A model-based expert control system for the leaching process in zinc hydrometallurgy

One important step in zinc hydrometallurgy is the leaching process, which involves the dissolving of zinc-bearing material in dilute sulfuric acid to form a zinc sulfate solution. The key point in the control of the process is to determine the optimal pHs of the overflows of the continuous leach process and track them. This paper describes a model-based expert control system for the leaching process, which is being used in nonferrous metals smeltery. Specifically, steady-state mathematical models and rule models are first constructed based on the chemical reactions involved, the empirical knowledge of engineers and operators, and empirical data of the process. Then, a methodology is proposed for determining and tracking the optimal pHs with an expert control strategy based on a combination of mathematical models and rule models of the process. The results of actual runs show that the proposed control strategy is an effective way to control the leaching process. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.