Complete Canister Removal
AEB Amsterdam, one of Western Europe’s largest and most advanced waste‑to-energy (WtE) producers, has successfully eliminated the risks posed by nitrous oxide (N₂O) canisters in its waste stream following the installation of two Magnapower overband magnets supplied by COMERGO SERVICES, Magnapower’s partner in Belgium.
AEB processes approximately 1.4 million tonnes of waste each year, and like many waste and recycling operators across Europe, has faced a sharp rise in nitrous oxide canisters entering household waste. These high‑pressure metal cylinders, often used illegally for recreational purposes, pose a significant hazard when they reach energy‑from‑waste facilities.
Growing Industry Challenge
Despite clear guidance that nitrous oxide canisters must never be placed in household rubbish or recycling bins, increasing volumes continue to enter municipal waste streams. Once inside waste‑processing plants, the canisters can:
- Explode under heat or pressure, endangering workers
- Cause severe damage to processing equipment
- Trigger costly operational downtime
- Increase environmental and compliance risks
With volumes rising, manual removal was no longer a safe or viable option for AEB.
Magnapower Overband Magnets Provide the Solution
To address the issue, AEB installed two heavy‑duty Magnapower permanent magnet overbands. Engineered for continuous operation in high‑throughput environments, the overbands are designed to intercept and extract metal contaminants, including nitrous oxide cylinders, from fast‑moving waste streams.
Strategically positioned within AEB’s processing line, the magnets generate a strong, deep magnetic field capable of lifting the canisters.
Zero Pass-Through Achieved
Since commissioning the equipment, AEB has reported a zero pass‑through rate for nitrous oxide canisters. Every canister entering the waste stream has been successfully removed before reaching downstream equipment.
Key benefits delivered include:
- Complete elimination of explosion risks within the plant
- Protection of critical machinery from impact and heat damage
- Improved operational continuity with fewer stoppages
- Enhanced environmental and regulatory compliance
- Increased worker safety
- Low running costs
This performance demonstrates the effectiveness of magnetic separation as a frontline defence against hazardous metal contaminants.
“AEB came to us with a clear challenge and a clear expectation: they needed a solution that would remove every nitrous oxide canister from their waste stream.” Said Jan Comergo of COMERGO SERVICES. “The Magnapower overbands have delivered exactly that. We value our partnership with AEB and are pleased to support their leadership in safe waste processing.”
“AEB came to us with a clear challenge and a clear expectation: they needed a solution that would remove every nitrous oxide canister from their waste stream. The Magnapower overbands have delivered exactly that.” – Jan Comergo, COMERGO SERVICES
Setting a Standard for Safe Waste Processing
AEB’s proactive investment reflects a wider industry trend as waste operators across Europe seek automated, reliable solutions to manage the escalating challenge of nitrous oxide canisters. The success of the Magnapower overband magnets highlights how targeted technology can deliver immediate, measurable improvements in safety and operational resilience.
Commenting on the project Matt Hencher, Commercial Director at Magnapower, said “Working with AEB and COMERGO SERVICES on this project has been a great example of how collaboration leads to real operational improvements. The overbands are performing exactly as designed, and the zero pass‑through rate speaks volumes about the system’s capability.”
