Towards more effective simulation of minerals processing systems

[摘要] Two aspects of the computer simulation of minerals processing systems wereinvestigated in order to facilitate more effective use of simulation technology.A user-interface was designed and combined with an existing simulatorexecutive, resulting in the implementation of a user-friendly microcomputer basedminerals processing simulator, MicroSim. Ease of use was achieved byconsideration of the needs of the user of such a program. This resulted in the useof graphical methods for information input and output. Efficient form-fillingtechniques were developed for numerical data entry and editing.Models for the carbon-in-pulp adsorption process and for continuous goldleaching were derived. The CIP models were derived using a population balanceapproach. The method of characteristics and the method of moments were foundto be particularly useful in solving the resulting equations. Besides beingimportant processes in themselves, the integration of these models into MicroSimprovided valuable experience regarding the use of such models in a simulator.

[发布机构] University of the Witwatersrand