Computer Simulation and Optimization of Mineral Processing Plants Three Case Studies

The use of an integrated software package to simulate and optimize the performance of mineral processing circuits is illustrated by three examples. Each represents application of the software and associated techniques to optimization of an existing plant. In the first example, a South-western U. S. copper company employs the method to simulate and improve performance in crushing, screening and SAG milling. A second copper producer evaluates equipment changes and flowsheet alternatives in a closed-circuit ball mill-cyclone operation. A Southeastern U. S. aluminum refinery optimizes performance of a dry milling and classification circuit for production of carbon particles used in anode casting. Graphical and tabular data describe the circuits simulated and the results achieved in each example.