Apparatus and method for removing magnetic particles from liquids and slurries

A method for removing ferrous particles from a liquid or slurry, the method comprising:

• providing an apparatus comprising:
• a vessel comprising an inlet and an outlet;
• at least one frame member secured to the vessel;
• and
• a plurality of magnetic rod devices mounted upon the at least one frame member such that the magnetic rod devices extend into the interior of the vessel, each magnetic rod device comprising an elongate casing, an elongate magnet assembly retractably mounted within said casing and an external removal means;
• exposing the magnetic rod devices to a liquid or slurry contaminated with metal particles while the magnetic rod devices are in a first condition such that the magnet assemblies are positioned substantially below the removal means;
• attracting metal particles to the casings of the magnetic rod devices;
• removing at least one of the plurality of magnetic rod devices from the vessel;
• and
• discharging magnetic particles from the at least one of the plurality of magnetic rod devices while it is in a second condition such that the magnet assembly is positioned substantially above the removal means.