A magnetic separator and process involving a train of parallel, spaced magnetic bars connected together to form a closed loop disposed in a tank able to receive a liquid containing ferromagnetic particles which are to be removed from the liquid. The liquid is introduced by an inlet extending within the closed loop so that the liquid is constrained to flow out through spaces between the magnetic bars. Flow out of the tank is through perforate distributor plates and over a pair of weirs, the perforate plates and weirs extending along a respective side of the closed loop to distribute the flow through all of the bar spaces.