Real-Time Simulation and Control of a SAG Mill

摘要

Abstract: Real-time simulation plays an important role not only in the design and commissioning of new control strategies, but also in training the operators before the actual system is installed. There are in the market several simulation environments for carrying out these tasks. However, there is still a need of having more flexible environments that can be easily integrated with other systems and tools such as real-time optimization and advanced data analysis. In this work, several standard tools such as Simulink ® /Simulink ® , OPC toolbox, RSLogix 5000, and FactoryTalk ® are integrated to simulate a control strategy for a SAG mill designed to keep the mill operating in the stable region by manipulating the fresh ore feed. The implementation of this strategy is based on standard control blocks available in the ControlLogix Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). Experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed approach to integrate standard tools, and open new possibilities for further developments in the design of advanced monitoring and control strategies for industrial processes.