Abstract

Modelling and simulation of a flotation circuit usually involve identifying the structure of the flowsheet, deriving model equations to represent each operation, and solving the resulting total model equations according to one of various available simulation strategies. The flotation circuit synthesis problem determines the type of operations and their sequence needed to achieve the extraction of valuable metals from the ore minerals. The flotation circuit design problem determines the optimal values for the conditions of operation and for other operation/equipment related variables for the synthesized circuit. It can be noted that the circuit modelling, synthesis and design problems are related since for generation and screening of circuit alternatives (synthesis/design), some form of flotation circuit models are needed. Also, circuit models are needed for verification of the synthesis/design problem solution. In flotation circuit synthesis, as in other process synthesis problems, three types of approaches exist: a) the methods that employ heuristics or are knowledge based; b) the methods that employ mathematical or optimization techniques, and c) the methods that employ physical insights. d'Anterroches and Gani (2005) have introduced the concept of process-group contributions for process flowsheet property estimation and process flowsheet synthesis and design. In this work a group contribution model have been development for flowsheet properties for flotation circuit. © 2009 Elsevier BV, All rights reserved.