Simulation studies on robustness of multi-stage gravity circuit performance by random perturbations

Abstract

Recently methods for assessing the performance of multi-stage separation by size-density bivariate partition surface have been developed and the algorithms have been validated using air table separation data. In this paper, a study has been carried out on the sensitivity of two stage circuit behavior to random perturbations that may arise in a plant operation owing to changes in operating and design variables pertaining to the separator. Among the four possible configurations of two stage separation, it has been shown by simulation studies that the circuits wherein primary sink stream is rewashed within a secondary separator shows better stability in terms of overall separation efficiencies for the associated perturbations. However, the circuits wherein primary float stream is rewashed in another separator tend to fluctuate the efficiencies of the circuit a lot for the associated perturbations. The methodology presented in this paper can be extended to any complex circuit. Such sensitivity studies should guide in the proper selection a new circuit among various possible scenarios, so that one would select a more robust design.