Tackling Metal Contamination in Biomass Wood Waste
21/05/2025
Biomass is booming. In 2024, bioenergy contributed 40.1 Terawatt-hours (TWh) to the UK’s electricity generation – accounting for 27.7% of all renewable electricity produced. As the sector continues to grow, so too does the need to address one of its major operational challenges: metal contamination in wood waste. At BlakerTech, we help biomass operators overcome this issue with the MagThro™ eddy current separator – a powerful, UK-built system that efficiently separates both ferrous and non-ferrous metals from contaminated wood and waste material.
Why Metal Contamination Matters
Biomass operations often process input material from demolition waste, construction sites, and mixed wood sources – many of which contain embedded metals. If not removed, this contamination can:
- Damage shredders, conveyors and other processing equipment
- Present a fire hazard
- Compromise biomass fuel quality
- Breach environmental compliance standards
Recovering metal not only protects equipment but also reduces landfill and improves profitability. Valuable non-ferrous metals – such as aluminium and copper – can be weighed in and sold, turning a costly problem into a profit opportunity.
Why Choose the MagThro™ Eddy Current System?
Built and tested in the UK, the MagThro™ delivers exceptional reliability in demanding conditions. Key features include:
- Proven performance in heavy-duty recycling environments
- Fast and efficient separation of ferrous and non-ferrous metals
- Easy installation, simple to operate, and low maintenance
- Full after-sales support provided by professional engineers
- Manufactured in the UK, supporting local skills and supply chains
Technical Highlights
- High-speed / High-Energy rare-earth rotor technology – for enhanced separation efficiency
- Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) – allow dynamic control based on the characteristics of your input material
- Adjustable multi-splitter gates – paired with precision-engineered conveyor geometry to ensure consistent product purity
- Abrasion-resistant conveyor belts – designed for durability and extended operational life
- Compact, modular frame design – simplifies maintenance and makes integration into existing systems easier
Trusted by the Industry
The MagThro™ is already in use across the UK’s recycling sector. Greenworld, a long-standing customer, has relied on the system for over 15 years:
“It’s reliable, simple, and built to last. The MagThro™ continues to deliver consistent results – day in, day out.”
– Greenworld Director
Read the full case study here
If your biomass operation is facing issues with metal contamination in wood, or you're looking to improve recovery rates from input material, contact us to explore how the MagThro™ eddy current separator can support your goals: info@blakertech.com
