Micromag Magnetic Filter Reduces Spray Booth Contamination

The versatility of our high-intensity magnetic filtration systems was recently demonstrated by an application featuring the manufacture of ceramic sinks. More commonly associated with metalworking fluids and machine tool applications, magnetic filters can also  clean-up other fluids, which are prone to fine ferrous particle contamination. 

Darwen Terracotta and Whitebirk Sinks are one of the UK’s most respected manufacturers of heavy fireclay architectural terracotta features and ceramic sinks. Their skilled team has vast craftsmanship experience, having worked on both prestigious restoration and new build projects worldwide.

Their team is driven by the highest quality standards to ensure that their premium products meet demanding architectural standards and meticulously match existing work on restoration projects. Any defects in the product or impurities in the process can be financially costly and adversely affect critical project lead times. 

As part of an active continuous improvement process, to safeguard their processes, they were looking at ways of reducing product defects on the sink production line. The specialist line produces 100 new ceramic sinks each week. Each sink can have a retail value of £500-£700; therefore, it is critical that product defects are minimised. 

Tackling Ferrous Contamination in Paint Solutions 

One such cause of contamination are minute ferrous particles present in the ceramic raw materials. These are generated by abrasive equipment wear during their production. These rogue particles then contaminate the Engobe undercoat and Oncefire Gloss White glaze solutions applied during the sink spraying and coating process. 

To combat the problem, they initially fitted a 150-micron mesh sieve between the solution storage barrels and the spray gun, but they found that smaller ferrous particles were bypassing the mesh filter and contaminating the finished product. This was giving rise to product defects and ultimately some finished product rejects. 

Micromag removes fine ferrous particles

The engineers at Darwen sourced a Micromag MM10 magnetic filter and installed it in-line between the storage barrels and the spray gun. It’s high-intensity magnetic core and advanced fluid flow dynamics ensure that even the smallest ferrous contamination fragments are virtually all extracted. In doing so, this protects the finished product from impurities in the ceramic finish. 

Thomas Coughlin, Technical Manager at Darwen Terracotta, commented, “Our reputation has been built on guaranteeing premium product quality, and we take all steps to ensure that our production quality is protected. The Micromag magnetic filter has been a great addition to our process; by removing the fine ferrous particles, it has enhanced our product purity and reduced scrappage rates significantly”.

Micromag is available in 3 sizes to suit flow rates from 70 to 150 litres per minute. High-pressure versions are also available for through-spindle-coolant or pressure surge applications. To find out more about our range of magnetic filters click here.