Circular electromagnets are widely used in moving ferrous materials in industrial operations. Scrap, plates, blocks, coils and other metallic materials can be moved more quickly using the magnetic force generated by the equipment.

However, to achieve the expected performance, it is not enough to simply choose an electromagnet based on the indicated size or capacity.

Sizing needs to consider the actual characteristics of the operation.

Type of material, shape of the load, equipment used for movement and frequency of work are some of the factors that directly influence the choice.

Moving material makes a difference

One of the first points to be analyzed is the type of material that will be transported.

Circular electromagnets can act in the movement of different ferrous materials, such as:

• loose scrap;
• pressed scrap;
• plates;
• coils;
• blocks;
• metallic spheres.

Each material has different contact characteristics with the electromagnet.

A load made up of small pieces of scrap, for example, behaves differently than a flat sheet or compact block.

Therefore, total weight should not be the only data used to specify the equipment.

Weight, shape and distribution of load

The way the material is distributed also affects the lifting capacity.

In some operations, the electromagnet comes into contact with a relatively uniform surface. In others, it acts on irregular piles of scrap with different shapes and spaces between the pieces.

The better the contact between the magnetic field and the ferrous material, the better the conditions for movement.

Therefore, information such as the size of the parts, the shape of the load and the way the material is arranged need to be part of the technical analysis.

What equipment will do the moving?

Another important factor is understanding where the electromagnet will be installed.

These devices are typically used in systems such as:

• overhead cranes;
• porticos;
• machines intended for handling scrap.

ITAL highlights that circular electromagnets are also being increasingly used in specific machines for handling scrap.

Lifting equipment must be compatible with the weight of the electromagnet and the loads involved in the operation.

The analysis must consider the entire assembly, and not just the electromagnet alone.

Frequency of use

An operation that carries out punctual movements has different requirements than a process that works continuously over several shifts.

Frequency of use influences aspects such as:

• heating;
• work cycle;
• operational capacity;
• need for maintenance;
• sizing of the electrical system.

In industrial electromagnets, controlling the temperature is especially important, since the operation occurs through electrical coils.

The construction itself