Adaptive control in mineral processing

CIM Bulletin, Vol. 85, No. 965, 1992

D. Hodouin, Universite Laval, Sainte-Foy, Quebec, and K. Najim, CNRS URA 192, Greco Sarta, E.N.S.I.G.C., Toulouse, France

The raw ores which are processed in mineral processing plants exhibit very strong variations of their physical and chemical properties. As a consequence, the performances of the comminution and separation processes vary greatly from time to time. Model-based control strategies improve the performance of the plant; however, they require some form of adaptation to cope with the variations of the ore properties. This paper deals with the use of adaptive techniques for the control of mineral processes. It begins with a survey on adaptive control algorithms including parameters estimation aspects. Then several examples dealing with crushing, rod, ball, autogenous and semi-autogenous grinding, flotation, drying and calcination processes are reviewed.