| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 860946 | Procedia Engineering | 2012 | 8 Pages |
In the mineral processing industry froth flotation has been widely used for ore concentration. Recently, we found that, for a particular phosphate flotation plant (Cajati-Brazil), there is a specific relation between ore separation efficiency and surface tension of the slurry with an optimum operating point that maximizes separation efficiency. In this paper we suggest on-line in-situ measurement of surface tension in the flotation cell and application of this information for process control. We propose appropriate measurement concepts and instrumentation which are suitable for the typically harsh flotation environment. Besides other measurement parameters, such as pH value, ore composition and feed rate, surface tension represents a valuable complementary process parameter which is considered to be beneficial for improvement of the flotation control. We suggest using this additional information as input for a model predictive control system (MPC), which was developed by ABB and successfully applied in a zinc flotation plant (Garpenberg, Sweden). Accurate knowledge of the relation between surface tension of the slurry and the ore separation efficiency in combination with a refinement of the physical model provides the basis for an improved MPC. A system on this basis may lead to a more profitable process regarding ore recovery or ore grade.
