Answer is Yes, and in many installations this effect is significant.

How steel roller frames impact magnetic separator performance
1. Magnetic field loss (magnetic short-circuiting)
– Steel roller frames are ferromagnetic.
– They attract and absorb part of the magnetic flux from the separator.
– This reduces the effective magnetic field strength at the belt surface, where separation is needed.
2. Reduced iron recovery
– Weaker field at the belt means:
– Fine ferrous particles may not be lifted
– Light tramp iron may pass through
– This lowers overall separation efficiency.
3. Uneven magnetic field distribution
– Steel structures near the magnet can distort the magnetic field.
– This can cause dead zones or inconsistent separation across belt width.
4. Increased magnet loading & carryover
– Tramp iron may stick to nearby steel parts instead of cleanly discharging.
– This can lead to re-entrainment back onto the belt.

Recommended best practices (industry standard)
✅Use non-magnetic structures near the magnet
– Keep minimum clearance from magnetic face if steel must be used
✅ Increase separator height carefully
– Only if field strength allows
– Compensate with stronger magnet if needed
✅ Use higher-intensity magnets
– Rare-earth overband magnets are less affected but still not immune
✅ Install non-magnetic idlers under the magnet zone
– Non-magnetic shell with stainless shaft

So Quick rule of thumb
Any steel within the magnetic “working zone” reduces separator efficiency.