Magnetic separator

Abstract

A magnetic probe for collecting ferromagnetic bodies within the space, the magnetic probe including a longitudinal axis, and a projection extending along the longitudinal axis and including a distal end extremity to be inserted into the space, wherein the distal end extremity includes a convex outer surface and a magnet configured to project a magnetic field from the distal end extremity into the space to attract and collect the ferromagnetic bodies within the space.

Description

MAGNETIC SEPARATORFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to device devices for detecting and removing magnetic material such as tramp iron and metal in material such as a bulk material, liquid and / or semi liquid / solid or mixture thereof, and more specifically related to a device which provides continuous capturing of unwanted magnetic material in a flow of material, while removing magnetic material and / or containments.

[0002] The invention has been developed to remove magnetic materials and impurities / contaminants from a generally continuous flow of a bulk material, liquid and / or semi liquid / solid being transported via a pipe, conveyor or the like. However, the invention may not be limited to this particular use.BACKGROUND

[0003] In a variety of applications, the detection and removal of magnetic materials from a flow of bulk materials and / or liquids etc may be important. Contaminants affect product purity and potential viability, but in some cases such as food products and consumables, may present health and safety concerns. In particular, contaminants are often also detrimental or harmful to downstream processing equipment.

[0004] Conventional systems / apparatuses / methods for removal of magnetic material and impurities from a stream of bulk material, liquid or semi liquids / solids include the use of stepped plate magnets mounted to project a magnetic field into the material flow and attract and hold any magnetic particles carried with the flow. For instance, these stepped plate magnets may be attached on the underside of a sloping chute or adapted to the base or sides of a rectangular housing in a convey pipe or gravity chute through or along which the material is transported.

[0005] The effectiveness of such arrangements are dependent in part upon the magnet field generated. Although rare earth magnets may be used which can project magnetic fields having a surface strength of up to 10000 gauss, there remain practical limitations to this technology. For example, it is difficult to seal against pressure and prevent product leakages, the mating surfaces being flat and subject to distortion, stepped plate magnets require frequent access and cleaningdue to shallow retention step / s. Step plate magnets of high magnetic intensity are heavy and difficult to access in a horizontal pipeline running close to a floor.

[0006] Conventional systems / apparatuses / methods also include pipeline magnets where the liquid, particulate or powder flow down the length of a housing wherein a bar magnet is disposed to be in line with the direction of material flow. This design provides very limited magnetic separation efficiency as weakly magnetic particles, if extracted, may sweep along and off the magnet and result in the extracted magnetic material being lost.

[0007] Conventional systems / apparatuses / methods also include magnets placed horizontally across a vertical product flow. In these systems, the magnetic particles in the crossflow situation being swept around the probe or bars into a haven or protected retention area of equally high pole junction strength as their upstream magnet surface. However, these systems may only be partially effective as the ends of such magnets are generally weakly magnetic and may result in poor separation efficiency particularly in horizontal product flows even though pole junctions along the barrel of the probe may project 10,000 gauss flux density.

[0008] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

[0009] There is therefore a need for an improved magnetic apparatus.

[0010] It is an object of the present invention to overcome and / or alleviate one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] In one broad form, the present invention includes a magnetic probe for collecting ferromagnetic bodies within a space, the magnetic probe including: a longitudinal axis, and a projection extending along the longitudinal axis and including a distal end extremity to be inserted into the space, wherein the distal end extremity includes a convex outer surface; and, a magnet configured to project a magnetic field from the distal end extremity into the space to attract and collect the ferromagnetic bodies within the space.

[0012] In one example, the magnet is a magnet assembly that includes a first magnet and a second magnet.

[0013] In one example, the projection includes a housing having an internal cavity for receiving the magnet.

[0014] In one example, the internal cavity includes an inner concave surface at the distal end extremity.

[0015] In one example, the first and second magnets are disposed in repulsion such that a pole of the first magnet is arranged facing a like pole of the second magnet.

[0016] In one example, the first magnet is substantially in the form of a hemisphere, the hemisphere including: a curved hemisphere top; and, a substantially flat hemisphere base.

[0017] In one example, the curved hemisphere top includes a pole and the substantially flat hemisphere base an opposite pole.

[0018] In one example, the second magnet is substantially in the form of a cylinder, the cylinder including: a substantially flat cylinder top; and, a substantially flat cylinder base.

[0019] In one example, the substantially flat cylinder top includes a pole and the substantially flat cylinder base includes an opposite pole.

[0020] In one example, the substantially flat hemisphere base is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0021] In one example, the second magnet is substantially in the form of a second hemisphere, the second hemisphere including: a second curved hemisphere top; and, a second substantially flat hemisphere base.

