A combined morphological and color based approach to characterize flotation froth bubbles

Flotation process monitoring and control are complex targets due to the highly non-linear behavior of the process and the large number of variables involved. Control is generally achieved by adopting a human based approach. By observing the surface of flotation cells, experienced plant operators suggest, on the basis of their experience, control actions such as changing the cell level set points and/or modifying reagent doses. The main goal of the paper is to demonstrate that with a combined approach based on evaluation of the morphological and morphometrical features of froth bubbles and their color characteristics, it is possible to perform a froth structure analysis. Froth structure modeling permits us to derive useful information about the flotation process behaviour. The structure analysis carried out by means of digital imaging procedures based on color, texture and morphometry enables definition of froth classes that define mineral concentration using estimation models set up from an analysis of froth images. The paper shows that by adopting such an approach, it is possible to identify different froth classes and utilize the results inside estimation models.