Control system for froth flotation processes
AssigneeCentury Autoflote Pty. Ltd.
InventorJohn R. Macdonald
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for monitoring the operation of a froth flotation process comprises sensing variations in solids content of the input stream to the process, varying the dosage of flotation reagent employed in accordance with the input variations, sensing variations in solids content of at least one of the output streams after a predetermined time lapse, comparing the input and output readings with control data relating input and output solids content, and re-adjusting the dosage of flotation reagent dependent on the difference between the actual readings and the control data.
Claims24
A method for monitoring the operation of a froth flotation process having an input stream consisting of raw feed slurry, a first output stream consisting of frothed product to be reclaimed and a second output stream consisting of tailings to be discarded, the method comprising sensing variations in solids content of said input stream, adjusting the dosage of flotation reagent employed in the process in accordance with said input variations, sensing variations in solids content of at least one of said output streams after a predetermined time lapse, comparing said input and output readings with control data relating input and output solids content, and re-adjusting the dosage of flotation reagent dependent on the difference between the actual readings and the control data.
Apparatus for monitoring the operation of a froth flotation process having an input stream consisting of raw feed, a first output stream consisting of frothed product to be reclaimed and a second output stream consisting of tailings to be discarded, the apparatus comprising means for assessing the solids content of said input stream, control means operable in response to signals derived from said assessment to vary the dosage of flotation reagent employed in the process, means for assessing the solids content of at least one of said output streams after a predetermined time lapse, comparator means adapted to receive signals generated in response to said assessments and to compare same with control data relating input and output solids content and to generate a control signal dependent on said comparison, and said control means being operable in response to said control signal to effect compensating readjustment of the dosage of flotation reagent employed in the process.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.