Combination feedforward-feedback froth flotation cell control system

摘要

A control system having optoelectric detectors responsive to different solids concentrations and character of the solids of a slurry, the signal of the detectors being input to a process controller which adjusts the rate of addition of chemicals to the feed stream of a froth cell to control the separation of solids from impurities. The impurities pass out of the cell as tailings. The controller calculates a feedforward output from the signals from detectors sensing different slurry conditions in the process feed stream, and the controller output adjusts the addition of different chemicals (additives) to the processing cell. The controller also calculates a feedback output after receiving a signal from a third detector in the tailings which monitors the extent of separation and recovery of solids from the processing cell.