Refining non-ferrous separation with SandFlo
Overview
BlakerTech recently carried out trials with a recycling processor looking to further refine their non-ferrous separation stage after eddy current separation.
The focus was on separating aluminium and zinc from the same mixed non-ferrous fraction using the SandFlo fluidised bed separator. SandFlo is designed for dry separation of secondary metals and minerals according to density, including aluminium, zinc, copper and brass fractions from mixed non-ferrous metals.
The Challenge
Following eddy current separation, the processor wanted to improve the separation of aluminium and zinc within the same mixed fraction.
This is a known challenge in non-ferrous processing, where material value can be limited if different metals remain mixed after the primary separation stage.
The Solution
BlakerTech introduced the SandFlo as a density-based separation stage.
SandFlo uses a fluidised bed process to separate materials by density. In this process, lighter materials such as aluminium remain closer to the surface, while heavier metals such as zinc, brass and copper sink deeper before being discharged into separate streams.
The trial followed on from eddy current separation, a stage commonly handled by systems such as the MagThro Eddy Current Separator, which is designed to recover non-ferrous metals from mixed material streams.
The Result
The trials delivered a clean and repeatable split between aluminium and zinc.
For the processor, this created the opportunity to recover each material into its own defined stream, supporting improved material quality after the eddy current stage.
Commercial Impact
By reducing zinc contamination in the aluminium fraction, the processor can produce a tighter specification aluminium output.
The practical benefit is clear: a cleaner non-ferrous output can support better material value and reduce the need for additional downstream handling or reprocessing.
Integration into Existing Plant
A key advantage of this approach is that SandFlo can be used as an additional density-based separation stage within an existing process, rather than replacing the full plant setup.
Depending on the plant layout, supporting equipment may include vibrating feeders, hoppers, industrial conveyors and MagDrum magnetic drum separators. These are all relevant where controlled feed, material handling, ferrous removal or integration into an existing recycling line is required.
Next Steps
BlakerTech is now working with the customer as they evaluate the next phase of implementation.
If your plant is already recovering non-ferrous metals but aluminium and zinc are still leaving the process as a mixed fraction, SandFlo could help unlock further value from your existing material stream. Speak to our team to arrange a discussion or trial and find out whether a density-based separation stage is right for your operation.
Date Published: 1 March, 2026