A predictive controller is used to assess the advantage of combining feedfo
rward and feedback actions for the control of a simulated flotation process
. Results show that the feedforward action reduces the effect of flotation
feed grade and flowrate variations and improves the performance of the trad
itional feedback loop. Some simulation runs also demonstrate that an inadeq
uately tuned feedback compensation can deteriorate the action of a well-tun
ed feedforward controller. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserv
ed.