Corvelan · Magnetic Separation Equipment

Drum Magnetic Separator

We supply drum magnetic separators for removing ferrous contamination and recovering magnetic material from dry bulk materials and wet slurry. Tell us what material you process and what you want to separate. We can help you choose a dry drum, wet drum or another magnetic separator if a drum is not the right choice.

Dry, free-flowing material A dry drum is normally the first type to compare.
Slurry or pulp A wet drum is normally the first type to compare.
Main jobs Remove tramp iron, recover magnetic material or keep a non-magnetic product cleaner.
Gauss is not the whole answer Feed depth, particle size, drum speed and how material reaches the drum also matter.
Get a Drum Separator Recommendation Compare Dry and Wet Drums
CoverLan dry drum magnetic separator complete unit for dry bulk ferrous separation
Dry drum magnetic separator for continuous separation of dry, free-flowing bulk material.
CoverLan wet drum magnetic separator units for magnetic separation in slurry
Wet drum magnetic separator for continuous magnetic recovery from slurry or pulp.

Is a Drum Magnetic Separator Right for Your Material?

Start with how your material behaves. Dry material that spreads freely normally uses a dry drum. Slurry or pulp normally uses a wet drum. Slight moisture does not automatically rule out a dry drum, but sticky material, weak magnetic response and non-ferrous targets can change the choice.

Dry and Free-Flowing

Start with a Dry Drum Magnetic Separator.

If the material spreads evenly and the target is strongly magnetic, a dry drum is normally the first type to compare.

Slurry or Pulp

Start with a Wet Drum Magnetic Separator.

Then check particle size, solids content, flow and whether you care more about magnetic recovery or product cleanliness.

Slightly Damp but Still Free-Flowing

A dry drum may still be suitable.

Moisture becomes a bigger problem when it causes buildup, bridging, lumps or uneven feeding.

Sticky, Bridging or Clumped

Do not choose a larger drum to solve a feeding problem.

If the material sticks to the chute, forms lumps or arrives in surges, the feeder, chute or material condition may need to change first.

Very Fine or Weakly Magnetic

Do not choose a standard drum only because the material is magnetic.

Fine, weakly magnetic material may need a higher-intensity separator or material testing before you choose the machine.

Aluminum, Copper or Other Non-Ferrous Metal

Choose another separation technology.

A magnetic drum is not the normal choice when the main target is a non-magnetic non-ferrous metal.

Dry or Wet Drum Magnetic Separator—Which Should You Choose?

Choose a dry drum for dry or slightly damp material that still flows freely. Choose a wet drum when separation takes place in slurry or pulp. If the material is sticky, very fine or only weakly magnetic, dry versus wet is not enough to make the final choice.

Dry separation

Dry Drum Magnetic Separator for Dry Bulk Ferrous Separation

Dry drum magnetic separator drum shaft motor and drive assembly

Best for: dry or slightly damp material that still flows and spreads across the drum.

Good choice when: you need continuous ferrous removal or recovery of a strongly magnetic fraction.

Do not choose this first when: the feed bridges, sticks, forms large lumps or the target is very weakly magnetic.

What changes the final choice: particle size, material layer depth, throughput, magnetic response and available drum width.

Send us: material, target, particle size, throughput, moisture and installation space.

View Dry Drum Magnetic Separator
Wet separation

CTS(N.B.) Series Wet Drum Magnetic Separator

Wet drum magnetic separator drum tank bearing and drive assembly

Best for: magnetic separation in slurry or pulp.

Good choice when: the target has useful magnetic response and needs continuous recovery or removal.

Check what matters more: higher magnetic recovery or a cleaner magnetic product. These goals can change how the wet drum needs to work with the slurry.

Do not choose this first when: the target is only weakly magnetic and a standard wet drum may not provide enough separation.

Send us: slurry material, particle size, solids information, flow or throughput, target and installation details.

View CTS(N.B.) Wet Drum Magnetic Separator

What Do You Want to Remove or Recover?

The right drum depends on what you want to keep and what you want to remove. The same material can need a different drum setup when the product goal changes.

Remove Tramp Iron

Use this when bolts, wire, iron fragments or other ferrous contamination must be removed before they damage equipment or contaminate the product.

Tell us: the iron size, how much may be present, material layer depth, feed width and where the removed iron can fall.

Recover Magnetic Material

Use this when the magnetic fraction itself is the product you want to recover or upgrade.

Tell us: material type, particle size, magnetic response and whether recovering more magnetic material or producing a cleaner magnetic product matters more.

Keep the Non-Magnetic Product Clean

Use this when the non-magnetic stream is the valuable product and magnetic contamination needs to be reduced.

