Generating eddy currents, what is the best way?

In summary, eddy currents can be used to lift aluminum using bar magnets that are plugged onto rotating drums. The best arrangement of the magnets depends on whether the aluminum needs to be repelled or attracted. The key component in this process is the magnetic rotor, which creates eddy currents in the aluminum and separates it from nonmetallic materials.
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Stardust99
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TL;DR Summary
lift aluminum parts with the help of eddy currents.
Hello

I would like to lift aluminum parts with the help of eddy currents.

The bar magnets A are plugged on the drums B or C.
The drums are rotating.

What is the best arrangement of the magnets (B or C) to lift the aluminum?

Does anyone know ?

Thanks and greetings.
 

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  • #2
Welcome to PF. :smile:

You can repel the Aluminum, but I don't think you can attract it with eddy currents...

1643903768840.png

https://www.recyclingtoday.com/article/magnetic-equipment-guide----eddy-current-separators/

The key component is the magnetic rotor, which is a series of permanent rare Earth magnets mounted on a support plate attached to a shaft. The magnetic rotor is surrounded by (but not attached to) a nonmetallic shell which supports the conveyor belt. This allows the rotor to spin independently and at a much higher speed than the nonmetallic shell and belt.

When a piece of nonferrous metal, such as aluminum, passes over the separator, the magnets inside the shell rotate past the aluminum at high speed. This forms eddy currents in the aluminum, which in turn create a magnetic field around the piece of aluminum. The polarity of that magnetic field is the same as the rotating magnet, causing the aluminum to be repelled away from the magnet. This repulsion makes the trajectory of the aluminum greater than that of the nonmetallics, allowing the two material streams to be separated.​
 
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1. What are eddy currents and how are they generated?

Eddy currents are circular currents induced in a conductive material when it is exposed to a changing magnetic field. They are generated through the process of electromagnetic induction, where the changing magnetic field induces a current in the conductive material.

2. What is the best way to generate eddy currents?

The most effective way to generate eddy currents is by using strong and rapidly changing magnetic fields. This can be achieved through the use of electromagnets or by moving a magnet near a conductive material.

3. How can eddy currents be controlled or reduced?

Eddy currents can be controlled or reduced by using materials that have a low electrical conductivity, such as laminated iron cores. Additionally, eddy current brakes can be used to dissipate the energy of the currents.

4. What are some practical applications of eddy currents?

Eddy currents have a wide range of practical applications, including in metal detectors, induction heating, and non-destructive testing. They are also used in some types of electrical motors and generators.

5. Are there any potential drawbacks or limitations to using eddy currents?

One potential drawback of eddy currents is that they can cause energy loss and heating in conductive materials, which can be problematic in some applications. Additionally, eddy currents can interfere with the operation of electronic devices, so they must be carefully controlled in these situations.

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