Precision Magnetic Separation for Pneumatic Conveying: Boosting Food Safety & Process Efficiency

Magnetic Separation
10 Sep 2025  |
In industries like food, dairy and pharmaceuticals where product purity and equipment protection are paramount, effective magnetic separation is a cornerstone of quality assurance and efficiency. Magnattack® offers two advanced magnetic separation solutions for pneumatic powder transfer systems: the Spherical Inline Pneumatic Transfer Magnet and the Sanitary Powder Transfer Magnet. These systems are engineered to elevate hygiene, efficiency and compliance across critical processing lines.

Spherical Inline Pneumatic Transfer Magnet

The Spherical Magnet is ideal for high-speed powder transfer lines where traditional lines fall short, offering superior metal fragment capture without compromising product flow or integrity. Its unique spherical shape is engineered to optimize product flow and magnetic retention, effectively capturing even the smallest metal fines, chips, iron wear, and rust flakes in high-velocity flows.

Engineered to deliver more than twice the strength of standard pneumatic line magnets, the Spherical Magnet features a large-diameter magnetic element (100–150 mm / 4–6 inches) positioned transversely within the product stream. This configuration boosts the capture of metal fragments and enhances hygiene by keeping weakly magnetic particles securely retained on the rear surface of the sphere – outside the product flow.

Its compact, easy-to-install design supports a range of connection fittings, making it easy to integrate into both new and existing systems. The magnet’s aerodynamic housing reduces pressure fluctuations and helps maintain product integrity by preventing breakdown or changes in bulk density. The spherical shape also creates a low-pressure zone where fragments gather, minimizing the risk of recontamination.

As a more aerodynamic, hygienic, and high-performance alternative to traditional bullet-style magnets, the Spherical Magnet excels in extracting metal from powder lines without causing bulk density issues. Many companies have adopted this smaller, lighter, and more powerful solution, reporting improved separation efficiency and greater confidence in controlling foreign metal contamination in pneumatic conveying systems.

Key Features:

  • High Magnetic Strength: Powered by RE80® rare earth magnets certified to 12,000 gauss – significantly stronger than conventional bullet-type and plate magnets which usually don’t exceed 7-8,000 gauss.
  • Aerodynamic Design: Minimizes product particle breakdown and prevents blockage of product.
  • Self-Cleaning Housing: Internal surfaces are smooth and ledge-free, reducing cleaning frequency and contamination risks.
  • Dura-Slik® Abrasion-Reduction Technology option is available to reduce wear in abrasive applications

Applications & Install Options:

  • Ideal for dry powder products such as flour, starch, semolina, and other ingredients.
  • Popular in flour mills, bakeries, and food processing plants.
  • Dairy-Grade models available for sensitive dairy and pharmaceutical powder applications
  • High-velocity and large volume vertical installations in blow, vacuum, gravity and pneumatic transfer lines
  • Incoming ingredients
  • Prior to metal detectors or critical processing equipment
  • Prior to bagging operations, bulk loading or direct filling of trucks

Sanitary Powder Transfer Magnet

Designed for the most sensitive powder applications, the Sanitary Powder Transfer Magnet (PTM) meets USDA Dairy Acceptance standards making it a trusted choice for pharmaceutical and infant formula production.

The patented Sanitary Powder Transfer Magnet integrates advanced design elements from the Spherical Inline Pneumatic Transfer Magnet to deliver highly efficient metal fragment separation—without causing bulk density issues or product blockages.

The PTM probe assembly is a hygienic one-piece design, meaning there are no seams that could become a weak point or be unsanitary. It is suitable for process lines where CIP takes place, with the magnet temperature being rated up to 150°C and suitable for a range of CIP applications.

This magnetic separator is equipped with high-intensity RE80® rare earth Acutex® Probe Magnets, rated at over 11,000 gauss. These probes are specifically engineered to capture weakly magnetic contaminants, including work-hardened stainless steel and stone particles, significantly enhancing food safety and ensuring superior product purity.

Key Features:

  • Acutex® Probe Magnets: High-intensity RE80® magnets configured to remove weakly magnetic contaminants and work-hardened stainless steel.
  • Dual Magnet Configuration: Two magnets positioned at 90° angles for comprehensive coverage.
  • Sanitary Design: Meets USDA Dairy Acceptance and FDA standards, ensuring suitability for hygienic environments.

Applications & Install Options:

  • Dry ingredients such as powder, meat meal, pet food, grain, bulk wheat product, flour, cereals
  • Dairy and lactose powders, pharmaceutical powders, infant formulas and other sensitive products
  • Vertical or sloping pipelines of pneumatic transfer lines
  • Pipelines sized 3″ – 6″ (76 mm – 152 mm)
  • Incoming product/ingredient intakes
  • Prior to critical and expensive processing equipment
  • Final product prior to packing
  • Blow, vacuum, or powder transfer lines

Selecting the Optimal Magnetic Separator for your Pneumatic System

While both magnets share core technologies and high magnetic strength, the choice between them depends on the specific application:

  • Choose the Spherical Magnet for high-velocity pneumatic lines where aerodynamic flow and minimal product degradation are critical.
  • Opt for the Sanitary Powder Magnet when processing sensitive powders in environments requiring strict hygiene and regulatory compliance, such as USDA Dairy-Acceptance Certification.

Whether you’re upgrading an existing system or designing a new line, Magnattack’s team of specialists can help you choose the right magnetic solution for your needs. Contact us today for a tailored recommendation.

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Magnetic Separation Equipment for Food Safety & Foreign Metal Fragment Control Magnattack® Global specialise in the manufacture of magnetic separation equipment, designed to increase foreign metal fragment control and reduce risks such as product recalls, brand...

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