Algorithms to control coal segregation under non-stationary conditions - Part II: Time series based methods

In this paper, procedures involving the use of time series models are devel oped for coal segregation control. In contrast to the methods of Part I of this paper, time series models directly accommodate the auto-correlated nat ure of the coal quality levels when estimating parameters to characterize t he process. Moreover, they also provide forecasting capability that is usef ul in segregation control. Special attention is given in the paper to devel opment of viable parameter updating strategies in order to deal with non-st ationary applications. Performance of the time series methods is evaluated, and it compares favorably to the methods developed in Part I. Although mor e complicated to implement than the Part I methods, time series methods hav e the potential to be extended to applications where quality targets are to be maintained over small batches of coal (homogeneity control), whereas th e other methods only apply to large batch quality targeting. (C) 2001 Elsev ier Science B.V. All rights reserved.