Dynamic simulator of a rougher flotation circuit for a copper sulphide ore

This paper presents a dynamic flotation simulator intended for designing and testing automatic control strategies, for evaluating the transient behaviour of the flotation process, and for training purposes. The simulator is based on a non-linear dynamic model that is derived from phenomenological and empirical relationships. It incorporates a new way of representing the loading of the bubbles with the various mineral species considered. The simulator was designed for a particular flotation circuit and was fitted with plant data in order to reproduce the plant behaviour both qualitatively and quantitatively. Both identification and validation data sets were used. Model dynamics had to be tested using ARMAX type models identified with plant data, due to the highly stochastic characteristics of the process. Plant and simulator responses were compared in steady-state and in transient conditions using these models. Results indicate the simulator is adequate for the stated purposes. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.