[0022] In one example, the second curved hemisphere top includes a pole and the second substantially flat hemisphere base includes an opposite pole.

[0023] In one example, the substantially second flat hemisphere base is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0024] In one example, the magnetic assembly abuts the inner concave surface.

[0025] In one example, the magnetic assembly is in a form complementary to the inner concave surface.

[0026] In one example, the projection is substantially in the form of a cylinder.

[0027] In one example, the projection has an outer surface that includes at least one of: two curved edges and a substantially flat edge that is substantially perpendicular to the body; two curved edges, a substantially flat edge that is substantially perpendicular to the body and two substantially flat edges that are not substantially perpendicular to the body; and, two curved edges, two substantially flat edges that are not substantially perpendicular to the body and a curved point.

[0028] In one example, wherein the housing includes a plurality of segments and wherein the plurality of segments includes at least one of: a distal end segment; a proximate end segment; and, one or more intermediate segments.

[0029] In one broad form, the present invention includes a system for collecting ferromagnetic bodies from a product, the system including: a magnetic probe, according to any one of claims 1 to 17, that is configured to collect ferromagnetic bodies from the product that includes ferromagnetic bodies; a transfer member that is configured to transport a product; and, wherein the transfer member includes the magnetic probe such that the product is subject to the magnetic field generated by the magnetic probe.

[0030] In one example, the transfer member is configured to continuously transport the product and is at least one of: a process chamber; a pipe; and, convey line.

[0031] In one example, the magnetic probe is configured to project through one side of the transfer member.

[0032] In one example, the magnet is not located within boundary layers formed between the transfer member and the product.

[0033] In one example, the ferromagnetic bodies are tramp iron.

[0034] In one example, the transfer member includes a removable fastener that is configured to connect to the magnetic probe and, when connected to the magnetic probe, prevents the magnetic probe from being removed from the transfer member.

[0035] In one example, the removable fastener connects to an exterior surface of the transfer member.

[0036] In embodiments, the distal hemispherical housing end is of same thickness as the housing in separating conditions where the probe is in contact or close contact with magnetic contamination and tramp iron to be extracted.

[0037] The end magnet of the invention is contrived to provide end strength at least equivalent to strength of radial pole junctions of prior art magnet probes.

[0038] The invention includes both the hemispherical housing end and the matching inner end magnet assembly which is a magnetic sphere having at least one high strength pole junction, created by a ferromagnetic plate between two hemispherical magnets having a central hole and being in repulsion to each other on their flat faces. Through the said hole is inserted a tube or bar threaded all the way or at one or both ends for the purpose of tightening the two hemispherical magnets against the said plate. Thickness of the plate can be varied according to the diameter of the spherical magnet to utilise the available magnetic flux. The finished outside diameter of the ferromagnetic plate is similar to the outside diameter of the housing and is rebated so that the housing and the hemispherical end are supported and align on the central rebate to butt against a central section of the plate protruding approximately to the outside diameter of the hemispherical housing end. After tightening the two hemispherical components in compression, the assembly may be low heat welded with 300 series stainless steel for hygienic reasons and permanency.

[0039] The independent prior construction of the inner magnetic sphere enables it to be rotated when installed into the housing, so that the high strength pole junction is presented either at the tip of the hemispherical ended housing, or between the rim of the hemispherical end and the parallel portion of the housing.

[0040] The former usually best suited to probe installations from above and the latter from underside of a product process chamber or product convey pipeline.

[0041] Generally, where the probe is to be introduced from the top of a product process chamber or a product pipeline, a parallel tubular section of the probe housing and the supporting member is long, passing through the conveyed burden to the bottom where tramp iron and magnetic fines is predominant due to gravity. In this orientation of the present invention, the hemispherical end prevents buildup under or upstream of the probe, without sacrificing end or probe tip strength - one or both of which are problems with flat bottomed or shaped end plugs of prior art.When the hemispherical ended probe is introduced from under or otherwise than from above the said chamber or pipeline, the support members obviously will be shorter and the hemispherical shape or part thereof exposed to the product stream by the present invention, prevents hang up of difficult materials, and can present the high strength pole junction at the bottom of the product flow without causing any buildup problems as can occur with conventional parallel magnet probes.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] To assist in understanding the invention and to enable a person skilled in the art to put the invention into practical effect, preferred embodiments of the invention are described below by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0043] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of a magnetic probe for collecting ferromagnetic bodies;

[0044] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an example of a system for collecting ferromagnetic bodies;

[0045] Figure 3 A is a schematic diagram of an example of a system for collecting ferromagnetic bodies;

[0046] Figure 3B is a schematic diagram of an example of a system for collecting ferromagnetic bodies;

[0047] Figure 3C is a schematic diagram of an example of a system for collecting ferromagnetic bodies; and,

[0048] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an example of a system for collecting ferromagnetic bodies;

[0049] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an example of a magnetic assembly;

[0050] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of an example of a magnetic assembly;

[0051] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an example of a magnetic assembly;

[0052] Figure 8A is an isometric view of an example of a magnetic assembly; and,

[0053] Figure 8B is an exploded view of an example of a magnetic assembly.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0054] The present invention relates to a magnetic probe, system and method for collecting ferromagnetic bodies. Elements of the invention are illustrated in concise outline form in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are necessary to understanding the embodiments of the present invention, but so as not to clutter the disclosure with excessive detail that will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the present description.

