Method and apparatus for intelligent magnetic separator operation

A method of monitoring magnetic separators, comprising:

• generating a magnetic field in a product flow path using one or more magnets, the product flow path defined by a chute or first housing through which a material may pass;
• detecting a presence of captured metal contaminants on the one or more magnets;
• and
• sending an instruction related to the detected presence of the captured metal contaminants.

A magnetic separator, comprising:

• a first housing defining a product flow path through which a material may pass;
• magnets that generate a magnetic field that is positioned within the product flow path to attract metal from the material as the material passes past the magnets;
• and
• a sensor to detect a strength of the magnetic field in a working air gap that is between the magnets;
• and
• a controller configured to:
• receive a signal from the sensor, the signal indicating the strength of the magnetic field;
• detect a change in the strength of the magnetic field;
• and
• send an instruction related to the change.