An innovative type of Metal Detector is having a global launch at the 2007 Hillhead International Quarrying and Recycling exhibition.  The revolutionary Metalarm MA3600 uses pulse induction technology that offers balanced coil detection sensitivity and performance; resulting in a high specification Metal Detector ideally suited for installation in quarries, mines and other arduous locations.

The Metalarm MA3600 is the latest addition to the extremely successful Metalarm Metal Detector range.  The development of the new MA3600 has been driven by the specific needs of customers and outperforms all existing pulse induction detection systems.  The development programme centred on several key features.

Higher detection sensitivity ensures that even the smallest problematic tramp metal can be detected; thus providing better protection for crushers, screens and conveyor belts.  Adequate protection saves a customer time and money, with less equipment downtime.

There are two models of the new MA3600:  the Eagle and the Hawk.  The Hawk coil is for standard applications with a sensitivity that is typically 5%+ of aperture height and the Eagle coil is used where especially high sensitivities are required, nominally 2%+ of the aperture height.

High belt speeds often pose a problem for metal detectors, but not for the new MA3600 where the high level of sensitivity is maintained.  The Hawk model can also be used with steel corded belts and highly conductive products such as iron ore, giving the operator far more flexibility and protection.

The MA3600 is manufactured at the Eriez European manufacturing facility near Cardiff in the UK.  To save on shipping costs, the unit is supplied as a flat pack and is simple to assemble and install.  When installing, there is no need to cut the conveyor belt as the unit can be assembled in situ.  This reduces the amount of time needed to get the correct protection installed and operational, allowing production to recommence in a very short time.

The MA3600 is microprocessor based with self diagnostics and fault indication as standard.  This allows the operating frequency to be varied to suit different applications and sensitivities.  The control has a twenty segment LED signal display and a dual channel for metal and belt clip signals with coarse and fine sensitivity control.

A significant development is the hardware and software filtering algorithm giving enhanced noise immunity from plant equipment such as motors, inverters, screens, etc.  Electrical interference from such equipment can have a dramatic effect on a detector’s stability and sensitivity.

The control unit is IP66 rated and can be supplied either with a steel paint finish or in stainless steel with an anti-condensation heater.  The control weighs approximately 10kg, has dimensions of 400mm by 300mm by  150mm and can be easily mounted on walls or framework local to the metal detector.

The search coils are manufactured in high density polyethylene and are fully screened to comply with EU ‘EMC’ regulations.

The new design allows for a wide range of optional extras.  An exterior alarm is useful to notify operators that metal has been detected and this is often used in conjunction with a dropper identifying where the metal is located.  When there are occasional high burdens of material a swing away top coil is utilised to prevent detector damage or a high burden detector can be utilised.  The MA3600 can be manufactured to comply with Atex 22 for special locations.  Report generation, local or remote on/off and sensitivity control and a healthy signal relay are all features now available with the new design of control.

Metal detectors are one part of a range of equipment Eriez provide for the mining and quarrying industry.  They are often used in conjunction with Suspended Magnets, like the phenomenally successful permanent CP type magnet, or automated sampling equipment.

The new MA3600 takes pulse metal detection systems into a new era and provides the best practical solution for any quarry’s tramp metal problems.

Eriez Magnetics Europe will be delighted to accommodate pre-arranged meetings.  To arrange a meeting or for further information on the products mentioned, please call 029 2086 8501 or e-mail info@eriezeurope.co.uk