[0055] In this patent specification, adjectives such as first and second, left and right, above and below, top and bottom, upper and lower, rises and falls, upward and downward, etc., are used solely to define one element or method step from another element or method step without necessarily requiring a specific relative position or sequence that is described by the adjectives. Words such as “comprises” or “includes” are not used to define an exclusive set of elements or method steps. Rather, such words merely define a minimum set of elements or method steps included in a particular embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] A magnetic probe for collecting ferromagnetic bodies will now be described with reference to Figure 1.

[0057] The magnetic probe 100 for collecting ferromagnetic bodies within the space, includes a projection 110, a longitudinal axis 111, a distal end extremity 120, a generally convex outer surface 121 and a magnet 130.

[0058] The projection 110 extends along the longitudinal axis 111 and further includes the distal end extremity 120 that can be inserted into the space and includes a convex outer surface 121.

[0059] The magnet 130 is configured to project a magnetic field from the distal end extremity 120 into the space to attract and collect ferromagnetic bodies within the space. A person skilled in the art would appreciate that if the magnetic probe 100 included further magnets, that these further magnets (i.e. cylindrical magnets within the length of the projection 110) may also project magnetic fields to attract and collect ferromagnetic bodies.

[0060] When placed into the space, the magnetic probe 100 can be subject to the flow of product and / or ferromagnetic bodies with the space. The projected magnetic field can attract ferromagnetic bodies to the magnetic probe 100 without attracting other materials, such as a useful product, so they may be collected from the space without interfering with other materials.

[0061] The distal end extremity 120 includes the convex outer surface 121 can reduce the incidence of other materials becoming caught on the magnetic probe 100.

[0062] In this example, the distal end extremity 120 is substantially in the form of a hemisphere, or portion thereof, including an inner surface that has a concave shape, and the magnet 130 is substantially in the form of a hemisphere such that at least part of the magnet 130 fits complementary to the distal end extremity. A person skilled in the art would appreciate that the distal end extremity 120 and the magnet 130 can take other forms.

[0063] Conventional systems / apparatus / methods generally utilise magnets that can take the form of rectangular prisms, which include sharp edges that can catch materials as they pass the magnet. Over time, this can cause the magnet to be increasingly jammed with other materials and reducing the magnet’s ability to attract ferromagnetic bodies for collection.

[0064] In contrast, the convex outer surface 121 encourages other materials to slide off and or around the magnetic probe 100, rather than becoming jammed, which can reduce how often themagnetic probe 100 requires cleaning / maintenance and increase the magnet’s 130 ability to attract ferromagnetic bodies over an extended duration.

[0065] In this example, if a surface comprises a set of points, a surface is considered convex if all points of that set point outwards and away from the surface.

[0066] A number of further features will now be described.

[0067] In one example, the magnet 130 is a magnet assembly that includes a first magnet and a second magnet. Further, the first and second magnets may be disposed in repulsion such that a pole of the first magnet is arranged facing a like pole of the second magnet.

[0068] The stronger the magnetic field that can be generated by the magnetic probe 100, the more ferromagnetic material that can be attracted and collected by the magnetic probe 100. By utilising a magnetic assembly with a first magnet and second magnet, the poles of the two magnets can be held in repulsion with one other to create a higher strength pole junction at the end, which can improve the effectiveness of the magnetic probe’s 100 attractiveness to ferromagnetic materials. In particular, placing the two magnets in repulsion may allow for flux density approximately 10 kilogauss or more.

[0069] In one example, the projection 110 includes a housing having an internal cavity for receiving the magnet 130. Further, the internal cavity may include an inner concave surface at the distal end extremity 120. Additionally, the magnetic assembly may abut the inner concave surface.

[0070] The distal end extremity 120 including an inner concave surface and an outer convex surface 121 allows for the housing at the distal end extremity 120 to be shaped thinly, where the magnet 130 can be placed closer to the extreme end of the distal end extremity 120.

