Abstract: The 160 m³ flotation process in Dashan Concentrator of Dexing Copper Mine has feeding frequent disturbances. The key variables such as flotation tank liquid level, aeration amount and flotation re⁃ agent addition amount are mainly regulated according to the subjective understanding of the operator on the on-site foam state. In order to improve production efficiency, stabilize mineral flotation index, save resourc⁃ es and labor costs, the industrial application of flotation intelligent control system is studied. A rule-based flotation expert system was introduced by installing a foam image analyzer at the key points of the 160 m³ flotation process. After the application of flotation expert system, the stability of 160 m³ flotation production process has been improved, and the fluctuation of copper rough concentrate grade has been significantly re⁃ duced.

Key words: copper flotation, froth image, expert system, automatic control