Real time fuzzy control of column flotation process

Abstract

This paper describes the application of a real time fuzzy controller to a column flotation pilot plant. The objective of this controller is to regulate three important process variables: air holdup, level of collection zone/froth zone interface in the column and bias water flow rate that are related with the product quality (concentrate grade) and recovery. The fuzzy controller was developed based on heuristic rules and it was tuned by a trial and error approach. The controller is coupled with a real-time graphics interface providing an easy process monitoring, with on line set point changes of all the controlled variables.