[0071] Minimising the average housing thickness at the distal end extremity 120 can reduce costs as less material is required to construct the magnetic probe 100. Placement of the magnet 130 closer to the extreme end of the distal end extremity 120 can reduce the distance between the magnet 130 and the ferromagnetic material in the space, increasing the effectiveness of the magnetic probe’s 100 capacity to attract / collect ferromagnetic materials.

[0072] In one example, the first magnet is substantially in the form of a hemisphere or portion thereof, the hemisphere including a curved hemisphere top and a substantially flat hemisphere base. Further, the curved hemisphere top includes a pole and the substantially flat hemisphere base an opposite pole. Additionally, the substantially flat hemisphere base may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 111.

[0073] The first magnet being in a substantially hemispherical form can allow the first magnet to tesselate with the inner concave surface, further reducing the average distance between the first magnet and the ferromagnetic materials.

[0074] Additionally, the hemispherical shape of the first magnet may project a more even magnetic field into the space. For example, the magnetic probe 100 may be placed into a cylindrical space such as a tunnel. The magnetic probe 100 may be positioned such that the first magnet, in a hemispherical form, is positioned in the centre of the tunnel. The hemispherical shape of the first magnet may allow for a more even projection of the magnetic field throughout the tunnel, allowing different sections of the tunnel to be more evenly subject to the magnetic field and improving the magnetic probe’s capacity to attract and collect ferromagnetic bodies.

[0075] In one example, the second magnet is substantially in the form of a cylinder, the cylinder including a substantially flat cylinder top and a substantially flat cylinder base. Further, the substantially flat cylinder top may include a pole and the substantially flat cylinder base includes an opposite pole.

[0076] In one example, the second magnet is substantially in the form of a second hemisphere, the second hemisphere including a second curved hemisphere top and a second substantially flat hemisphere base. Further, the second curved hemisphere top may include a pole and the second substantially flat hemisphere base includes an opposite pole. Additionally, the substantially second flat hemisphere base may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 111.

[0077] The first and second magnets being in a substantially hemispherical form can allow the first and second magnets to form a magnetic assembly that tessellates with the inner concave surface. As noted above, this can further reduce the average distance between the first magnet and the ferromagnetic materials and improve evenness of the magnetic field projected into the space.

[0078] The flat hemisphere base being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 111 causes the repulsion pole junction between the first and second magnets to abut the inner concave surface.

[0079] In one example, the projection 110 is substantially in the form of a cylinder. Further, the convex outer surface 121 is substantially in the form of two curved edges and a substantially flat edge that is substantially perpendicular to the body, two curved edges, a substantially flat edge that is substantially perpendicular to the body and two substantially flat edges that are not substantially perpendicular to the body and two curved edges, two substantially flat edges that are not substantially perpendicular to the body and a curved point.

[0080] A system for collecting ferromagnetic bodies will now be described with reference to Figure 2.

[0081] The system 200 includes a magnetic probe 100 and a transfer member 240.

[0082] The magnetic probe 100 is configured to collect ferromagnetic bodies from the product. The transfer member 240 is configured to transport a product that includes the ferromagnetic bodies and includes the magnetic probe 100 such that the product is subject to the magnetic field generated by the magnetic probe 100. Product containing ferromagnetic bodies can transfer through transfer member 240 and is subject to the magnetic field generated by the magnetic probe 100.

[0083] In this example, the distal end extremity 120 is disposed in the centre of the transfer member 240 and a person skilled in the art would understand that the distal end extremity 120 could be disposed in other locations with respect to the transfer member 240.

[0084] This allows for more effective attraction and collection of ferromagnetic bodies evenly distributed throughout the product.

[0085] In this example, the transfer member 240 is a circular pipeline and a person skilled in the art would understand that the transfer member 240 could take other forms.

[0086] A number of further features will now be described.

[0087] In one example, the transfer member 240 is configured to continuously transport the product and is at least one of a process chamber, a pipe, and a convey line. Continuous transportation of the product can allow for a more efficient attraction / collection of ferromagnetic bodies.

[0088] Where the transfer member 240 is a convey line, magnetic probes 100 may be held above the convey line itself, attracting ferromagnetic bodies from the product on the convey line up into the magnetic probes 100 above. With the magnet probes 100 not being in liquid communication with the product significantly reduces the potential for the magnetic probe 100 to be damaged or jammed with materials from the product that are not ferromagnetic bodies.

[0089] In one embodiment, the magnet is not located within boundary layers formed between the transfer member 240 and the product. Additionally, the ferromagnetic bodies are tramp iron.

[0090] The magnetic probe 100 or system 200 described above may be applied to liquid and bulk material conveying apparatus, including belt conveyors, vibrating conveyors, pipelines, blow lines, vacuum lines, liquid lines, chutes, discharge spill plates, conveying product flows in a sloping, horizontal, or vertical plane.

