METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATIC CONTROL OF FROTH FLOTATION Russian patent published in 1994 - IPC

FIELD: flotation enrichment of minerals. SUBSTANCE: given level and density of pulp within a chamber of a flotation machine are defined by controllers. Density and level of pulp are measured with piezometric pipes submerged at different depth. There are a unit for determining density and a unit for determining level of pulp corrected by density. Contour for controlling flow rate of froth agent changes supplying of froth agent directly proportional to deflection of measured from a given value of pulp density. Corrected value of pulp level is compared with a given one in a comparator and error signal is fed to a controller of flow rate of water with froth agent. The controller changes flow rate of water with froth agent inversely proportional to deflection of corrected value of pulp level from a given one through the second electropneumatic converter and a controlled valve. The flow rate of water with froth agent is measured by gauge- flow-meter and the value is compared with a given one, which is fed from the controller, in a comparator. Controller of discharging tailings changes discharging of tailings from the chamber through electropneumatic converter, pneumatic actuator and discharging device proportional to a value of deflection of measured flow rate of water with froth agent from a given one until pulp level and flow rate of water with froth agent achieve given values. EFFECT: enhanced efficiency. 3 cl, 3 dwg