Modeling and Control of an Industrial Flotation Column using Fuzzy Logic

Modeling and Control of an Industrial Flotation Column using Fuzzy Logic

In mineral production industry, separation of valuable from waste minerals is generally carried out using the flotation process. Recovery and grade of the concentrate are the main performance parameters of the flotation process. It should be noted that the recovery and grade are not easily measurable online, however the froth structure at the surface of the flotation cells is related in various aspects to the metallurgical parameters of flotation process. The froth velocity and bubble size are the most significant visual features of the froth structure, which are used by experienced operators for control of the flotation circuits. In the present investigation, a fuzzy model is developed to simulate the relationship between the process variables (gas velocity, frother dosage, froth depth, and slurry solids%) and the froth features (bubble size and froth velocity) of an industrial flotation column in a copper concentrator. Afterwards, a model-based fuzzy control system is designed to control the process performance at desired level using fuzzy logic rules. Simulation results show that the developed controller is capable of maintaining the process performance at its target level within a reasonable time.