[0091] The magnetic probe 100 may also be disposed into food product lines, such as horizontal, sloping or vertical pipelines, blow lines, chutes or ducts, conveying stock. The product lines may also be pet food streams or for processing materials such as food powders, granular products or liquids (containing or absent particulates), where it is desirable to remove ferromagnetic bodies.

[0092] In these product lines, these ferromagnetic bodies may be fine contaminants which are suspending in the body of a viscous product such that gravity is an insufficient mechanism for removing these contaminants from the product stream.

[0093] A conventional system / apparatus may not be able to efficiently extract small (less than 3mm in length) or weakly magnetic bodies, that are transported via gravity along the bottom of horizontally disposed conveying surfaces. A limitation of conventional magnetic separation probes and bars, is that they provide much lower gauss at the magnet “end” than is obtainable at pole junctions along the magnet.

[0094] An example of a magnetic assembly will now be described with reference to Figures 3 A to 3C.

[0095] System 200 includes a magnetic probe 100 and a transfer member 240. Product that contains ferromagnetic materials is transferred within transfer member 240, which in this example takes the form of a cylindrical pipeline.

[0096] In Figures 3 A and 3B, the ferromagnetic bodies may be in the form of fine materials which spread relatively evenly throughout the product mixture. As such, most of the ferromagnetic bodies present within the product are located within the central section of the transfer member 240 and are indicated by dotted lines 241.

[0097] The magnetic probe 100 is inserted from the top side of the transfer member 240, allowing a first magnet 131 and a second magnet 132 to be disposed at any desirable depth within the transfer member 240. This can allow the magnetic field emitted by the first magnet 131 and the second magnet 132 to influence sections of the product that are more densely filled with ferromagnetic bodies, to more effectively collect ferromagnetic bodies.

[0098] Insertion through the top of the transfer member 240 allows for the insertion / removal of the magnetic probe 100 with minimal spillage of product and may allow for the transfer member 240 to continue to operate while the magnetic probe 100 is removed for maintenance or replacement.

[0099] In Figure 3 A, the first magnet 131 and the second magnet 132 are disposed such that the high strength pole junction formed between them is parallel compared to the flow of product. In Figure 3B, the first magnet 131 and the second magnet 132 are disposed such that the high strength pole junction formed between them is perpendicular compared to the flow of product. Depending on the flow speed, ferromagnetic body density and shape, different orientations of the high strength pole junction may allow for more effective attraction and collection of ferromagnetic bodies.

[0100] In Figure 3C, the ferromagnetic bodies may be in the form of dense materials which are, relatively to the buoyancy of the product, more affected by gravitational forces. As such, most of the ferromagnetic bodies present within the product to the lower section of the transfer member 240 and are indicated by dotted lines 241.

[0101] The magnetic probe 100 is inserted from the bottom side of the transfer member 240, allowing a first magnet 131 and a second magnet 132 to be disposed at near the lower parts of the transfer member 240. This can allow the magnetic field emitted by the first magnet 131 and the second magnet 132 to influence sections of the product that are more densely filled with ferromagnetic bodies, to more effectively collect ferromagnetic bodies.

[0102] Insertion through the bottom of the transfer member 240 allows for the placement of the magnetic probe 100 near the bottom of the transfer member 240, requiring a shorter magnetic probe 100 compared to insertion through the top of the transfer member 240. A shorter magnetic probe 100 will require less resources to manufacture and / or store.

[0103] In Figure 3C, the first magnet 131 and the second magnet 132 are disposed such that the high strength pole junction formed between them is parallel compared to the flow of product.

[0104] An example of a magnetic assembly will now be described with reference to Figure 4.

[0105] System 200 includes a magnetic probe 100 and a transfer member 240. Product that contains ferromagnetic materials is transferred within transfer member 240, which in this example takes the form of a cylindrical pipeline.

[0106] The ferromagnetic bodies may be in the form of dense materials which are, relatively to the buoyancy of the product, more affected by gravitational forces. As such, most of the ferromagnetic bodies present within the product to the lower section of the transfer member 240 and are indicated by dotted lines 241. Additionally, the product may include large, nonferromagnetic bodies, such as animal products (i.e. poultry limbs) and stringy products (i.e. spaghetti) which are prone to wrapping around cylindrical objects.

[0107] In this example, the magnetic probe 100 is disposed within the transfer member 240 such that only part of the magnets 131, 132 are disposed within the transfer member 240. With only part of the magnets 131, 132 disposed within the transfer member 240, it reduces the propensity for larger non-ferromagnetic bodies to be caught on the magnetic probe 100.

