A real time visual sensor for supervision of flotation cells

This paper describes an expert system for the supervision of flotation plants based on ACEFLOT, a real time analyzer of the characteristics of the froth that is formed on the surface of flotation cells. The ACEFLOT analyzer is based on image processing and measures several physical variables of the froth, including colorimetric, geometric and dynamic information. On the other hand, the expert system detects abnormal operation states and suggests corrective actions, supporting operators on the supervision and control of the flotation plant.