Dynamic simulation and model-based control system design for comminution circuits

Design and validation of control strategies requires a knowledge of both control theory and the process to be controlled. These activities can be time consuming if a process is complex, involving many interacting equipments with nonlinear characteristics. Simulators have proven to be a powerful tool in the design and validation of control structures for this type of complex process. The aim of this chapter is to describe a dynamic simulator for comminution plants implemented in a commercial simulation platform, and to illustrate its use in the design of control strategies for different stages in the comminution process. © 2010, Springer International Publishing. All rights reserved.