[0108] The first magnet 131 and the second magnet 132 are disposed such that the high strength pole junction formed between them is perpendicular compared to the flow of product so that the magnetic field projects radially from the tip 122 of the magnetic probe 100. This allows the magnets 131, 132 to project a magnetic field into the transfer member 240 to attract and collect ferromagnetic bodies even when only a small portion of the magnets 131, 132 are disposed within the transfer member 240.

[0109] A magnet assembly will now be described with reference to Figure 6.

[0110] A probe 100 includes a housing 300 and magnet assembly 500. The housing 300 includes a hemispherical distal end 4 which can be inserted into a process chamber 27 which transports a product containing ferromagnetic bodies. In this example, the process chamber 27 is in the form of a cylindrical pipeline, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that the process chamber 27 could take other forms such as horizontal or sloping product convey lines.

[0111] The process chamber 27 is configured to transport product, which could include damaging tramp iron and stringy materials (i.e. spaghetti and cheese curds). In a conventional apparatus / system, these stringy materials could wrap around a conventional probe.

[0112] Further shown in Fig 5, the magnetic probe may enter the process chamber 27 through the cap 29. A person skilled in the art would appreciate that other couplings or removable door plates could be utilised, such that the hemispherical distal end’s 4 penetration into the process chamber 27 is limited to near the center of the process chamber 27.

[0113] A high strength pole junction 64 is formed as the north pole of hemispherical magnet 50 is held in repulsion to the north pole of the cylindrical magnet 55. The hemispherical magnet 50 and the cylindrical magnet 55 are of equivalent magnetic volume and force output.

[0114] In this example, cap 29 of coupling 36 aligns the high strength pole junction 64 in the position of hemispherical rim 5 so it is aligned with an proximal inner wall 73 of the process chamber 27 where ferromagnetic bodies are most likely to be present due to gravity.

[0115] The high strength pole junction 64 can project a flux density that is at least 10 kilogauss at corresponding positions on an outer surface 2 of the housing 300.

[0116] The depth of the probe is controlled by a coupling 36 which preferably comprises a try-clamp 34 of and cap 29 having a seal 28 and mating ferrule 32 which is welded to a magnet entry port 33, of a process chamber 27. Cap 29 is bored out and welded to the housing 300 prior to fitting of a short or long magnet assembly 500 so that when fitted the junction 42 is approximately at rim 5.

[0117] There is a necessary gap 57 between the annulus 56 and outer surface 2 of the housing 300, to enable withdrawal of collected ferromagnetic bodies.

[0118] As this gap 57 could be a hygiene or CIP cleaning issue, it is preferably minimised by an austenitic stainless steel ring spacer 58 or a flexible food grade rubber, Teflon, Viton or Polyurethane elastomer.

[0119] Further shown in Figure 5, a sealing bush 59 is configured to seal against the outer surface 2 of the housing 300. As the housing 300 is uncoupled and withdrawn from the processing chamber 27, the seal is removed. In this example, the outside diameter of sealing bush 59 is slightly less than the internal diameter of annulus 56.

[0120] Spacer ring 58 is welded to housing barrel 1 at about the rim 5. The spacer ring 58 may also seal welded at junction 76 of ring 58 with the flat face of cap 29, such that the magnetic assembly 500 is permitted to slide out of ferrule 32 on removal of the magnetic assembly 500 from the process chamber 27 or from a product convey pipeline for cleaning.

[0121] A mounting plug 21 is welded to housing barrel 1 at a proximal end 8. Seal 59 is removably attached to the outer surface of the barrel 1 portion of the housing 300 so as to remove with the magnetic assembly 500 when it is withdrawn for cleaning.

[0122] Either protrusion 60 or ring 61 connects to a corresponding groove 63 in the internal diameter of seal 59. The seal 59 is nevertheless designed to be flexible enough to be removable from housing barrel 1 to enable sanitising of the housing barrel 1 and the total surface area of seal 59.

[0123] A short SS handle 62, comprising typically of an eye nut or eye bolt 62, or a long SS handle 24 may be attached to mounting plug 21. This attachment may be facilitated byfastening the short SS handle 62 or the long SS handle 24 to mounting plug 21 via stud 25 and threaded hole 23, which goes through the full thickness of plug 21.

[0124] Before attaching short SS handle 62 or long SS handle 24, an independent grub screw 75 is used to provide a downward force to a non-magnetic spacer 51 or direct to cylindrical magnet 55 to hold the magnet assembly 500 closely to inner surface 3 of the hemispherical end 4 of housing 300. The short SS handle 62 or long SS handle 24 may be welded to plug 21 or locked with thread lock.

[0125] An example of a magnetic assembly will now be described with reference to Figure 7.

