Monitoring and control of froth flotation plant

Abstract

The invention uses machine-vision to improve the performance of a flotation operation to provide a substitute for conventional human vision and problem-solving abilities. The invention redirects the conventional approach of "characterizing the froth" to "measuring the froth characteristic." The invention provides a method of monitoring and controlling a mineral mixture flow in a froth flotation cell of a flotation plant which includes the steps of obtaining a series of digital images extracted of froth characteristics from a flotation cell. The digital images are transmitted to a computer for processing thereof into parameter signals of digital parameter froth characteristics. Control signals are produced in response to parameter signals received for causing required variations in froth characteristics in a flotation cell; and the froth characteristics in the flotation cell are controlled in response to the control signals so as to cause required variations in the froth characteristics in the cell.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to the monitoring and control of froth flotation plants. Background technique [0002] In an ore flotation plant, the stream of ore mixture to be processed must be observed and controlled in order to achieve an optimum separation of the ore components. For this, foam velocity, bubble size and stability are important factors. [0003] Since the early days of flotation, process technicians have known that the rate at which froth is recovered on the overflow of the flotation cell has a very direct and consistent effect on the grade and recovery of the process. One of the most important aspects of a process technician's job is ensuring that froth moves at a desired and controlled velocity across the overflow of a flotation cell. Unfortunately, the handling technician was not able to observe the foam throughout the drift because there were always so many other issues to deal with. [0004] Much work has been done to improve ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Many earlier efforts to measure velocity were ineffective because they were not able to overcome difficulties caused by turbulence at the surface of the foam

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