Abstract

This paper develops a procedure for the design or improvement of mineral flotation circuits, based on a mathematical programming model with disjunctive equations. The model developed corresponds to a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP), avoiding nonlinear expressions. The procedure is characterized by: (1) The development of two hierarchized superstructures, such that the first level represents processing systems, which must satisfy certain tasks. The second level represents circuits of equipment needed to carry out the tasks of each system. (2) The superstructures are modeled mathematically including the selection of equipment, mass balance, and operational conditions. (3) The objective function is the maximization of profits. With the help of examples that are included to demonstrate the advantages of the procedure, it is shown that the method can be useful in deciding the configuration of the flotation circuits and the operational conditions. © 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.