Dynamic simulators for the mineral processing industry

Although steady-state simulation is now recognized as a valuable technique for mineral processing plant design and tuning, dynamic simulation is still in its infancy. However since time-variations of the process variables play an important role in the operating performances of production units, valuable information can be generated by dynamic simulation. The specific structure of dynamic simulators is described and their applications are reviewed. Three examples of dynamic simulators are discussed. The first one deals with responses of flotation circuits to disturbances and to control variable manipulation. In the second one, the analysis of transient regimes in CIP processes is used for the design and optimization of gold adsorption circuits. Finally, grinding circuit simulators are used for filter and controller design.