METHOD OF MONITORING AND CONTROL OF FLOATATION PROCESS Russian patent published in 2003 - IPC

FIELD: concentration of minerals; methods of automatic control of floatation processes; optimization of concentration processes on basis of monitoring composition of solid phase. SUBSTANCE: proposed method includes simultaneous measurement of ions in liquid phase of pulp containing valuable components in initial feed, density and flow rate of pulp in initial feed and in concentration products, estimation of accuracy of sensors, calculations of extraction of valuable components by balance method, determination of optimal magnitudes of floatation parameters and regulation of flow rates of floatation reagents. According to density, flow rate of pulp and content of valuable components, yield of concentrate and tailings, extraction of valuable components into concentrate and total extraction of valuable components into concentrate and tailings are calculated. Estimation of accuracy of sensors showing content of valuable components is performed by deviation of extraction of valuable components calculated by density, flow rate and content of valuable components from extraction calculated by balance method. Most inaccurate sensor is selected for the purpose. During regulation of flow rates of reagents, correction of readings of most inaccurate sensors is performed by graduation to preset magnitude of extraction of valuable components. Method includes additionally measurement of pressure and temperature, thus enhancing control due to identification of situations of unauthorized monitoring and correction of measurements. EFFECT: increased extraction of valuable components, improved quality of concentrates; reduced consumption of floatation reagents. 4 cl, 3 dwg