DYNAMIC MODELING AND ADVANCED MULTIVARIABLE CONTROL OF CONVENTIONAL FLOTATION CIRCUITS

Expert and predictive multivariable control algorithms for a conventio nal cooper flotation circuit were assessed through simulations These s imulations were carried out with a nonlinear dynamic model, derived fr om mass balances and empirical relationships, that qualitatively repro duced the dynamic behaviour of a real plant well. In order to make the simulations more realistic, they included noisy measurements, stochas tic parameter variations and input disturbances. New expert algorithms were able to keep the plant operating within a pre-defined zone for l ong periods without complete control saturation, unlike previous exper t controllers. In addition, the inclusion of constraints in a multivar iable predictive algorithm verified improved control system regulation and flexibility. (C) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All righ ts reserved.