It is monitored mostly by manual means, and adjustments are made to pulp densities in various streams. The new simulator is based on the ubiquitous Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and its built-in Visual Basic programming tool. The program creates empirical simulation by correlating dependent and independent process variables. The correlation is established through multiple linear regression analysis of historical plant data. Product size predictions and mass flow rates can then be made for a specific set of operating conditions.
Optimization is obtained by identifying the conditions that obtain desired product sizes.
Material balance calculations are also possible. The simulator functions are launched from a custom toolbar and macro buttons in the Excel program. Simulated results for the grinding mills are viewed by clicking buttons on their discharge stream icons. Details of a particular unit in the flowsheet are obtained by clicking on the unit icon. Simulations are stored for later review, either individually on the flowsheet or collectively in a spreadsheet.