Tell us: what magnetic contamination remains now and how much good material can be lost with the magnetic fraction.

Separate Fine or Weakly Magnetic Material

Do not assume a standard drum is the right machine. Very fine or weakly magnetic particles may need a higher-intensity separator.

Send us: the material details or a representative sample if the magnetic response is uncertain.

The Same Material Can Need a Different Setup

If the Magnetic Fraction Is Your Product

Focus on recovering useful magnetic material without losing too much of it into the non-magnetic stream.

Low recovery matters most when valuable magnetic material is leaving with the waste or clean stream.

If the Non-Magnetic Fraction Is Your Product

Focus on keeping magnetic contamination out of the clean product without carrying away too much good non-magnetic material.

A setup that captures more magnetic material is not automatically better if it also removes too much good product.

If the Main Goal Is Equipment Protection

The question changes again. The drum needs to remove damaging tramp iron before it reaches the crusher, mill or other downstream equipment.

In this case, tramp size, feed depth and where the separator is installed can matter more than product purity.

How Does a Drum Magnetic Separator Work?

Material passes over or through a rotating drum. A magnetic system inside the drum attracts ferrous or magnetic particles. These particles stay with the drum longer, while non-magnetic material falls away sooner.

1. Feed the Material Evenly

The material should spread across the useful drum width. A deep pile or one-sided feed can hide magnetic particles and reduce separation.

2. Bring the Target Close Enough to the Magnet

The target particles need to pass close enough to the magnetic system to be attracted. Particle size, weight and magnetic response all matter.

3. Keep the Two Products Apart

A splitter, chute or tank outlet keeps the magnetic and non-magnetic products separate after they leave the drum. Good separation is wasted if the two streams mix again.

Wet drum magnetic separator working principle showing slurry feed rotating drum magnetic fraction and non-magnetic stream
Wet-drum example showing how slurry enters the tank, magnetic material follows the rotating drum, and the non-magnetic stream follows the slurry path. Dry drums use the same basic magnetic attraction principle, but the material is presented without a slurry tank.

What Changes the Result?

Same Particle, Deeper Material Layer

A magnetic particle may be captured in a thin layer but missed when it is buried under much more material.

What this means: the same drum can give a different result when feed depth changes.

Magnetic Material Is Still Locked Inside Another Particle

Sometimes the magnetic part has not separated from the surrounding non-magnetic material. In mineral processing, this is often called mineral liberation.

What this means: changing the magnet alone may not solve the problem if the particles are not sufficiently separated from each other first.

Same Gauss, Different Separation Result

Two drums with a similar surface Gauss reading can still perform differently when feed depth, particle size, drum speed or material condition is different.

What this means: Gauss is useful information, but it cannot tell you recovery, product cleanliness or throughput by itself.

Which Drum Magnetic Separator Fits Your Material?

Look at the conditions together, not one at a time. Dry versus wet is only the first question. Moisture, particle size, magnetic response, feed stability and the product you want can change the answer.

Your actual condition Usually choose Why / what to check next
Dry + free-flowing + strongly magnetic target Dry Drum Magnetic Separator Confirm particle size, material layer depth, throughput, feed width and where both products will discharge.
Dry + slightly damp + still free-flowing Dry drum can still fit Moisture itself is not the main problem. Check whether it causes buildup, bridging, lumps or uneven feeding.
Dry + damp + sticky or bridging Do not choose the drum size yet Fix the feeding, drying or buildup problem first. A larger drum does not solve material that cannot reach the magnetic area evenly.
Dry + fine + strongly magnetic Dry drum may fit Keep the material layer thin and stable. Fine material can be harder to feed evenly.
Dry + fine + weakly magnetic Compare a higher-intensity separator Do not assume a standard drum is enough only because the particles have some magnetic response.
Dry + coarse material + large tramp iron over a conveyor Compare a suspended or overband magnet If the main job is pulling large tramp iron from a conveyor load, a suspended magnet may fit the material flow better than a drum.
Wet + strongly magnetic + recovery is the main goal Wet Drum Magnetic Separator Confirm particle size, solids content, flow and how much magnetic material enters the drum.
Wet + strongly magnetic + cleaner magnetic product is the main goal Wet drum, but pay more attention to product cleanliness Capturing more magnetic material is not enough if too much non-magnetic material travels with it.
Wet + high solids + unstable flow Wet drum may fit, but use real peak conditions Do not size from an average flow that hides surges. Tell us the normal and highest expected feed condition.
Wet + fine + weakly magnetic Do not assume a standard wet drum A higher-intensity wet separator may be needed. Material details or testing can help when the response is uncertain.
Higher throughput + same drum width Check material layer depth before simply choosing a larger drum More material per hour can make the layer deeper. If the extra feed is also uneven, fix distribution first.
Same material + goal changes from higher recovery to cleaner product Review the drum setup again The product goal changed, so the best balance between capture and carryover may also change.
Aluminum, copper or another non-magnetic non-ferrous target Use another separation technology Compare an eddy-current separator or another system made for the actual target metal.
Higher throughput does not automatically mean “choose a bigger drum.” If the extra material is spread evenly, more working width or capacity may be needed. If the material is simply piling in the center, correct the feeder first. When bulk density changes significantly, send us both throughput and bulk density so the real load is clear.

