The objective was to determine operating protocols for a lead and silver co
lumn flotation cleaner being considered for installation at Sunshine Precio
us Metals Inc.'s Kellogg mill in Northern Idaho. In this column, tetrahedri
te and galena were floated, and pyrite and other gangue minerals, including
siderite and silica, were depressed. The procedure was to develop a dynami
c simulation using a linear transfer function approach. The transfer functi
on related cause-and-effect variables such as the influence of collector an
d depressant dosages on recovery and grades. Bench-scale flotation tests fo
llowed by pilot column testing provided the data used to develop a linear t
ransfer function. The transfer function was derived using a spreadsheet. Th
is model was applied to simulate how the flotation column could be made to
respond to disturbances in feed grade. The results were that xanthate, zinc
sulfate and sodium cyanide were found to be suitable controls for grade an
d recovery. Simulations showed the best sequence of manipulations of these
reagents, and these sequences are useful for future operator training. The
conclusion was that linear transfer functions were able to simulate lead an
d silver recovery, develop scenarios for operator training and provide a fo
undation for future on-line control.