Jumbo Electromagnet Goes to Work at Codelco Mine



Eriez’s largest electromagnet, shown here and dubbed Big Moe II, was recently delivered to a Codelco
mine along with four smaller magnets to provide protection against tramp iron damage for plant equipment.
Eriez, the company that earned the Guinness Book of World Records title for the world’s largest electromagnet in 1997 by building a 60-ton magnet known at the company as “Big Moe,” recently built and shipped a replica, appropriately known as “Big Moe II.”

“It’s truly a sight to see,” said Tim Shuttleworth, Eriez president and CEO. “A grown man standing next to it appears to be the size of a child. The incredible contrast gives you a real appreciation for how massive the magnet really is.”

“Big Moe II,” or by its official name, the SER 700 Electromagnet, measures 12-1/2 ft wide, 9-1/3 ft long and 7 ft high. Shuttleworth explained that the magnet will be put to use at Codelco’s Gaby mine in northern Chile, where it will be installed downstream from the mine’s primary crusher to protect plant equipment.

José Marin, director-Americas Export Division, said that four smaller magnets, all Eriez SE2400s, which will also be utilized at the Codelco Gaby mine, were also a part of the order and were shipped at the same time as the SER 700. “The SE2400s are 78 inches wide and can attract tramp iron up to 24 inches away from the magnet face,” said Marin.

Marin said that the purchase price for the five magnets exceeded $700,000. “The savings the magnets will bring Codelco through improved efficiency and reduced downtime will be significant. We expect they will realize a full return on their investment very quickly,” said Marin.

Marin explained that the size of the SER 700 mandated that special arrangements and precautions be taken to ensure the magnets arrived safely and on-time. Special shipping permits had to be obtained and extensive planning was required. The 60-ton magnet was crated and loaded onto a cargo truck in Erie, taken to a rail station and loaded onto a rail car, and finally brought to port and loaded to a ship for the last leg of the journey.


As featured in Womp 08 Vol 2 - www.womp-int.com