Introduction
An inline magnetic separator is a pipeline-mounted device that captures ferrous particles from flowing liquids, slurries and pastes. The MAG SPRING® L-Type model uses a 90° elbow housing with sanitary tri-clamp connections at both ends, allowing it to be installed directly into existing pipe runs and opened for cleaning without special tools.
Most metallic contamination in a process line does not enter from outside the plant. It is generated inside the plant. Pumps, agitators, valves and screw feeders all shed fine stainless steel wear debris into the media they move — a small quantity per shift, invisible in a routine sample, but significant enough to affect a battery cell batch, a food production run, or a pigment paste.
This video demonstrates the structure, cleaning workflow and target applications of the standard L-type tri-clamp inline magnetic separator.
Design Structure and Key Features
1. Standard L-Design (90° Elbow Layout)
The housing follows a conventional 90° elbow geometry, which fits standard pipeline routing without additional adaptation. Because the media changes direction inside the housing, flow is directed across the magnetic rod array rather than past it, improving contact between the fluid and the capture surface.
For an alternative geometry with a slanted inlet and reduced pressure loss, see our 3D flow simulation of the slanted-inlet liquid magnetic trap.
2. High-Intensity Magnetic Rod Assembly
The internal rod assembly is engineered to trap ferromagnetic particles, including fine stainless steel wear debris generated by upstream equipment. Rods are removable as a single assembly for cleaning and inspection.
Magnetic flux specifications are provided in the current released product specification sheet — contact our engineering team for the applicable version.
3. Quick-Release Tri-Clamp Connections
Both ends use sanitary tri-clamp fittings. Assembly and disassembly require no dedicated tooling, which shortens cleaning cycles and reduces line downtime.
This matters more than it appears. If servicing a separator requires tools, a maintenance ticket and a scheduled stop, cleaning intervals tend to be extended in practice. A separator that is easy to open is a separator that actually gets cleaned.
4. Full Stainless Steel Construction
Wetted parts are manufactured in 304 or 316L stainless steel, selected according to media corrosiveness and hygiene requirements. The structure is designed without dead legs and is compatible with CIP routines.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Housing material | 304 / 316L stainless steel |
| Connection type | Tri-clamp (sanitary) |
| Configuration | 90° L-type elbow |
| Magnet element | Removable magnetic rod assembly |
| Cleaning | Tool-free disassembly, CIP-compatible design |
| Applicable media | Liquids, slurries, pastes, viscous fluids |
How It Works
- Flow enters the L-shaped housing through the tri-clamp inlet.
- Ferrous particles are captured on the magnetic rod surfaces as the media changes direction and passes the rod array.
- Clamps release, rods withdraw, debris is wiped off. Reassemble and restart — no tools, no pipe cutting.
Target Applications
EV Battery and New Energy Materials
Media: anode and cathode slurries, precursor slurries, electrolytes, ceramic separator slurries.
Mixing and conveying equipment generates iron filings and stainless steel wear debris during slurry preparation and transfer. Removing this debris upstream helps reduce the risk of metallic contamination associated with cell defects. This is currently the fastest-growing application area for inline magnetic separation.
Related reading: Battery material magnetic separation, live from Stuttgart 2026
Food and Beverage
Media: edible oils, syrups, chocolate mass, dairy, juice, sauces, soy sauce, jam, beer, condiments.
The quick-disassembly structure supports CIP routines and hygienic design practice, helping prevent foreign metal from entering finished product. For confectionery and high-viscosity applications, see our dedicated magnetic separator for liquid chocolate.
Pharmaceutical and Cosmetics
Media: liquid formulations, ointments, gels, skincare raw material slurries, fermentation broth.
The dead-leg-free, autoclavable 316L design is intended for pipelines operated under GMP requirements, where surface finish, cleanability and material traceability are subject to audit.
Fine Chemicals
Media: paints, color pastes, pigments, dyes, adhesives, resin slurries, lubricants, cutting fluids.
Iron contamination in these media appears as color specks and scratch defects in the finished coating or print. Beyond product quality, abrasive metal particles also shorten the service life of downstream pumps and grinding equipment.
Selection Assistance and Sizing
Unsure whether the L-type tri-clamp separator matches your fluid viscosity or particle size? Use our Magnetic Separation Sizing & Analysis Tool to evaluate your liquid or slurry specifications.
To receive a configuration recommendation from our engineering team, provide four data points:
- Pipe size (DN / inch)
- Flow rate (m³/h or L/min)
- Viscosity (cP, and temperature at which measured)
- Media type and operating temperature
Featured Product and Related Systems
Featured Product
- Simple Liquid Magnetic Trap — L-type tri-clamp inline separator for standard liquid and slurry pipelines.
Alternative Liquid Line Configurations
- For jacketed heating lines: Insulated Magnetic Separator for Hot Viscous Liquids
- For continuous automated cleaning: Automatic Magnetic Liquid Trap
- For combined mesh straining and magnetic separation: Magnetic Strainer
- For confectionery and food-grade viscous processing: Magnetic Separator for Liquid Chocolate
- Full product range: Permanent Magnetic Separators
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a tri-clamp magnetic separator?
A tri-clamp magnetic separator is an inline iron-removal device that connects to a pipeline using sanitary clamp fittings, allowing the magnet assembly to be removed for cleaning without dismantling the pipework.
Can an inline magnetic separator capture stainless steel particles?
It captures ferromagnetic particles, including work-hardened stainless steel wear debris generated by pumps, agitators and valves, which becomes magnetically responsive after mechanical stress. Fully non-magnetic austenitic fragments are not captured.
Is the L-type separator suitable for CIP cleaning?
The design is CIP-compatible. The tri-clamp structure also allows full manual disassembly when visual inspection or wipe-down of the magnetic rods is required.
Should I select 304 or 316L stainless steel?
316L is generally selected for chloride-bearing, acidic or pharmaceutical media. 304 is commonly used for less aggressive food and general industrial applications. Media composition and operating temperature determine the appropriate grade.
How often should the magnetic rods be cleaned?
Cleaning frequency depends on the ferrous load of the process. Many users begin with a per-shift or per-batch inspection, then adjust the interval once the actual capture rate is known.
How is iron removed from battery cathode and anode slurry?
Ferrous and stainless steel wear debris generated during mixing and conveying is captured by installing an inline magnetic separator in the slurry pipeline, positioned as close as practical to the critical downstream process step.
What is the difference between the 90° L-type and the slanted-inlet design?
The 90° L-type follows standard elbow geometry and integrates into conventional pipe routing. The slanted-inlet variant uses an angled insertion to reduce direct fluid impact and pressure loss. Selection depends on the available pipe layout and the pressure drop budget of the line.