An advisory package for flotation operators using a real-time expert system

The operation and control of a large flotation circuit demands the attention and constant supervision of experienced operators. Although the advances of on-stream analysis now provide improved monitoring of the flotation circuit, skilled operators still rely on their experience to recognize and respond to visual characteristics of the froth in order to implement appropriate actions to maintain stable process outputs. The texture, color, bubble zize and froth volume are features that an experienced operator uses to develop an operating philosophy suitable to current or predicted circuit conditions. Most experienced operators are willing to pass their experience on to new or less experienced operators, but due to the personal classifications and heuristic nature of the rules of thumb used, new staff are often left with a confused picture of the process. This picture is made more complex by the fact that most flotation operators have to train new staff in addition to their existing duties, so several experienced operators will be called upon to guide the trainee. The development of a standardized expert tutor and advisory system, implemented at Highland Valley Copper are described in this paper.