How Magnetic Filtration Works | Eclipse Magnetics

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Home /  Magnetic Filtration / How Magnetic Filtration Works

Simple Operation with Outstanding Results

Magnetic filtration, also known as magnetic coolant separators, allows for fluid to flow around a magnetic rod or core. This high power neodymium magnets attract ferrous particles and removes them from machine coolant fluids, cutting fluids, oils and lubricants. Clean fluid is then returned to the machine, preventing costly repairs and extending the working life of the equipment. 

When the magnetic core becomes saturated with ferrous contamination, it can then be easily cleaned either manually or automatically. 

how do magnetic filters work

What Is Magnetic Filtration?

Magnetic filtration is the process of separating and removing ferrous contamination from a liquid through the use of a magnet. 

The high intensity magnet attracts ferrous (magnetic) contamination. This leads to the contamination sticking to the magnet. The magnetic core can then be removed from the filter, where the ferrous contamination can be cleaned from the magnet. 

Magnetic filtration systems are highly effective, removing even the smallest particles of contamination. In contrast, with a barrier filter such as a paper filter, the particles may pass through the paper if they are too small. This makes magnetic filters an effective method of removing ferrous contamination from liquids such as coolant, oil or cutting fluid.

Some magnetic filters require manual cleaning, such as the Micromag and Filtramag systems. However, automated magnetic filtration systems are also available, such as Autofiltrex and Automag. These systems are self-cleaning, keeping downtime to an absolute minimum. These systems also enable ferrous material to be reclaimed and recycled. 

High-Intensity Neodymium Magnetics with Optimum Flow Dynamics

High-quality neodymium magnets feature in our CNC machine coolant filtration, which are capable of attracting virtually all ferrous contamination, including ultra fine ferrous particles. The advanced magnetic core design creates a magnetic field pattern which ensures that the filters do not block, even in high-contamination applications.

Our design and development team has carried out careful analysis of fluid flow characteristics, ensuring that our range of filters are designed to optimise the fluid flow. As a result, contamination exposure to the magnet is maximised, ensuring  extremely efficient collection rates WITHOUT interrupting or reducing the fluid flow delivery to the machine. See how magnetic filters compare to traditional  filtration methods.

Fine Particle Filtration with no Blocking or Blinding

Traditional barrier filters such as paper media and cartridges are constrained by pore size. If the pore is too big then contamination continues to circulate, but if it is too small it blocks. See below:

barrier filter vs magnetic filter

Barrier Filtration vs Magnetic Filtration

We are often asked how our magnetic filtration systems compare to barrier filters, such as paper filters or cartridge filters. Here's a simple comparison: 

Barrier Filter

  • Particles smaller than the pore size remain in the fluid, reducing fluid efficiency and increasing wear on machinery and cutting tools.
  • Once full, the contaminated media is disposed of (along with fluid and ferrous waste held in it)
  • The filter can become clogged causing blinding and back pressure or even bursting.

Magnetic Filter

  • High-intensity magnets remove virtually all particles and clean fluid continues uninterrupted.
  • Once full, the contamination is removed from the magnet and can be recycled with minimal fluid loss (no consumables).
  • Patented magnetic design means that the filter will not block, so there is no blinding or pressure build up.

See how magnetic filtration compares to traditional fluid filters or separators

how to clean a magnetic filter

Cleaning Magnetic Filters

Cleaning magnetic filters is a simple process, and takes just a few minutes.

With our manual clean filter options such as Micromag and Filtramag+, the magnetic cores can be easily removed and scraped clean with a simple cleaning tool. The core is then replaced into the filter, where it will continue to collect ferrous particles. 

Alternatively, the Automag Skid and Autofiltrex range of magnetic filters provide fully automated "push-button" filtration options which remove ferrous debris, separate it from the process and reclaim the waste for recycling. This means that no manual cleaning is required, keeping your downtime to an absolute minimum. 

Related Products

Micromag Magnetic Filter

Micromag Magnetic Filter

Compact, high-performance grinding coolant filtration systems (flow rates up to 150 litres per min.)

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Autofiltrex AF3 - Automated Magnetic Filtration System

Autofiltrex Magnetic Filter

Automated magnetic filtration system with waste/fluid reclaim

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Automag Skid

Automag Skid Magnetic Filter

Automated clean filter, flow rates up to 10,000 litres per min.

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"We were delighted with the service provided by Eclipse Magnetics; from the initial site survey through to delivery."

Adrian Seeley, Production Supervisor at AB MAURI UK & Ireland

"I cannot begin to tell you how much it has helped our operation, the magnetic filtration unit has been a real problem solver it has surpassed all our expectations. Its cured a 30 year plague!"

Maintenance Manager at EXL Tube (Steel Ventures)

"This technology is economical, reliable and efficient. I believe that magnetic filtration technology is the future."

John Smith, MMTCI

"Magnetic filtration has dramatically cleaned up our fluids and improved the surface finish we can offer. It extracts around 50Kg per day of ferrous waste."

Facilities Manager, Milacron Machines (Sub-Contract Machining)

"We chose Eclipse Magnetics to supply our housed grid because they are a respected and well-established brand. They offered us a very competitive price, and the process of ordering and installation was straightforward and reliable."

Pat Richards, Chief Engineer at Simpsons Malt

“We are delighted with the Automag installation; it’s solved all the problems we were having previously with downtime and maintenance costs. The filter means that we are able to use recycled water, which is saving us £1000 per week!”

Kenneth McRae, Principle Engineer at Vallourec

"Here at Qualflow, we base our business on a philosophy of make the product simple to use, reliable and cost-effective. Eclipse Magnetics’ neodymium magnets offer the strongest magnetic performance, and are nickel plated, making them a cost effective.."

Justin Lawler Ph.D. MBA, Chief Technology Officer at Qualflow Systems Ltd

"The Ultralift Plus magnetic lifter from Eclipse Magnetics is the perfect solution for the pick-up and transportation of the ultrasonic calibration blocks in our facility"

John Crossley, NDT Technology Lead at the Nuclear AMRC

"The result is an aesthetically pleasing system, which is effective in trapping metal contaminants and is easy to clean..."

Ian Aunger at Roquette

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