A. Mirabedini et D. Hodouin, Calculation of variance and covariance of sampling errors in complex mineral processing systems, using state-space dynamic models, INT J MINER, 55(1), 1998, pp. 1-20
This paper presents a method to calculate the variance and covariance matri
x V of the integration errors of the measured flow species in a complex min
eral processing unit. The integration error is due to the interaction betwe
en the sampling strategy and the dynamic variations of the stream propertie
s. First, a general formula is developed to relate V to the autocovariance
matrix V-yy of the flow species in the different streams of the unit. Then
V-yy is estimated using a dynamic model of the process. This dynamic model
is obtained by assembling summators, separators and transfer functions into
a state-space formulation. Two examples of the method are given: one for a
flotation circuit and one for a leaching tank. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B
.V. All rights reserved.