Centralised economic model predictive control of froth flotation banks with experimental implementation

Abstract

Development and laboratory implementation of a centralised economic model predictive control (E-MPC) strategy for a three-cell flotation bank, coordinating pulp level and air flow in all cells to maximise recovery while keeping concentrate grade at or above 20%. In simulation it improved recovery by up to 5% over PI control under feed disturbances, and the experiments highlight both its benefits and practical challenges such as sensor delays.

Dr Paulina Quintanilla

Assistant Professor in Process Systems Engineering

Assistant Professor in Process Systems Engineering at UCL, leading the LOOPS research group. Research interests include machine learning, optimisation and control for processes and physical systems.