New higher-specification metal detector for quarries
With visitors from over 80 countries around the world, Hillhead 2007 provided an ideal venue for the global launch of the Metalarm MA3600 metal detector from Eriez Magnetics. The innovative MA3600 uses pulse induction technology that offers balanced coil detection sensitivity and performance, resulting in a high-specification metal detector well suited to the arduous conditions found in quarries and mines.
Representing the latest addition to the successful Metalarm range, the MA3600 is said to outperform all existing pulse induction detection systems on the market. Driven by the specific needs of customers, the product’s development programme centred on several key features, including higher detection sensitivity, to ensure that even the smallest problematic tramp metal can be detected, thus providing better protection for crushers, screens and conveyor belts.
There are two versions of the MA3600: the Eagle and the Hawk. The Hawk coil is for standard applications with a sensitivity that is typically 5%+ of aperture height, while the Eagle coil is used where especially high sensitivities are required, nominally 2%+ of the aperture height. The search coils themselves are manufactured from high-density polyethylene and are fully screened to comply with EU EMC regulations.
High levels of sensitivity are maintained, even at high belt speeds. The Hawk model can also be used with steel-corded belts and highly conductive products such as iron ore, giving the operator much greater flexibility and protection.
Manufactured at the Eriez European manufacturing facility near Cardiff, the MA3600 is supplied as a flat pack and is simple to assemble. When installing the device there is no need to cut the conveyor belt as the unit can be assembled in situ.
The MA3600 is microprocessor based with self-diagnostics and fault indication as standard. This allows the operating frequency to be varied to suit different applications and sensitivities. The control has a 20-segment LED signal display and a dual channel for metal and belt-clip signals with coarse and fine sensitivity control.
A significant new development is the hardware and software filtering algorithm, which gives enhanced immunity from electrical interference from plant equipment such as motors, inverters, screens etc.
The control unit itself, which is IP66 rated and can be supplied either with a steel paint finish or in stainless steel with an anti-condensation heater, can be easily mounted on walls or framework local to the metal detector.
Eriez say the MA3600 allows for a wide range of optional extras. An exterior alarm can be used to notify operators that metal has been detected and this is often used in conjunction with a dropper to identify where the metal is located. When there are occasional high burdens of material a swing-away top coil is utilized to prevent detector damage (a high-burden detector can also be used). In addition, the device can be manufactured to comply with ATEX 22 for special locations, while report generation, local or remote on/off and sensitivity control and a healthy signal relay are all features available with the new design of control.
Eriez Magnetics Europe Ltd, Bedwas House Industrial Estate, Bedwas, Caerphilly CF83 8YG; tel: (029) 2086 8501; fax: (029) 2085 1314; email: [email protected]; website: www.eriez.com
