Constrained real-time optimization of a grinding circuit using steady-state linear programming supervisory control

This paper presents an application of real-time optimization (RTO) to a simulated ore grinding plant. The control and optimization methods are based on a dynamic linear model of the process. A linear programming (LP) method is used on-line to find the optimum controller set-point as a function of the process-operating constraints. The optimizer selects set-point values that maximize circuit throughput subject to constraints on circulating load, pump box level and hydrocyclone overflow and under-flow densities, At the regulatory control level, performances of unconstrained and constrained multivariable predictive controllers are compared and discussed. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.