Can Magnetic Fields Be Blocked?

Magnetism Like a Sponge?

To understand how permeability and saturation work, imagine a sponge. Some sponges have larger holes, others have a denser structure, but all absorb water up to a certain point. Similarly, with materials used to redirect magnetic fields: they have different permeability capacities and saturation points. Ultimately, the choice of material depends on specific applications and needs.

Protection Against Magnetic Fields

One cannot block a magnetic field, but it can be redirected. This process is called "Magnetic Shielding." To achieve this, equipment requiring protection is placed inside a structure made of a material with high magnetic conductivity, such as steel. Magnetic field lines then flow through this material, protecting sensitive components, such as delicate electronics.

MuMetal® - Specialist Among Materials

MuMetal® is a unique alloy that is exceptionally effective in magnetic shielding. It is characterized by very high magnetic conductivity, allowing it to effectively "absorb" magnetic fields. As a result, it is widely used in various applications, from medicine to electronics.

Challenges in Air Transport

Transporting magnetic separators poses a challenge for many companies. There are strict regulations worldwide regarding the transportation of magnetically charged equipment, especially in air transport. This is due to the risk of interfering with the operation of precise onboard instruments of an aircraft, which in extreme cases can lead to serious malfunctions or accidents.
To minimize these potential hazards, international safety guidelines have been developed. One recommendation is to place magnets in a way that their poles are oriented oppositely – the north pole of one magnet next to the south pole of another. Such an arrangement helps neutralize the magnetic field that both magnets would generate.
Additionally, it is recommended to surround magnets with thin sheets of steel. Steel, being a material with high magnetic permeability, acts as a "conductor" for magnetic field lines. In practice, this means that the magnetic field, instead of spreading outward, is "attracted" to the steel sheet and guided along its surface. This significantly reduces external magnetic disturbances.
It's worth noting that the transport of magnetic separators and other magnetically charged devices requires not only specialized packaging but also appropriate documents and certificates confirming compliance with international regulations. Many transportation companies and airlines require the presentation of such documents before accepting the shipment for transport.

What Documents Does Magnetic Cargo Have?

When transporting magnetically charged devices, such as magnetic separators, specific documents are often required for the shipment. These documents confirm that the cargo complies with international safety regulations and allow the identification of potential security threats during transport. These documents may include:
Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD): A document describing the nature and quantity of dangerous goods being transported. It also indicates that the shipment is appropriately packaged, labeled, and marked according to applicable regulations.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS): A document providing detailed information about the physical and chemical properties of the material, potential hazards, leak response recommendations, and first aid measures.
Packaging Certificate: Confirmation that the used packaging is suitable for transporting hazardous materials and has been tested to meet specific requirements.
Crew Instructions: Instructions for dealing with emergency situations related to the cargo.
Labels and Markings: Markings indicating that the shipment contains magnetic materials or other dangerous goods.
Licenses and Permits: In some cases, depending on the destination country or transit country, special licenses or permits for transporting dangerous goods may be required.
It is always advisable to consult with the carrier and be aware of the applicable regulations for the transport of dangerous goods in the country of origin, the destination country, and any transit countries.

Evolution of Knowledge About Magnetism

Our understanding of magnetism has come a long way from the times when people believed that magnets possessed magical powers. Today, magnetism is one of the pillars of physics and is widely used in technology, medicine, and other scientific fields.

Beware of Magnets!

Managing and controlling magnets can be a challenge, mainly because it's not possible to completely block the magnetic field. The choice of the appropriate shielding material depends on specific needs. Often, steel proves to be an ideal solution, but in some cases, specialized materials such as MuMetal may be more suitable.