[0126] Figure 7 shows a variation of the magnetic assembly 500 described in Fig 6. In this example, a high strength pole junction 42 is disposed at tip 7 of hemispherical distal end 4, and between tip 7 and rim 5. The spherical magnetic assembly 85, as depicted in Fig 6, is rotated 45 degrees so that the pole junction is in line with housing 300 central axis 90 and fitted into the housing 300.

[0127] Depending on the form of the processing chamber 27, the nature of the product transported by the processing chamber 27 and the orientation of the magnetic assembly 500 relative to the processing chamber 27, this alternative magnet orientation may provide more effective attraction and collection of ferromagnetic bodies. Said short version of barrel 1 of housing 300, after welding on of coupling 36 as previously described, is placed a magnetic assembly 500 wherein the flat face 78 of a hemispherical magnet 50 is abutted to the like pole flat face 78 of another hemispherical magnet 50 to create a magnetic sphere 85 shown on fig 7, Preferably the high strength pole junction 42 so formed has a Ferro-magnetic spacer plate 64 between the two magnets 50 which is disposed in line with the housing central axis 90 so as, after assembly, to contact the internal surface 3 of hemispherical end 4 of housing 300 at tip 7.

[0128] The ferromagnetic pole spacer 64 may be extended so as to position in a groove, countersink 64 (B) or rebate milled in the internal surface 3 of thickness 6 of housing 300 so as to produce higher flux density on the outer surface 2 at and about tip 7, so as to maximise magnetic holding power to magnetic fragments.

[0129] After the magnetic sphere 85 has been placed in the housing 300, an austenitic SS mounting plug 21, which has a threaded central hole 23, can be welded to the housing end 8.

[0130] In this example, fastener 600 takes the form of a long series socket type grub screw 75 or equivalent which is then screwed in and tightened when it engages with flat surface or edge of ferromagnetic plate 64. Handle 24 with stud 25 or eye bolt 62 can now be screwed into the threaded hole 23 then thread locked or welded.

[0131] A system will now be described with reference to Figures 8 A and 8B.

[0132] The system 200 includes a transfer member 240. Product that contains ferromagnetic materials is transferred within transfer member 240, which in this example takes the form of a cylindrical pipeline. Transfer member 240 includes a plurality of magnetic probe openings, a first opening 242, a second opening 243, a third opening 244 and a fourth opening 245.

[0133] The system 200 also includes a plurality of magnetic probes, a first magnetic probe 101, a second magnetic probe 102, a third magnetic probe 103 and a fourth magnetic probe 104. The magnetic probes 101, 102, 103, 104 may also be disposed along different lengths of the transfer member 240. The openings 242, 243, 244, 245 are configured to receive the magnetic probes 101, 102, 103, 104.

[0134] Figure 8A shows the system 200, where the magnetic probes 101, 102, 103, 104 are disposed into the openings 242.243, 244, 245 and 8B shows an exploded view of the same.

[0135] As product, containing ferromagnetic bodies, flows through the transfer member 240, the product is subject to magnetic fields generated by the magnetic probes 101, 102, 103, 104. Magnetic probes 101, 102, 103, 104 may also be disposed at different orientations relative to the transfer member 240 (i.e. first magnetic probe 101 in a bottom quadrant, second magnetic probe 102 in a right quadrant, third magnetic probe 103 in a top quadrant, fourth magnetic probe 104 in a left quadrant) so that more of the product flow is subject to stronger magnetic forces, making the attraction and collection of ferromagnetic bodies more effective.

[0136] In this specification, the terms “comprise”, “comprises”, “comprising” or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a system, method or apparatusthat comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed.

