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Sensors, Laboratory Results and Modern Automatic Control Techniques, "Extraction and Processing: Copper/Nickel", TMS 2006, San Antonio, TX, USA
Ian McBow¹ ; S. Llubani ¹; Robert Budd² ; Florian Kongoli ¹;
¹FLOGEN Technologies Inc,1255 Laird Blvd., Ste.388, Mont-Royal, Quebec, Canada
²FLOGEN Technologies Inc 3422 Old Capitol Trail, #791, Wilmington, DE, USA 19808

Keywords: sensors, laboratory results, smelting, control, automation

ABSTRACT

The data provided by high temperature sensors as well as laboratory results are indispensable for an effective control of high temperature smelting processes. However the difficulty with sampling, the lack of timely and frequent laboratory measurements as well as the availability of good and proper sensors tailored for specific smelting processes has in many cases impeded the effective use of these data for an efficient control of high temperature processes. As a result, the control of non-ferrous smelting and converting processes as well as iron and steel making processes has been viewed and carried out in a classical static way, such as the so-called feedforward control. It has been always attempted to find the best unique feed composition and a set of conditions where the smelting, converting or iron and steel making processes could run smoothly. However this is associated with natural difficulties and some times has proven impossible due to the inherent characteristics of the raw materials, blending techniques, as well as the characteristics of the new smelting technologies. In this work a new approach for an effective control of these processes has been discussed by directly using as much as possible on-line data provided by sensors and/or laboratory measurements. This not only allows a better control but also a continuous optimization of the smelting processes and at the same time can serve as an adequate means for automation. The advantages of this new approach compared to alternative techniques have been discussed.

Cite this article as:
Ian McBow, S. Llubani, Robert Budd, Florian Kongoli (2006). Sensors, Laboratory Results and Modern Automatic Control Techniques. "Extraction and Processing: Copper/Nickel", TMS 2006, San Antonio, TX, USA.

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