Plant automation for energy-efficient mineral processing

Abstract

Mineral processing is one of the most energy-intensive stages of the overall mining beneficiation chain, with an increasing share of the industry footprint. This chapter examines how automation represents a practical means to significantly improve energy efficiency in mineral processing operations. It introduces the fundamentals of automation, hierarchical framework of automation systems, and how the multiple functions can be integrated into an energy management information system. The discussion also explains the rationale of process control and real-time optimization approaches that facilitates lower specific energy requirements from lower variability of key process variables, and determining more appropriate operating points. Case studies are presented to illustrate the current state of the art.