Example of APC integrated directly into System 800xA for grinding and flotation optimization in minerals processing
Advanced process control (APC) using straightforward design and deployment of model predictive control (MPC) with System 800xA DCS enables higher level of automation and optimization in a grinding and flotation circuit example
In a typical grinding circuit ore is fed into the mills where abrasion, attrition and impact reduce its size. Usually, the grinding circuit contains at least two interconnected mills with material classifiers (e.g. cyclones) separating the fine material from the coarse (that then goes for regrinding).
The process is energy intensive with power consumption of roughly 20 to 30 MW and feed throughputs of 2,500 to 3,000 t/hr. Process variables are mill loads, motor torque and power, plus pressures and flow rates. The ground product is specified in terms of fineness.