Mechani Mags Spotlights Built-In Monitoring on Its Dry-Type Conveyor Magnets

For many mining, processing and recycling operations in South Africa, the weeks before the December break are when maintenance plans are finalised and inspection lists are drawn up. Mechani Mags, the Boksburg manufacturer of conveyor magnets and magnetic separators that trades online as African Magnets, is using this period to draw attention to a part of its DRY-TYPE suspended belt magnet that often gets less attention than the magnet itself: the monitoring built into the unit.

The company's DRY-TYPE electro-magnets are designed to remove ferrous tramp metal from conveyed material, protecting crushers, belts and downstream equipment. Alongside the oil-free design the company is known for, each unit carries features that help plant teams see how the magnet is performing and catch problems before they lead to unplanned stoppages.

Monitoring that comes standard

According to the product specifications on the company's website, the DRY-TYPE magnet includes an integrated belt-slip and tear detection system that monitors belt performance and helps prevent damage. A PT100 temperature probe provides continuous monitoring of the casing temperature.

These two features matter on a busy plant. A self-cleaning overband magnet relies on its belt to carry captured tramp metal away from the conveyor. If that belt slips or tears and nobody notices, metal can build up on the magnet face or fall back onto the conveyor. Knowing early that something has changed gives maintenance teams time to act during a planned stop rather than an emergency one.

Built for harsh conditions

The units are rated IP66, which means they are fully protected against dust and water and can be jet-sprayed during cleaning. The magnet can operate at any position and incline angle, including upside down, which gives engineers flexibility when fitting it into an existing conveyor layout.

The construction includes a stainless steel wear plate, internally welded lifting lugs and a precision-machined contact casing. The coils are made of aluminium with a rectangular cross-section and double glass insulation, rated to class H (180 °C) and wrapped in glass tape and Nomex sheeting. The drive uses a WEG IE3 motor with an SEW gearbox, and four crowned carbon steel pulleys with locking elements and plummer block bearings make belt alignment easier.

The belt itself uses the company's stainless steel slat fastener system, with optional heavy-duty reinforced belting available for extra durability.

No oil, less to manage

The DRY-TYPE design runs without oil or fans. That removes the need for coolant fluids, reduces the risk of contamination and corrosion and cuts down on maintenance downtime. The company states that its dry magnets carry a premium energy efficiency rating equivalent to IE4 and deliver the same magnetic power with 50% less electrical input than standard models.

A Dry magnetic separator of this type is suitable for surface and underground use, and optional Ex certification is available for hazardous environments. A low head-room model is offered for conveyor plants with limited vertical clearance, and a manual-clean version is available where a self-cleaning belt is not required.

Where magnets fit in tramp metal protection

Magnetic separators are one part of a broader approach to protecting conveyors and processing equipment. Magnetic separators remove ferrous material such as bolts, drill steel, tools and other loose iron from the product stream before it reaches sensitive equipment.

Plant designers often think about tramp metal protection in layers. Conveyor metal detector systems and suspended magnets each play a role in that thinking, and the right combination depends on the material being conveyed, the belt width and speed, the burden depth and the kind of metal a plant expects to see. Mechani Mags works with clients to design magnet solutions around their specific needs and site limitations.

Year-end support services

Beyond manufacturing, Mechani Mags offers a set of support services that suit planned shutdown periods. These include repairs and upgrades, training, site inspections, compliance reports and gauss testing. The company's on-site repair and inspection services are intended to give clients quick support wherever they need it.

For operations that already run magnets from Mechani Mags, the company also supplies auxiliaries, including magnet control panels, flame-retardant belting, suspension chain sets and magnet spares. Having spares and belting on hand before the break can make the difference between a short planned stop and a longer delay in the new year.

Why monitoring matters in tramp metal removal

Tramp metal is a constant risk wherever ore, aggregate, coal or recycled material is moved by conveyor. A single piece of steel reaching a crusher or a chute can cause damage, tear a belt or bring a plant to a stop. The magnet is the first line of defence, which means a magnet that is not working as it should puts everything downstream at risk.

That is why Mechani Mags puts weight on monitoring and on easy maintenance. A belt that slips or tears, or a casing that runs hotter than it should, are signs that something has changed. With detection and temperature monitoring built in, these changes are easier to spot, and repairs can be planned instead of rushed. Combined with the oil-free design, which removes the need to check and replace coolant oil, the aim is a magnet that keeps working reliably with less hands-on attention.

The company's website also includes an explanation of how belt magnets work, along with an example of a self-cleaning magnet in operation, for teams who want to understand the principles before speaking to an engineer.

Local manufacturing, global reach

Mechani Mags manufactures from its head office and workshop at 30 Bisset Road, JetPark, Boksburg, and exports worldwide. Its dry magnet design draws on more than 50 years of expertise in magnetic separation technology. Alongside the DRY-TYPE electro-magnet, its range includes a rare earth ferrochrome magnet for separating ferrochrome from slag and extra heavy-duty lifting magnets for scrap handling, ball loading and furnace loading.

Engineers, plant managers and procurement teams can view the full product range, specifications and support services at https://africanmagnets.com/.

About Mechani Mags

Mechani Mags is a South African manufacturer of conveyor magnets and magnetic separators for tramp metal removal in mining, processing and recycling. Based in JetPark, Boksburg, the company produces oil-free DRY-TYPE suspended overband belt magnets, ferrochrome magnets, lifting magnets and auxiliaries, and offers repairs, upgrades, training, site inspections, compliance reports and gauss testing. It supplies and supports clients in South Africa and internationally.

Media Contact
Mechani Mags
Email: info@mecmag.co.za
Phone: +27 11 397 6870
Website: https://africanmagnets.com/