Page 29 - HUB-4 Issue 98

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Steel Mill Slag Recovery Operation Gains
Efficiency with Eriez Vibratory Feeder
Headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, Edw. C.
Levy Co. is a global provider of steel mill
services, asphalt paving, and aggregate mining
solutions. One of the company’s key operational
areas includes slag processing—recovering
high-iron content material from steel mill slag.
These valuable materials are then used again in
the steel-making process, as well as in concrete,
glass, and other industries.
At its Dearborn, Michigan facility, Levy was facing a persistent
operational challenge. The slag—an abrasive, sticky material
with particles ranging from 1/8 inch to 5 inches in size with a
moisture content between 3% and 10%—was not feeding
consistently from the hopper onto the belt conveyor.
This erratic feed pattern disrupted downstream magnetic
separation, reducing the efficiency of its slag recovery
operations. Compounding the issue, inconsistent flow led to
material surges that damaged the conveyor belt. Frequent belt
replacements were both costly and time-consuming.
Stand F7
Precision Feeding for Reliable Performance
To resolve these issues, Eriez provided a proven vibratory
solution. Eriez recommended its 75B-HC Heavy-Duty
Electromagnetic Feeder, a model specifically designed for
rugged, high-capacity applications, including slag handling,
aggregate processing, and mining. The throughput of the 75B-
HC was more than capable of handling Levy’s material flow
demands of 150 tons per hour.
Once installed, the Eriez 75B-HC feeder immediately stabilized
the feed rate from the hopper to the conveyor. The industry-
leading electromagnetic feeder provides the superior feed rate
adjustability required, which is critical for optimal
downstream magnetic separation performance.
“After implementing the Eriez feeder, we saw a dramatic
improvement in our process stability and the overall efficiency
of our slag processing,” said John Schwarz, Engineering
Manager at Edw. C. Levy Co. “It’s been running without issue
for over 18 months. It has helped us avoid costly downtime
and reduce wear on our equipment. The feeder paid for itself
quickly.”
Built for the Toughest Material Handling Jobs
As a rugged, high-capacity electromagnetic model, the 75B-
HC feeder includes encapsulated coils for extended coil life, an
IP65 rating for dust and moisture protection, and a durable
tray suited for abrasive materials like slag. Its ability to
Eriez recommended its 75B-HC
Heavy-Duty Electromagnetic
Feeder for the Levy plant.
Engineered to handle sticky, high-moisture slag,
the Eriez feeder maintains consistent feed
performance under all conditions.
maintain consistent tray deflection under varying loads allows
for uninterrupted operation, even under the most challenging
conditions.
Additionally, Eriez incorporated a vibration sensor on the tray
to help Levy monitor performance and proactively address
material buildup, a common issue in handling moist and sticky
slag. This not only extends equipment life but also minimizes
maintenance-related downtime.
“Sticky, high-moisture slag presents real challenges for
uniform feeding,” explained Clay O’Dana, Global Product
Manager—Vibratory at Eriez. “That’s where our 75B-HC
excels. It delivers precise control over feed rate and handles
difficult materials without compromising consistency.”
Driving Measurable Results: Reduced Costs,
Greater Recovery
Since its installation, the 75B-HC feeder has operated
continuously with zero downtime. Its ability to deliver
consistent, uniform feed from Levy’s largest hopper under all
conditions has saved thousands of dollars on belt
replacements. More importantly, the feeder has helped
optimize the downstream magnetic separation process. This
enabled the company to recover and resell a greater volume
of high-iron material, contributing to more substantial
financial returns and environmental sustainability.
“By eliminating belt damage and improving material
presentation to the magnetic separators, the 75B-HC has
delivered value well beyond what was initially expected,”
added Tom Saccamozzone, Project Manager—Heavy
Industries at Eriez. “It’s a great example of how thoughtfully
engineered equipment can drive meaningful performance
improvements in tough applications.”
A Trusted Partnership for Smarter, Stronger
Slag Processing
For Levy, installing the 75B-HC electromagnetic feeder was
more than just a fix for a persistent material handling issue; It
is a strategic, long-term investment in operational excellence.
This solution has delivered measurable gains in throughput,
equipment longevity, and safety, while providing more value
from steel mill slag through improved metal recovery.
The project has also reinforced Levy’s confidence in Eriez as a
trusted partner with deep expertise in vibratory and magnetic
separation technologies. As Levy continues to pursue process
improvements across its slag processing operations, Eriez and
Levy continue to work together for innovative, durable
solutions engineered for the toughest material challenges.
www.hub-4.com May/June - Issue 98
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