Comparison of online and offline pulp sensor metrics in an industrial setting

Pulp-phase dynamics strongly impact flotation performance, yet flotation control and monitoring are usually limited to surface level froth characteristics. An online pulp-phase sensor promises a better understanding of flotation process dynamics and performance. This utility needs to be demonstrated through field trials with structured experimental design and testing under representative conditions. A three-factor Box-Behnken design was implemented to test airflow, pulp level, and frother reagent addition on pulp-phase measurements. The correlation of online pulp-phase measurements to offline pulp sensor measurements is analysed and discussed.