What Affects Drum Magnetic Separator Performance?

Use the problem you can see to decide what to check first. Low recovery, dirty magnetic product and unstable results can come from different causes, so one fix does not work for every case.

You see: magnetic material still in the non-magnetic stream, and the feed layer is deep.

Check the Material Layer First

Reduce the layer depth or spread the material across more of the drum width.

How to tell: the lower particles are buried under a thick upper layer, or the result improves when the feed rate drops.

You see: magnetic recovery is low even with a thin, steady feed.

Check More Than Feed Depth

Look at magnetic response, particle size, how well the magnetic material is released, drum speed and whether the drum type matches the target.

How to tell: reducing feed depth does not make a meaningful difference.

You see: magnetic recovery looks good, but the magnetic product is dirty.

Check Carryover and Product Separation

Too much non-magnetic material may be travelling with the magnetic fraction.

Check first: feed depth, drum speed, splitter or outlet position, and whether magnetic and non-magnetic material are still locked together.

You see: separation is good at one time and poor later in the day.

Check What Changed in the Feed

Do not assume the magnet suddenly became weaker.

Check first: throughput surges, moisture, particle-size changes, slurry solids, feed distribution and how much magnetic material is entering.

You see: most material falls onto one side of the drum.

Fix the Feeder or Chute First

A larger drum will not solve uneven loading if much of the available drum width is not being used.

How to tell: wear, buildup or material flow is concentrated on one side.

You see: separation looks correct at the drum, but the two products mix afterward.

Fix the Outlets

Keep the magnetic and non-magnetic materials on separate paths after they leave the drum.

How to tell: clean streams at the drum become mixed again in the chute, hopper or next conveyor.

When Should You Choose Another Magnetic Separator?

A drum is a good choice when you need continuous separation and two separate product streams. Another magnetic separator may be better when the material flow, target size or type of contamination needs a different contact method.

A Drum Separator Is a Good Choice When

  • You need continuous ferrous removal or magnetic material recovery.
  • Dry material can flow across the drum, or wet material is already in slurry or pulp.
  • The target has enough magnetic response for the drum type being considered.
  • The magnetic and non-magnetic products can leave through separate outlets.

Choose Another Separator When

  • Pneumatic conveying: compare an inline magnetic separator made for the conveying line.
  • Large tramp iron above a conveyor: compare a suspended magnet or overband magnet.
  • Conveyor-head separation: compare a magnetic head pulley.
  • Gravity-fed fine powder: compare a grate, drawer or another high-contact magnetic separator when the material can pass close to the magnetic surfaces.
  • Very fine or weakly magnetic material: compare a higher-intensity separator.
  • Aluminum or copper: use a separation method for non-ferrous metals.
  • You only need metal detection: use a metal detector instead of a magnetic separator.

What Information Do We Need to Recommend the Right Drum?

You do not need a complete technical specification. Start with four details: your material, what you want to remove or recover, throughput and whether the material is dry or wet.

Start With These Four Details

  • Material: what you process.
  • Target: what you want to remove or recover.
  • Throughput: how much material you process per hour.
  • Dry or wet: dry bulk, slightly damp material, slurry or pulp.

These Details Can Change the Final Choice

  • Particle-size range
  • Moisture and whether the material still flows freely
  • Bulk density for dry material
  • Solids content and flow for slurry
  • Normal and peak feed rate
  • Available installation space and inlet/outlet positions
If the magnetic response is uncertain or the separation job is difficult: send us a representative sample or more material details. We can discuss whether sample testing would help before you choose the machine.

What to Check Before Installing a Drum Magnetic Separator

Good separation also depends on how material enters and leaves the machine. Check the feed, product outlets and service space before installation.

Feed and Inlet

Dry material: spread it across the useful drum width instead of dropping it in one deep pile.

Wet material: keep the slurry flow as stable as practical and avoid sudden surges that change the load on the drum.