[0137] The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. Numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, this patent specification is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1) A magnetic probe for collecting ferromagnetic bodies within the space, the magnetic probe including a longitudinal axis, and a projection extending along the longitudinal axis and including: a) a distal end extremity to be inserted into the space, wherein the distal end extremity includes a convex outer surface; and, b) a magnet configured to proj ect a magnetic field from the distal end extremity into the space to attract and retain the ferromagnetic bodies within the space and wherein at least part of the magnet fits complementary to the distal end extremity.2) The magnetic probe according to claim 1, wherein the magnet is a magnet assembly that includes a first magnet and a second magnet.3) The magnetic probe according to claim 2, wherein the projection includes a housing having an internal cavity for receiving the magnet.4) The magnetic probe according to claim 3, wherein the internal cavity includes an inner concave surface at the distal end extremity.5) The magnetic probe according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first and second magnets are disposed in repulsion such that a pole of the first magnet is arranged facing a like pole of the second magnet.6) The magnetic probe according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the first magnet is substantially in the form of a hemisphere, the hemisphere including: a) a curved hemisphere top; and, b) a substantially flat hemisphere base.7) The magnetic probe according to claim 6, wherein the curved hemisphere top includes a pole and the substantially flat hemisphere base an opposite pole.8) The magnetic probe according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the second magnet is substantially in the form of a cylinder, the cylinder including: a) a substantially flat cylinder top; and, b) a substantially flat cylinder base.9) The magnetic probe according to claim 8, wherein the substantially flat cylinder top includes a pole and the substantially flat cylinder base includes an opposite pole.10) The magnetic probe according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the substantially flat hemisphere base is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.11) The magnetic probe according to any one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the second magnet is substantially in the form of a second hemisphere, the second hemisphere including: a) a second curved hemisphere top; and, b) a second substantially flat hemisphere base.12) The magnetic probe according to claim 11, wherein the second curved hemisphere top includes a pole and the second substantially flat hemisphere base includes an opposite pole.13) The magnetic probe according to any one of claims 6, 7, 11 or 12, wherein the substantially second flat hemisphere base is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.14) The magnetic probe according to any one of claims 3 to 13, wherein the magnetic assembly abuts the inner concave surface.15) The magnetic probe according to claim 14, wherein the magnetic assembly is in a form complementary to the inner concave surface.16) The magnetic probe according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the projection is substantially in the form of a cylinder.17) The magnetic probe according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the projection has a shaped outer surface that includes at least one of: a) two curved edges and a substantially flat edge that is substantially perpendicular to the body; b) two curved edges, a substantially flat edge that is substantially perpendicular to the body and two substantially flat edges that are not substantially perpendicular to the body; and, c) two curved edges, two substantially flat edges that are not substantially perpendicular to the body and a curved point.18) The magnetic probe according to any one of claims 3 to 17, wherein the housing includes a plurality of segments and wherein the plurality of segments includes at least one of: a) a distal end segment; b) a proximate end segment; and, c) one or more intermediate segments.19) The magnetic probe according to claim 18, wherein at least one of: a) the distal end segment includes the magnetic assembly; b) the one or more intermediate segments include at least one tertiary magnet; and, c) the proximate end segment does not include the magnetic assembly nor the at least one tertiary magnet.20) The magnetic probe according to any one of claims 2 to 19, wherein the magnetic assembly includes ferromagnetic plate disposed between the first magnet and the second magnet.21) The magnetic probe according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the convex outer surface extends in a plurality of directions.22) A system for collecting ferromagnetic bodies from a product, the system including: a) a magnetic probe, according to any one of claims 1 to 21, that is configured to collect ferromagnetic bodies from the product that includes ferromagnetic bodies; b) a transfer member that is configured to transport a product; and, c) wherein the transfer member includes the magnetic probe such that the product is subject to the magnetic field generated by the magnetic probe.23) The system according to claim 22, wherein the transfer member is configured to continuously transport the product and is at least one of: a) a process chamber; b) a mainiford; c) a pipe; and, d) convey line.24) The system according to claim 22 or claim 23, wherein the magnetic probe is configured to project through one side of the transfer member.25) The system according to claim 24, wherein the magnet is not located within boundary layers formed between the transfer member and the product.26) The system according to any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein the ferromagnetic bodies are tramp iron.27) The system according to any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein the transfer member includes a removable fastener that is configured to connect to the magnetic probe and, when connected to the magnetic probe, prevents the magnetic probe from being removed from the transfer member.28) The system according to claim 27, wherein the removable fastener connects to an exterior surface of the transfer member.29) The system according to claim 17 and any one of claims 22 to 28, wherein the shaped outer surface is in fluid communication with the product.30) The system according to any one of claims 22 to 29, wherein the magnetic probe is disposed within the transfer member such that at least a part of the magnet is disposed within the transfer member.31) The system according to any one of claims 22 to 30, wherein the magnetic probe is disposed within the transfer member such that only a part of the magnet is disposed within the transfer member.32) The system according to any one of claims 22 to 31, wherein the system includes a plurality of magnetic probes and wherein each of the magnetic probes are configured to be disposed at different parts of the transfer member.33) The system according to claim 32, wherein each of the magnetic probes are configured to be disposed within the transfer member at different orientations.34) A method for attracting and collecting ferromagnetic bodies, the method including: a) installing a transfer member configured to transfer product containing ferromagnetic bodies; b) disposing a magnetic probe, according to any one of claims 1 to 21, at least partially within the transfer member, wherein the magnetic probe is configured to collect ferromagnetic bodies from the product; c) transferring product via the transfer member such that the product flows within the magnetic fields generated by the magnetic probe; d) attracting and collecting ferromagnetic bodies to the magnetic probe.

Images