Monday, July 11, 2011

Eco-friendly Applications Of Neodymium Magnets

Neodymium magnets are manufactured using the rare earth element ND as the main ingredient, along with iron and boron of alloy NdFeB. The new high-tech industrial applications of these magnets have various well known environment friendly uses. These magnets are believed to be the most powerful magnet in the world. Neodymium is no rarer than nickel and copper in spite of its classification. These magnets are normally obtained mixed with other rare earth elements and they have to be refined.




Powering hybrid and electric vehicles is probably the most known environment friendly use of neodymium iron boron magnets. The recent researches related to automobile industry focuses on creating a version of this alloy which will be capable of retaining more magnetic power at the operating temperature of automobile drive engines. Magnets which will work efficiently at around 392 degrees Fahrenheit or about 200 degrees Celsius, will lower the requirement for cooling operations and this will make the technology more Eco-friendly.




The use of neodymium magnets in wind turbine generators is another environment friendly use of this magnet which is quite common. Since the production of each watt of electricity require a ton of Nd, development projects and advanced research are being supported by foundations and governments to produce powerful permanent magnets at cheap rates with less harmful byproducts. In wind power magnets, neodymium prices only accounts for three percent of the overall system cost. According to experts, the metal can quickly pay for itself, considering all the processes of wind generator - manufacture, grid hook-up, installation, transport, and operation.


The use of repelling rays and sharks is also an Eco-friendly use of ND which is not very familiar to many people. A study conducted at Bimini Biological Research Station revealed that large fish stayed away from swimming within a range of 10 inches of neodymium iron boron magnets. The researchers discovered that the vesicles and pores of the sensory networks of the animals situated around their heads and under their skin were overwhelmed by tremendously powerful magnetic fields. But this green technology is not useful to humans to protect them from sharks because the technology is very expensive and unaffordable. However, a relatively low-cost and low-tech intervention will protect endangered shark species and ray from human beings.






In spite of the discovery of rare earth element Nd in the year 1885, the lightweight, powerful magnets manufactured from it were not created till 1982. Until the 21st century, the production of ND was very costly for widespread daily use. Recycling of rare earth is another complimentary technology which can lower the cost of manufacturing magnets and minimize the environmental effect of refining and mining Nd. With the reduction in cost and improvement in refining processes, neodymium magnets are helping to produce cheap energy in more environmentally friendly technologies.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Exploring Neodymium Magnets

Magnets are useful objects that can be utilized for a variety of things.  One that is often used is the neodymium magnet, which can be found in businesses, homes, as well as medical facilities.  Although this magnet probably doesn't sound familiar, it is something that we come across everyday with the simple items we work with.


Before discovering exactly where neodymium magnets are encountered, find out some background information and history about these objects.  This magnet was created in 1982 by two large companies who worked together and combined their scientific ideas.  This is considered a part of the group of rare earth magnets and is one that is used the most among all other types.  This group is named that way for the reason that all these magnets are made out of rare earth elements as seen on the periodic table.


Alloy, which consists of iron, boron, and neodymium, is what is used to create neodymium magnets.  This magnet is permanent and considered the strongest of its kind.  It is considered the strongest because its magnetic fields can affect each other with a reach of more than 12 inches.  Even with smaller magnets, the skin can be bruised or pinched when joined accidentally.  With larger magnets, in the event that a body part is stuck in between two magnets joining together, this may result in broken or crushed bones.  Despite its strength, these magnets are fragile as well and may even break if slapped together.  In some situations, small particles break away, causing it to fly around and possibly even causing serious damage.





The rare form of this product is very corrosive so utmost care must be taken.  It needs to be applied with a coating to extend its use, and it needs to be kept away from extreme heat over 180 degrees to avoid damage.  This is because high temperature areas may cause the magnet to catch fire.


After discovering the scientific background of the neodymium magnet, find out how this product is utilized on a daily basis.  In medical facilities, this kind of magnet can be found in MRI scanning machines along with other medical machines that are used for treatment and diagnosis.  A therapy known as magnetic therapy also exists to help relieve any aches and symptoms that are related to different conditions, such as arthritis.


Other than being used in medical machines, this magnet is also used for other things that include alarms, generators, and different security systems.  Several household items also consist of this magnet.  Examples of these are loudspeakers, headphones, and magnetic guitar pickups.  Common items that contain this are magnetic tool belts, jewelry clasps, and even various toys like dolls.  Neodymium magnets are available in a range of shapes and sizes, which can be used for certain do-it-yourself projects.


There are various online sites that are dedicated to selling magnets, most especially neodymium magnets.  Magnets are fascinating objects, which definitely provide a lot of benefits with its many uses.