How magnets are used to sort steel and aluminum cans?

Magnets are commonly used in recycling facilities to sort steel and aluminum cans efficiently. The process of magnetic separation involves the following steps:

1. Magnetic Drum or Belt: A conveyor belt or a rotating drum equipped with powerful magnets is used.

2. Mixed Cans: The mixed stream of steel and aluminum cans is fed onto the conveyor or the rotating drum.

3. Magnetic Attraction: As the cans move along the conveyor, the steel cans are attracted to the magnets and adhere to the drum's surface or the conveyor belt.

4. Separation: The aluminum cans, being non-magnetic, continue moving along with the conveyor and are separated from the steel cans.

5. Collection: The steel cans that adhere to the magnets are collected in a designated bin or container.

This magnetic separation process allows for the efficient sorting of steel and aluminum cans, helping recycling facilities and industries recover and recycle valuable materials while reducing waste. The separated materials are then processed further for recycling.