Separate Product Outlets

Leave enough space for magnetic and non-magnetic material to fall into separate outlets. If the two streams mix again after the drum, good separation is wasted.

Space for Service

Leave enough room to reach the drive, bearings and wear parts. Normal service should not require dismantling nearby equipment.

Material Condition

Large or abrasive material can increase wear. Dusty material may need enclosed connections. Wet systems need suitable slurry inlets and outlets to control flow and leakage.

Dry drum magnetic separator during workshop assembly showing drum frame drive and service access
Dry-drum workshop assembly. The image shows the drum, support structure, drive position and the space needed around the machine.
Wet drum magnetic separator installation layout with multiple drum units and support structures
Wet-drum installation example. Feed height, product discharge, support structure and service access need to work with the surrounding process line.
Safety: keep suitable guards and safe access around rotating and driven parts. Tell us if your line has special site or access requirements.

Why Work With Us on Drum Magnetic Separation?

We Start With Your Material

Tell us what you process and what you want to remove or recover. We can help you decide whether a dry drum, wet drum or another magnetic separator fits the job.

We Look Beyond Magnetic Strength

A strong magnet cannot fix a material layer that is too deep, a feeder that loads only one side or outlets that let the products mix again. We look at how the material reaches and leaves the drum as well as the magnetic job.

We Tell You When a Drum Is Not the Right Machine

If your material is better suited to a suspended magnet, magnetic pulley, higher-intensity separator or another separation method, we would rather identify that before you order the wrong drum.

Drum Magnetic Separator FAQ

Do I need a dry or wet drum magnetic separator?

Choose a dry drum when the material is dry or slightly damp but still flows freely. Choose a wet drum when magnetic separation takes place in slurry or pulp. Sticky material, very fine particles or weak magnetic response may change the choice.

Can a dry drum handle damp material?

Yes, sometimes. Slight moisture does not automatically make a dry drum unsuitable. The important question is whether the material still flows and spreads evenly. If moisture causes bridging, buildup or lumps, fix the feeding condition before choosing the drum.

Does higher Gauss mean better separation?

No. A higher surface Gauss reading does not automatically mean higher recovery, cleaner product or higher throughput. Feed depth, particle size, drum speed, material condition and how close the target passes to the magnetic system also affect the result.

How does particle size affect drum magnetic separation?

Particle size changes how the material flows and how each particle responds. It also matters whether the magnetic material has separated from the surrounding non-magnetic material. In mineral processing, this is often called mineral liberation.

What happens when throughput increases?

Higher throughput can make the material layer deeper or increase the slurry load. If the feed remains thin and even, more drum width or capacity may be needed. If the extra material simply piles in one area, fix the feeder before assuming you need a larger drum.

Why can magnetic recovery stay low even with a strong magnet?

The feed may be too deep, the target may be weakly magnetic, the particles may not be sufficiently released, drum speed may not suit the job, or the drum type may not match the material. If reducing feed depth does not improve the result, check these other causes.

Why does drum separation change during production?

Check what changed in the feed first. Throughput surges, moisture, particle size, slurry solids, uneven feeding or a change in the amount of magnetic material can all change the result even when the drum itself has not changed.

Can a drum separator handle weakly magnetic fines?

Sometimes, but do not assume a standard drum is enough. Very fine and weakly magnetic particles may need a higher-intensity separator. Send us the material details or a representative sample if the magnetic response is uncertain.

Drum separator or suspended magnet—which should I use?

Choose a drum when you want continuous separation into magnetic and non-magnetic product streams. A suspended or overband magnet is often a better fit when the main job is pulling larger tramp iron from material moving on a conveyor.

What should I send you before choosing a drum magnetic separator?

Start with four items: your material, what you want to remove or recover, throughput, and whether the process is dry or wet. If available, also send particle size, moisture, bulk density or slurry solids, photos, a drawing and available installation space.

Send Four Details and We Can Help You Choose

You do not need a complete technical specification. Start with:

  • Material: what you process.
  • Target: what you want to remove or recover.
  • Throughput: how much material you process per hour.
  • Dry or wet: dry bulk, slightly damp material, slurry or pulp.

That is enough for us to start. If available, also send particle size, moisture, bulk density or slurry solids, photos, a line drawing and available installation space.

Send Your Separation Requirement

What Happens Next?

We first help you decide whether a dry drum, wet drum or another type of magnetic separator fits the material and separation job.

Then we ask for any extra details needed to choose the machine size, feed arrangement, product outlets and connection to your line.

Need Help Choosing a Drum Magnetic Separator?

Send us your material, what you want to remove or recover, throughput and whether the process is dry or wet. We can help you choose the right drum separator for your application.

Send Your Separation Requirement

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