Fuzzy modeling of fine particle separating equipment

Researchers at the University of Alabama are investigating fuzzy systems for modeling fine particle separating equipment. Separating equipment is used in a wide variety of industries, including the mineral processing industry. This equipment is difficult to model using first principles for a number of reasons including: the systems are characterized by complex physical reactions and interactions; the systems are often poorly instrumented because of the associated cost; and the sensory information that is available is often quite noisy if not ambiguous. This paper describes fuzzy models developed for three specific separation systems common to the mineral processing industry: a grinding circuit, a hydrocyclone separator and a flotation circuit