5
grade when ore is bad (low grade). Therefore, the target of
rougher and cleaner (final) concentrate grade is targeted in
the Expert Control and named optimization control. Initial
optimization control (Figure 4) was configured and tested.
The average froth velocity (Figure 5) was shown as a poten-
tial for improvement due to process variability.
Thus, the goal is grade and then recovery, optimization
control (grade control) is configured to modify froth veloc-
ity setpoint and reagents adjustment. The operators are now
targeting grade in Expert Control System. Figure 6 shows
hierarchy Expert Control System. The reagents control is
part of optimization control. The grade control is changing
froth velocity setpoint to maintain grade on target.
• if grade is high, then the froth velocity setpoint will
increase.
• if grade is low, then the froth velocity setpoint will
decrease.
Figure 4. Froth Velocity with Expert Control System line plot.
Figure 5. Froth Velocity with Expert Control System histogram plot
Figure 6. Hierarchy Expert Control System