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Abstract
Simultaneous optimisation of the performance and simplification of flotation circuits using experimental approach is almost impossible. The logical way is to use a mathematical model to describe the process as accurately as possible along with an appropriate optimisation method. In this research the flotation process was modeled using first order kinetics approach with discretedistributed rate constants. The contribution of non selective particles transfer mechanism to the concentrate because of hydraulic entrainment was also considered. Then, genetic algorithm was applied for both optimisation of the circuit performance and simplification of the circuit. Since there are only few appropriate solutions in the search space which sounds logical regarding the flotation process, the search routine was oriented to satisfy five process-based rules. One of these rules was stated as no self-recycle streams; in other words, concentrate and tailings streams from one stage must not recycle to that stage. The gene mutation which changed chromosomes in an intelligent way based on flotation process not only reduced the search time but also provided simpler circuits. The algorithm was applied for two optimisation examples with the objective of achieving a desired concentrate grade within a specific total cells volume. The comparison of the results with the published data indicated that the proposed oriented genetic algorithm could decrease the calculation time by one sixtieth for a two-stage flotation system providing a simpler circuit with a similar performance. The algorithm was then used to optimise a flotation circuit with four stages processing 100 t/h feed containing three species with high, medium and low rate constants. The best separation efficiency for this circuit with the concentrate grade of 65 per cent was found to be 82 per cent.

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	All Years to Access Full-Text Export citations OPTIMISATION OF THE PERFORMANCE OF FLOTATION CIRCUITS USING A GENETIC ALGORITHM ORIENTED BY PROCESS-BASED RULES By P Ghobadi, M Yahyaei and S Banisi Published in International Mineral Processing Congress (IMPC) at 2010 Direct link: http://kmpchemmat.ir/pii/39309 Abstract Simultaneous optimisation of the performance and simplification of flotation circuits using experimental approach is almost impossible. The logical way is to use a mathematical model to describe the process as accurately as possible along with an appropriate optimisation method. In this research the flotation process was modeled using first order kinetics approach with discretedistributed rate constants. The contribution of non selective particles transfer mechanism to the concentrate because of hydraulic entrainment was also considered. Then, genetic algorithm was applied for both optimisation of the circuit performance and simplification of the circuit. Since there are only few appropriate solutions in the search space which sounds logical regarding the flotation process, the search routine was oriented to satisfy five process-based rules. One of these rules was stated as no self-recycle streams; in other words, concentrate and tailings streams from one stage must not recycle to that stage. The gene mutation which changed chromosomes in an intelligent way based on flotation process not only reduced the search time but also provided simpler circuits. The algorithm was applied for two optimisation examples with the objective of achieving a desired concentrate grade within a specific total cells volume. The comparison of the results with the published data indicated that the proposed oriented genetic algorithm could decrease the calculation time by one sixtieth for a two-stage flotation system providing a simpler circuit with a similar performance. The algorithm was then used to optimise a flotation circuit with four stages processing 100 t/h feed containing three species with high, medium and low rate constants. The best separation efficiency for this circuit with the concentrate grade of 65 per cent was found to be 82 per cent.