Magnetic sweeper apparatus and method

摘要

A magnetic sweeper 20 is disclosed for capturing airborne particles which exhibit ferromagnetic behavior. The magnetic sweeper 20 uses a magnet(s) 43 having a magnetic field strength which captures particles coming within a predetermined distance of the magnet 43. A non-magnetic endless belt 31 is arranged about the magnet 43, wherein the particles are impinged against the belt 31 by the magnetic field lines of flux. This area is defined as a particle capturing first station. The belt 31 moves the captured particles further away from the magnet 43 to a second station. Located at the second station is a collector which includes a vacuum, a brush 41 and a particle flange. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the magnetic field strength diminishes with distance from the magnet 43. Accordingly, after a certain distance from the magnet 43, the field strength drops to a point where the particles fall from the belt 31. When the particles are released, the particles are entrained in a vacuum and transported to a storage location 32 using the vacuum. A preferred location for the magnetic sweeper 20 is under the rear coupler 21 of a locomotive 25.