tramp metal out of conveyed material so that crushers, belts and other downstream equipment are protected. The company is best known for its oil-free design, but each unit also has features that show plant teams how the magnet is running, so they can find faults early and avoid unplanned stoppages.
Built-in monitoring as standard
The product specifications on the company’s website list an integrated belt-slip and tear detection system that tracks belt performance and helps prevent damage. A PT100 temperature probe also keeps continuous watch on the casing temperature.
On a busy plant, both features matter. A self-cleaning overband magnet uses its belt to carry captured tramp metal off the conveyor. If the belt slips or tears and no one notices, metal can collect on the magnet face or drop back onto the conveyor. An early warning lets maintenance staff fix the problem during a planned stop instead of an emergency one.
Engineered for tough sites
Every unit carries an IP66 rating, so it is fully protected against dust and water and can be jet-sprayed during cleaning. The magnet works in any position and at any incline angle, even upside down, which lets engineers fit it into an existing conveyor layout without major changes.
Its build includes a stainless steel wear plate, lifting lugs welded on the inside and a precision-machined contact casing. The aluminium coils have a rectangular cross-section and double glass insulation, are rated class H (180 °C), and are wrapped in glass tape and Nomex sheeting. Power comes from a WEG IE3 motor driving an SEW gearbox. Four crowned carbon steel pulleys, fitted with locking elements and plummer block bearings, make it easier to keep the belt aligned.
The belt is joined with the company’s stainless steel slat fastener system. Customers who need extra durability can choose optional heavy-duty reinforced belting.
Oil-free and simpler to run
The DRY-TYPE runs with no oil and no fans. Without coolant fluids, the risk of contamination and corrosion drops, and so does maintenance downtime. According to the company, its dry magnets have a premium energy efficiency rating equivalent to IE4 and produce the same magnetic power as standard models on 50% less electrical input.
This kind of Dry magnetic separator can be used on the surface or underground, and optional Ex certification is available for hazardous areas. A low head-room model suits conveyor plants with little vertical clearance, and a manual-clean version is available for sites that do not need a self-cleaning belt.
The role of magnets in tramp metal protection
Magnetic separation is one part of a wider plan to protect conveyors and processing equipment. Magnetic separators take ferrous items such as bolts, drill steel, tools and loose iron out of the product stream before they can reach sensitive machinery.
Plant designers usually build tramp metal protection in layers. Suspended magnets and Conveyor metal detector systems each have a place in that plan. The right mix depends on the material on the belt, the belt width and speed, the burden depth and the kinds of metal the plant expects to handle. Mechani Mags designs magnet solutions around each client’s needs and site limits.
Support for the shutdown window
Mechani Mags also offers support services that work well during planned shutdowns: repairs and upgrades, training, site inspections, compliance reports and gauss testing. Its on-site repair and inspection teams aim to give clients fast support wherever they are.
For plants already running Mechani Mags magnets, the company supplies auxiliaries such as magnet control panels, flame-retardant belting, suspension chain sets and magnet spares. Having spares and belting in stock before the break can be what keeps a short planned stop from turning into a longer delay in the new year.
Why monitoring is central to tramp metal removal
Wherever conveyors carry ore, aggregate, coal or recycled material, tramp metal is an ongoing risk. One piece of steel reaching a crusher or chute can damage equipment, rip a belt or stop the plant. The magnet is the first line of defence, so if it is not working properly, everything after it is exposed.
For this reason, Mechani Mags puts a strong focus on monitoring and easy maintenance. A slipping or torn belt, or a casing running hotter than normal, shows that something has changed. Built-in detection and temperature monitoring make those changes easier to see, so repairs can be planned rather than rushed. Add the oil-free design, which removes the need to check and replace coolant oil, and the result is a magnet built to keep working reliably with less hands-on attention.
For teams who want to learn the basics before talking to an engineer, the company’s website explains how belt magnets work and shows a self-cleaning magnet in operation.
Made locally, exported worldwide
Mechani Mags builds its products at its head office and workshop at 30 Bisset Road, JetPark, Boksburg, and exports them worldwide. Its dry magnet design is based on more than 50 years of experience in magnetic separation technology. Besides the DRY-TYPE electro-magnet, the range includes a rare earth ferrochrome magnet that separates ferrochrome from slag, and extra heavy-duty lifting magnets for scrap handling, ball loading and furnace loading.
Engineers, plant managers and procurement teams can see the full product range, specifications and support services at https://africanmagnets.com/.
About Mechani Mags
Mechani Mags is a South African company that manufactures conveyor magnets and magnetic separators for tramp metal removal in mining, processing and recycling. From its base in JetPark, Boksburg, it makes oil-free DRY-TYPE suspended overband belt magnets, ferrochrome magnets, lifting magnets and auxiliaries. It also provides repairs, upgrades, training, site inspections, compliance reports and gauss testing, and it supplies and supports clients in South Africa and abroad.
Media Contact
Mechani Mags
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +27 11 397 6870
Website: https://africanmagnets.com/
